The Simces & Rabkin Family Dialogue on Human Rights, in partnership with the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and Equitas (International Centre for Human Rights Education), invites you to a virtual dialogue:
The Match-up Between Human Rights and Sports: How both can win well in today's landscape.
Date: Thursday, October 23, 2024
Time: 12:00–1:30 p.m. PT | 2:00–3:30 p.m. CT | 3:00–4:30 p.m. ET
Location: Online via Zoom
Registration available on the Canadian Museum for Human Rights website: The Matchup between Human Rights and Sports | CMHR.
About the Dialogue:
According to the Future of Sport in Canada Commission’s Preliminary Report (August 28, 2025),
“The Canadian sport world is in crisis. It is broken.”
This dialogue will explore:
The benefits of sport as a force for good in upholding human rights
The challenges currently faced by the Canadian sport system
Pathways to strengthen the balance between sports and human rights so that both win by promoting well-being for all
Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions and share comments.
Expert Panelists:
Bryan Heal
Social Impact Research Lead, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE)
Leads initiatives such as the MLSE Foundation’s Change the Game research program for youth in Ontario
Works to harness the unifying power of sport by creating equal opportunities and helping young people reach their full potential
Jeff Adams
Paralympic Champion | Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame Inductee | Member of the Order of Ontario
Won three Paralympic gold medals in the 800m (2x) and 1500m wheelchair racing events
Founder of a medical device engineering and manufacturing company
Currently a labour, employment, and human rights lawyer specializing in workplace relations, dispute resolution, and compliance
A sought-after speaker on equity and inclusion
Armeen Kadwa
Executive Director of Hijabi Ballers
Founder of Toronto-based non-profit, Hijabi Ballers, an organization dedicated to creating positive sport experiences for Muslim girls and women
Was pivotal in certifying dozens of Muslim women as coaches and launching programs in multiple sports
Regularly speaks at schools, conferences, and community events to inspire leadership and redefine representation
The panel will be moderated by Wendy MacGregor - A consultant, educator, lawyer and founder and executive director of Athlete Zone. She has a masters in law on abuse and maltreatment of athletes. Her published work focuses on the root causes of sport violence, maltreatment prevention, power imbalance and wellness in sport. She is a lifelong athlete, former coach and sport board member, competed in marathons and triathlons, played University soccer and ski raced.
This free public event is the seventh annual Simces & Rabkin Family Dialogue on Human Rights, organized by the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR), Zena Simces and Dr. Simon Rabkin, and Equitas-International Centre for Human Rights Education.