According to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, “sport is anchored in human rights values. It promotes fairness, non‐discrimination, respect and equal opportunities for all. As it reaches billions, including young people, it is a conduit for societal change through empowerment and inclusion.” Despite being anchored in human rights values sport also faces human rights‐related challenges through various forms of discrimination be it sexism, racism, ableism, classism or others.

Join us for this virtual conversation with experts in the field of sport on October 23. Panelists (see below) will explore the ways in which sport can support human rights while acknowledging the many existing barriers all while offering solutions to overcome these barriers ensuring that sport is truly accessible to all and remains a conduit for positive societal change. Throughout this virtual conversation, participants will have an opportunity to comment and ask questions.

This program is presented proudly in partnership with the annual Simces & Rabkin Family Dialogue on Human Rights and Equitas — International Centre for Human Rights Education.

Wendy MacGregor

Wendy MacGregor is a non‐practising lawyer, academic and educator. Her extensive work on youth bullying and sexual violence, combined with a lifelong passion for sport, led her to focus on addressing sport maltreatment issues. Her Master of Laws thesis examines strategies for maltreatment prevention and creating institutional change. It includes a qualitative study of athlete maltreatment and sport sexual abuse survivors. It offers legal and policy strategies to address athlete maltreatment in Canada. For the last decade Wendy has dedicated her efforts to initiatives aimed at preventing and remedying sport maltreatment. Her educational projects focus on increasing awareness and creating culture change. Her academic journal articles explore sport power imbalances, athlete agency, and the implications of violence in sport. Wendy is the founder and president of Athlete Zone, an independent Canadian not‐for‐profit with a mission of “Helping people make healthy sport.” The Athlete Zone team of lawyers and professionals provide free support, strategy, and system navigation to anyone with sport concerns or complaints.

Amreen Kadwa

Amreen Kadwa is the Founder and Executive Director of Hijabi Ballers, a Toronto‐based non‐profit that creates positive sport experiences for Muslim girls and women. With a background in community leadership and advocacy, she has built a platform that truly champions diversity and inclusion in sports. Under her leadership, Hijabi Ballers has created resources and programs to help Muslim girls and women thrive in sports including certifying dozens of Muslim women as coaches and launching programs in multiple sports such as basketball, soccer and snowboarding, to name a few. Amreen is also a sought‐after speaker, regularly addressing schools, conferences, and community events where young women see themselves reflected in her journey. Her work has sparked ripple effects across communities, inspiring others to embrace leadership and redefine what representation in sport can look like. Amreen is a mother to 3 young boys and resides in Toronto, ON.

Bryan Heal

Bryan Heal (he/him) is the Social Impact Research Lead at Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE), leading initiatives such as MLSE Foundation's Change the Game research program to advance access, engagement, equity and positive outcomes for youth through the power and potential of sport. At work, Bryan is passionate about demographic data, storytelling and building partnerships that support a safer and braver culture for youth in sport. Outside of his day job, Bryan serves on the Board of Directors of Canada's Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC); of Strides, Toronto's Lead Agency for Infant, Child and Youth Mental Health; and is Co‐Chair of the Rugby Ontario Build Belonging Committee. In life, Bryan's favourite hobbies include travelling, going on long runs and hikes through public trails and parks, and he spends much of his waking life thinking about what to eat for his next meal.

Jeff Adams

Jeff Adams specializes in labour, employment and human rights law, advising employers, HR professionals and corporate teams on a wide range of workplace issues, including litigation, negotiation, contract drafting, and compliance. His approach emphasizes practical, cost‐effective strategies that foster healthy employee relations and effectively manage conflict. Jeff is fluent in both English and French and brings a unique background that spans sport, business, government, and law.

Jeff’s career arc began as a Paralympic athlete with three gold medals in wheelchair racing (800 m × 2 [1996, 2000], 1500 m [2000]). After retiring from competitive sport, he launched and led a medical device company as President and CEO before selling it in 2016 and pivoting to law.

A graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School, Jeff is a member of the Order of Ontario and an inductee into the Canada Sports Hall of Fame.

Zena Simces

Zena Simces has had a keen interest in human rights for many years. She has been involved in organizing a lecture on human rights with the Atlantic Centre for Human Rights in Fredericton, New Brunswick for over 30 years. She has also dedicated many years to addressing issues of hatred and prejudice as a leader with Canadian Jewish Congress in British Columbia and with the National Committee. Her professional career as a consultant in the health, social policy and education areas has included advocating and enhancing the rights of minority groups. Ms. Simces has been a member of the National Seniors Council of Canada since 2021 providing advice to the Federal Minister for Seniors and the Minister of Health to improve the financial, health and social well‐being of older persons across Canada. She currently sits on the Board of the International Longevity Centre‐Canada and is a member of the Canadian Coalition Against Ageism. In 2025, she received the King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of her extraordinary dedication and contribution to community and country.

Dr. Simon Rabkin

Dr. Simon Rabkin devoted some of his early career to providing health care to underserviced areas in Northern Canada and in Kenya. His experiences there and subsequently caring for disadvantaged individuals fostered his commitment to human rights. In various committees, in the private and public sectors, he has advanced the cause of human rights as well as issues of equity and diversity.

Equitas

The Equitas Regional Office in British Columbia works closely with community to support the growth and sustainability of Equitas’ programs in Western Canada. Since 2009, the team has worked in over 10 communities and with 80 community partners to identify emerging issues impacting young people, to develop innovative tools, educational resources and training that help build the leadership skills of diverse children and youth.

Please note

Please note that this program is subject to change or cancellation without notice.