At a time when sport systems globally are under increasing pressure to deliver stronger participation, improved wellbeing outcomes and sustained elite success, the National Sports & Physical Activity Convention (NSC) will bring one of the most influential international leadership groups to Australia.
The National Sports & Physical Activity Convention (NSC) is proud and excited to launch the 2026 NSC Oration, with Nathalie Nye, Director General, Sport Canada, sharing with global delegates in Melbourne on 1–2 July.
The NSC Oration will explore: The Next Generation of Sports Policy – From Ambition to Action: Leadership at the Frontline in a Changing Canada.
Nathalie will present the NSC Oration and will then be joined by industry leaders from Canada who are responsible for participation, safety and the nation’s ambition for global sporting success, including Jeremy Luke, President and CEO, Sport Integrity Canada; Andrew Baker, Chief External Affairs Officer, Canadian Olympic Committee; and Dr Marco Di Buono, President, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charity.
Globally, governments are grappling with declining physical activity levels, increasing integrity challenges and rising expectations on sport to deliver broader social impact. Canada has emerged as a leader in responding to these challenges — balancing high-performance success with strong participation, integrity and inclusion frameworks.
Canada stands at a pivotal moment in the evolution of sport and physical activity. As the demographic landscape changes, societal expectations shift, sedentary lifestyles rise and organisational budgets are stretched, the need for bold, future-focused policy has never been greater. This flagship session brings together national leaders and changemakers to examine the realities shaping the next generation of sport policy within a uniquely federated system that demands alignment across federal, provincial and community levels.
This high-calibre panel brings together some of Canada’s most influential leaders in sport, integrity and community participation to translate policy ambition into real-world impact. Sitting at the intersection of national policy, international sport and grassroots participation, they will offer a rare system-wide perspective on how sport and physical activity systems can be safe, inclusive and accessible for all.
Candid and forward-looking discussion will explore how national and international priorities are shaping the future of sport in Canada, the role of integrity, trust and governance in strengthening participation, and how to better connect elite sport, community sport and public health outcomes. The session will also examine practical pathways to align policy, investment and on-the-ground delivery.
More than a reflection, this session is a call to action, challenging leaders across the sector to think differently, collaborate more deeply and deliver lasting impact for current and future generations.
Martin Sheppard, CEO of NSC, said, “The NSC are excited that Sport Canada are bringing such a high quality leadership team to NSC and sharing insights with us on their journey. Since we started NSC in 2016, we have strived to partner with global bodies to share their journeys so that we can expand our thinking and learnings to fast track our approach. The Canadian journey is similar and exciting as Australia moves forward with the Australian Sports Commission’s Play Well strategy.”
Editor’s Notes
The National Sports & Physical Activity Convention (NSC) has grown since 2016 as Australia/New Zealand’s largest and most prominent community sport and recreation convention and expo. This year the NSC returns to Melbourne’s Convention and Exhibition Centre on 1 – 2 July 2026. The organisers working, with its 50+ collaborators, to curate a program with international and Australian experts, providing the most comprehensive program on community sport recreation and sports facilities in Australia. The event also features the largest sports and recreation Expo with 80+ Exhibitors and 7 Activation Areas for the ultimate industry playground for industry professionals.
Photos from the NSC can be found at www.nationalsportsconvention.com.au
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Further information contact Anthony Reed, at anthonyr@smartconnection.net.au or (03) 9421 0133.