Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport

(Ottawa, Ontario - July 5, 2018) -- The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) and the Sport Law & Strategy Group are once again offering the Sport Leaders Retreat to help sport executives from provincial, national and multi-sport organizations enhance their leadership skills. The program includes a Nova Profile personality assessment, two coaching conversations, and a two-day retreat that runs November 27-29 at a retreat-style venue in the Ottawa area. Registration is limited so act fast – the registration deadline is October 1, 2018.

Consider this a leadership development boot camp. The intent is for sport leaders to gain access to new ways of relating to self, others and the world around them. Leaders will:

• Learn the importance of creating a values-driven culture;
• Develop insight into leadership strengths and blind spots, including how to manage using multiple intelligences;
• Develop an understanding of different leadership styles and ways to apply them;
• Adopt strategies to communicate more effectively;
• Increase awareness of different energy states;  
• Experience different approaches to address difficult conversations; and
• Participate in peer-to-peer discussions that address real life problems in a supportive learning environment.

Importance of leadership development:

This unique executive leadership program for sport leaders was motivated by a number of factors. We share a belief that the complexities of managing in the 21^st century require us to enrich and embody leadership skills that give rise to exceptional performance. Many sport executives have expressed an interest in continuing to develop and hone their leadership skills, and in response, we are offering this retreat.

Here’s what you need to know:

Location: The retreat will be held at an Ottawa-area location to be determined at a later date.

Dates: Arrive by 5:00 p.m. on November 27 and depart by 3:00 p.m. on November 29, 2018.

Retreat facilitator: Dina Bell-Laroche is a certified International Coach Federation and Integral Master Coach ^TM who has been working in the Canadian sport sector since 1991 in a variety of roles. As a partner with the Sport Law & Strategy Group, Dina brings compassion, skillful communications and wisdom to her work. Dina is looking forward to guiding sport leaders on this journey of self-discovery and heightened awareness. 

Participants: Sport executives (executive director, chief executive officer, chief operating officer) from national, multi and provincial sport organizations with a minimum of five years of senior leadership experience can apply for the Sport Leaders Retreat.

Investment: The cost is $2,000 + HST which includes a Nova Profile assessment; pre (1) and post (1) retreat individual coaching sessions; facilitated two-day retreat; nutritious meals; private  accommodation; access to relevant leadership materials; and the opportunity to connect with like-minded peers. 

Next steps: Email [email protected] by October 1, 2018 to confirm your interest. There are 12 spots available and they will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Background on the Sport Leaders Retreat: The Sport Leaders Retreat was inspired by the Sport Leaders Program, an initiative co-created by Coaching for Excellence and the Sport Law & Strategy Group, in partnership with the CCES, to enhance the leadership capacity of sport leaders, piloted in April 2017 with a 10-participant program.  

Participants of the Sport Leaders Program are saying:

“The Sport Leaders Retreat” facilitated by Dina and Caroline was a truly remarkable session that, as a leader in sport for several years, encouraged me to explore my strengths and understand my weaknesses all from an internal, reflective perspective. As leaders we are continually faced with challenges and opportunities. It is critical that at the end of the day we work to create an environment for the organization we lead, with its volunteers, staff and partners, to succeed. While we may not have all the answers, it is important we continually learn and improve through experience. The Sport Leaders Retreat in some ways pushed a reset button to remind me to utilize my strengths in a focused manner, acknowledge areas in need of strengthening and to commit to improve on a regular basis.  A powerful and valuable leadership program that I would recommend.” Casey Wade, CEO, Canoe Kayak Canada

“It’s always difficult to break away from the urgent demands of the day-to-day business however, I felt that the Sport Leaders Retreat was an excellent opportunity to slow down, reflect, learn more about myself, enhance my leadership skills and connect with other sport leaders in a very unique environment. I would definitely recommend this experience to other sport leaders and I am looking forward to part 2.” Penny Joyce, COO, Diving Canada

“Personal growth and continuous development through reflection, education and conversation should be a priority for all sport leaders. The Sport Leaders Retreat provided a unique opportunity to engage with other sport leaders to accomplish just that. The immediate impact and gained insights from this interactive retreat will continue to help me grow as a sport leader.” Natasha Johnston, E.D, Ringette Canada

“The Sport Leaders Retreat is a valuable opportunity to surround yourself with likeminded peers from your profession to professionally and personally enhance yourself.” Ian Moss, COO, Gymnastics Canada

About the CCES

The CCES is an independent, national, not-for profit organization with a responsibility to administer the Canadian Anti-Doping Program. We recognize that true sport can make a great difference for individuals, communities and our country. The CCES acknowledges funding, in part, from the Government of Canada. We are committed to working collaboratively to activate a values-based and principle-driven sport system; protecting the integrity of sport from the negative forces of doping and other unethical threats; and advocating for sport that is fair, safe and open to everyone.

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