Presenters 2026 List

Current Challenges in Sport and Physical Activity

Bruce Kidd will discuss today's most pressing challenges in sport and physical activity, including the public health impacts of sports betting, online gambling, and social media. He will share his vision for creating healthier sport environments and provide practical strategies for strengthening physical activity and community well-being.

KEYNOTE: Bruce Kidd

Order of Canada • Olympian • Professor Emeritus, University of Toronto • Author • Researcher

Safeguarding Sport

Explore current approaches to safeguarding sport, including strategies that promote safe, respectful, and athlete-centered environments for participants of all ages.

PANEL 1 PRESENTERS: Dr. Joseph Gurgis

Ontario Tech University

Quality Sport and Physical Activity Environments

Discover what makes quality sport and physical activity environments and explore practical strategies for creating positive, inclusive, and participant-centered experiences.

PANEL 1 PRESENTERS: Dr. Paul Jurbala

Principal, communityactive • Sport for Life Consultant

Change the Game Research Report

Learn about the findings of the Change the Game Research Report and how they can inform future policies and practices that increase participation and improve sport experiences.

PANEL 1 PRESENTERS: Bryan Heal

Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE)

Public Health and Active Travel for Children and Youth

Learn how active transportation supports physical health, mental well-being, and healthier communities while encouraging lifelong physical activity.

PANEL 2 PRESENTERS: Dr. Krystn Orr

Physical Activity Specialist, Hamilton Public Health

Child Health and Climate Change

Explore the relationship between climate change, children's health, and physical activity, and discuss strategies for creating healthy, active futures.

PANEL 2 PRESENTERS: Dr. Brian Timmons

Canada Research Chair in Child Health & Exercise Medicine • Professor, McMaster University • Director, Child Health & Exercise Medicine Program

Fun in Athletics

Experience fun, engaging athletics activities that build confidence, movement skills, and physical literacy through inclusive programming.

ACTIVE SESSIONS: Milt Ottey

Canadian Olympian • Founder & CEO, OT Fitness

Pickleball for All

Learn introductory skills, games, and strategies that make pickleball an enjoyable activity for participants of every age and ability.

ACTIVE SESSIONS: Hamilton Pickleball

Community Pickleball Organization

$A Super Simple Approach to Dance Learn an easy, creative approach to teaching dance using the Five Elements of Dance. Participants will leave with curriculum-aligned resources and practical assessment tools. Exploring Math Through Movement Bring math to life through movement and music while exploring patterns, fractions, geometry, coding, and other curriculum expectations. Participants will gain ready-to-use, cross-curricular activities.$

ACTIVE SESSIONS: Amy Tempermann

Founder & CEO, Moving EDGEucation

Physical Literacy Escape Room

Experience a hands-on Physical Literacy Escape Room that can be implemented in almost any open space using a simple set of locks and cards. Participants will also explore adaptable activities requiring minimal equipment.

ACTIVE SESSIONS: Dr. John Byl

Canadian Gopher Sport Educational Consultant

Active Cultures and Connections: Traditional Indigenous Games

Experience traditional Indigenous games that celebrate culture, movement, teamwork, and physical literacy while building understanding and meaningful connections through active participation.

ACTIVE SESSIONS: Rising Stars Athletics & Education

Community Sport & Education Organization