Canadian Olympic Committee Hosts First-Ever National Sport Federation Leadership Summit

The Hon. Bal Gosal to deliver his first official speech as Minister of State (Sport) to 52 Canadian Olympic and Pan American sport organizations represented at inaugural event

The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), in partnership with Sport Canada, today welcomes 52 of its member organisations to the first-ever National Sport Federation (NSF) Leadership Summit in Ottawa. The two-day event, which brings together the NSF volunteer President/Chair of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director in one location for the very first time, provides a forum in which to share best practices and reaffirm the collective goal of advancing Canada as a leading sporting nation internationally.

“A strong national sport federation equals a strong sport system,” said COC President Marcel Aubut. “This is about putting the NSF at the forefront of Canadian sport once again. That is why, over the next few days, we will engage each other in positive and frank discussions on topics of shared interest – all in the spirit of “Best in Class.” We will work with our partners to facilitate open discussions and group dialogue about the NSF operating environment.”

Several recognizable keynote speakers will participate in the summit including among others Calin Rovinescu, President and CEO, Air Canada, and the newly appointed Minister of State (Sport), The Honourable Bal Gosal, who will meet with sport leaders on Wednesday morning, marking his first official speech to the Canadian sport community.

“As the new Minister of State for Sport, I would like to commend the Canadian Olympic Committee on organizing this first National Sport Federation Leadership Summit,” said Minister of State Gosal. “Effective leadership is vital to the success of any organization and plays a key role in successfully hosting or participating in national and international sport competitions.”

The summit attendees will use this cross-sport platform to build a strong relationship and sense of community between the various groups. They will foster dialogue and understanding between NSF leaders, identify tools, practices and architecture that will contribute to a “Best in Class” frame of mind within the sport community and identify strategies for the COC, and other partners, to collaborate with the NSF community toward building a first-class roadmap for Canadian sport.