Event Themes
Grounded in research findings and insights from workshops hosted in May 2024 and 2025, the following themes represent shared priorities for Ontario’s sport system. They are organized into three interconnected themes that were developed from participant dialogue.
For each theme, we will consider the implications of mass sport participation, elite sport development, and sport for development (of non-sport objectives). Further, each reflects an area where we can discuss how to connect research and practice to develop evidence-informed approaches and innovative models of policy and practice. Together, these topics provide a foundation for our discussion focused on how we can strengthen sport in Ontario.
System Leadership, Coordination, and Sustainable Investment
There is a need for stronger coherence and leadership in the sport system in Ontario to reduce fragmentation and build resiliency. Shared priorities should include enhancing sector-wide coordination, improving governance structures and practices, fostering cross-sector alignment, and ensuring sustainable investment in sport. These elements are essential for shaping a sport system that is inclusive, transparent, and capable of meeting the needs of all Ontarians in all sporting contexts.
Sport Access and Lifelong Participation
Ensuring meaningful access to sport for all Ontarians across the lifespan remains a central concern. Addressing systemic and structural barriers to participation, particularly for underrepresented and underserved populations is a key priority. There is also need for a supportive infrastructure of people and programs such as volunteers, coaches, and school/community partnerships, to promote sustained engagement in sport at all levels throughout one’s life.
Safe, Inclusive, and Holistic Sport
The quality of the sport experience is as important as access to participation. This area underscores the importance of fostering safe, inclusive, and welcoming environments across all levels of participation. It also highlights the value of designing flexible, participant-centred pathways that support diverse motivations and stages of life and recognizes the important role that informal and unsanctioned sport spaces play in the broader sport landscape.