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Event Recap · May 20, 2026

Why can't they play?

Researchers, community leaders, youth advocates, and sport partners gathered at MLSE LaunchPad, Toronto, to reimagine sport so all kids can move, play, belong, and thrive.

The Gathering

One simple question

What happens when researchers, community leaders, youth advocates, and sport partners come together to ask one simple question: why can't they play?

On May 20th, the RE.sport community gathered to explore barriers, possibilities, and pathways toward a more equitable, diverse, inclusive, and accessible sport system. Through research, practice, and play, participants shared key learnings, committed to action, and imagined a future where every young person has the opportunity to move, play, belong, and thrive.

Presenters and attendees at the RE.sport event at MLSE Launchpad
"The level of conversation with attendees and presenters was phenomenal. Bringing together such a great room of individuals and organizations that are at the forefront of the work and thinking about access to sport meant that every interaction had some kind of learning, challenging thought, and/or affirmation."
"It was SO fantastic getting to chat with everyone in person and explore new ideas. Already looking forward to the next opportunity 🙂"
"I very much appreciated the informal, approachable, and collaborative atmosphere of this event."
"It made people more comfortable with asking questions, and then talking with each other afterwards."
"Thank you to RE.sport for all the incredible work you're doing to make our sport system better for everyone."
"All of the enthusiasm and love for sport."
"The informal and casual atmosphere, and the openness of discussion. I also liked having multiple means of interaction."
"The energy and passion in the room. Everyone there had the same mindset — to advance youth sport."
"The positive energy, shared goals, and commitment to a brighter future was palpable."
Moments

From the day

Conversation, connection, and play — a snapshot of the people who showed up to reimagine youth sport together.

Live Graphic Recording

The day, drawn in real time

As each session unfolded, a graphic recorder captured the ideas, tensions, and breakthroughs on the wall. Tap any board to read it up close.

Graphic recording: Girls Forward Foundation and Women in Sport
Girls Forward Foundation & Women in Sport
Graphic recording: Disability-Centered Physical Education and Spirit North
Disability-Centered Physical Education · Spirit North
Graphic recording: Body Diversity, Trauma-Informed Sport and Affirming Gender
Body Diversity, Trauma-Informed Sport & Affirming Gender
Graphic recording: Indigenous Girls in Sport and the Pool Size Project
Indigenous Girls in Sport & the Pool Size Project
Graphic recording: National Sports Data System
National Sports Data System
Graphic recording: A Delphi Study on community youth sport research
A Delphi Study: Guidelines for Community Youth Sport
Watch

See the recap

Talks, panels, and highlights from the day — watch the recap below or on our YouTube channel.

Watch the full playlist →

Imagine a sport system where every young person can play.

RE.sport is a national partnership advancing equitable, diverse, inclusive, and accessible youth sport across Canada.

Partner with us → Explore our research