Championing Inclusion: A Conversation on Diversity in Sport
Co-Hosted by Show Racism the Red Card and the High Commission of Canada in honour of Canadian Black History Month and Canada’s co-hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2026
On the evening of Monday 16th February 2026, Canada House at Trafalgar Square played host to an inspiring and timely event bringing together sport, culture, and diplomacy. Championing Inclusion: A Conversation on Diversity in Sport was convened by the High Commission of Canada to mark Canadian Black History Month and to celebrate Canada’s role as a co-host nation of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The event drew an esteemed audience of senior representatives from sports, governing bodies, global corporations, government departments, embassies, and community organisations, as well as prominent patrons of Show Racism the Red Card including Paul Mortimer and Perry Groves.
Programme of the Evening
Guests were welcomed from 17:00 with a networking reception before the formal proceedings opened at 17:30 with a short film from Show Racism the Red Card — introducing their 30th Anniversary — setting the tone for the evening’s discussion.
Opening remarks were delivered by Caitlin Workman, Head of Public Diplomacy at the High Commission of Canada, who underscored the significance of the occasion and its connection to Canada’s values of inclusion and belonging. She then handed over to renowned broadcaster and diversity advocate Manish Bhasin, who hosted the evening’s centrepiece: a wide-ranging panel discussion with four distinguished guests from the world of sport. Manish brought his characteristic warmth and insight to the role, drawing out the panellists with probing and thoughtful questions that consistently elevated the conversation and drew praise from guests throughout the evening.
Introducing the panellists
Chris Hughton — Former professional footballer and manager, Chris reflected on his own experiences of racism in English football during the 1980s and 1990s, and the progress — and remaining challenges — in the decades since. His perspective as a pioneering Black player and manager in English football gave the discussion a powerful historical grounding.
Paul Davis — Former Arsenal and England midfielder, Paul offered his personal account of navigating racism and advocating for anti-racism in professional football during the same era, drawing on his long career at the top of the English game and his continued involvement in equality and inclusion work.
Rachel Yankey OBE — One of England’s most celebrated women’s footballers, Rachel brought a vital gender lens to the conversation, exploring how diversity and inclusion intersect across gender, race, and identity — and what meaningful progress looks like in women’s sport.
Olivia Smith — Canada and Arsenal forward Olivia Smith brought the perspective of the current generation of players, her story in her own words, furthermore speaking to the opportunities available to young people today and the role that sport can play in building a more inclusive society, with particular resonance given Canada’s upcoming role on the world stage at FIFA World Cup 2026.
Key Themes
The discussion explored three interconnected themes that together traced an arc from the recent past to a future of possibility. Chris Hughton and Paul Davis provided a frank and personal account of the racism they encountered during their playing careers in the 1980s and 1990s, as well as the grassroots anti-racism movements that emerged in response — and what those lessons mean for today’s game.
Rachel Yankey examined diversity and inclusion through a gender lens, exploring how the experiences of women — particularly women of colour — in sport both mirror and diverge from those of their male counterparts, and the structural changes needed to ensure football and sport more broadly reflects the communities it serves.
Olivia Smith spoke to the theme of opportunity and the next generation —and how moments such as FIFA World Cup 2026 can serve as a catalyst for inspiring a new cohort of diverse talent both on and off the pitch.
Robert Fry, Acting High Commissioner for Canada in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, shares:
“Canada House was proud to host this thoughtful conversation with leaders from across football. Our thanks to Show Racism the Red Card for their partnership and tireless work in this area. Representation and role models matter – they open doors, inspire confidence and strengthen communities. As Canada marks Black History Month this February and prepares to co‑host FIFA World Cup 26 in the summer, we’re committed to championing inclusion on and off the pitch. Monday’s dialogue was a reminder that progress is built together.”
I was immensely proud to see this event bring together such an influential and diverse audience in a spirit of honest reflection and shared purpose. The powerful contributions from the panelists reinforced just how important visible, high-profile athletes are as role models — not only in inspiring young people to pursue their ambitions, but in using their platforms to challenge racism and champion inclusion. Events like this demonstrate what can be achieved when sport, diplomacy and community organisations work in partnership.
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the High Commission of Canada for their hard work, leadership and generosity in hosting such a significant occasion. As we look ahead to the FIFA World Cup 2026, it is essential that we continue to collaborate across sectors to ensure that the momentum generated translates into lasting, meaningful change both on and off the pitch.
– Paul Hill Co-Southern Regional Manager
