2025 Sport Week at Humber: Experiential Learning in Action
HLOs: 
By Sherri Branscombe, Sport Management, Sport Business Management and Recreation and Leisure Services Professor
2025 Sport Week at Humber transformed the traditional classroom into a dynamic hub of professional development and experiential learning for students in the Sport Management and Sport Business Management programs. Spearheaded by Professor Sherri Branscombe, alongside faculty members Jason Fisher and Thalia Wright (also a graduate), this initiative replaced regular classes for an entire week, allowing students to immerse themselves in four signature events designed and executed by second-year students enrolled in the SPRT 203: Sport Event Management course.
From November 25 to 29, students engaged in a series of interactive events that blended theory with practice, fostering skills essential for success in the sports industry. Over 850 sport students and professionals attended Sport Week featuring:
- Sport Career Fair and Professional Development Day – Over 30 sport employers and 10 career training sessions provided students with networking opportunities and insights into industry trends. Employers ranged from grassroots community sport to professional sport teams, leagues, and facilities. Thank you to all the employers who supported our students at the Career Fair and with ongoing opportunities outside of the classroom.
- Legends Basketball Showdown and Alumni Celebration – A spirited annual basketball tournament between students, faculty and new this year an alumni team. The 3rd annual tournament champions were the Legends Faculty team, showing the students, we walk the talk! Thank you to the Legends sponsor, Dillon Lewis, graduate and owner of Trendsettaz who collaborated with the Longo Centre for Entrepreneurship to provide the team uniforms. The event honoured alumni both on and off the court, complete with keynote speaker and PA Announcer from the Raptors 905, graduate Jake Thomson who created a vibrant and professional community atmosphere and sponsor Honey Badgers.
- Industry Speaker Event – The session kicked off with an interactive and entertaining performance from Mad Skills, a team of professional freestyle soccer performers. Sport professionals conducted inspiring sessions who shared their journeys in sport and offered practical advice for aspiring sport leaders. Guests included keynote speaker Elvis Thomas, former Team Canada athlete and Gold Cup Champion and a panel presentation with Ontario Soccer, AFC Toronto, MLSE Toronto Marlies, MLS Broadcaster and an Olympic Mental Performance Consultant.
- Toronto Sport Summit: Sustaining Community Sport – A thought-provoking conference exploring strategies to strengthen grassroots and community sport initiatives. The Sport Management program partnered with the Community Sport Councils Ontario to co-host the event and was attended by sport and recreation professionals and students. The event featured a full day of learning and professional development with sessions. Sessions focused on supporting community sport sustainability included:
- Lets get organized Speakers: Steve Indig, Sport Law and Jonathan DiPasquale, Instant Risk Coverage
- Where are the volunteers? Speaker: Stuart McLaren, Coaches Association of Ontario
- Where can we play? Speakers: TDSB and City of Toronto
- Who’s not playing? Speakers: Archie Allison, Variety Village and James Murphy, ParaSport Ontario
- Funding play Speaker: Sara Restani, Kidsport Ontario
- Legacy programs of the world Cup Speaker: City of Toronto Parks & Recreation
- A Women Is Sport Panel: Erica Howe, PWHL Toronto Sceptres, Molly Killingbeck, Olympic Gold and Silver Medalist and Hub Lead East for Athletics Canada, and Tracy Schmitt, Member of the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame
Plenary sessions were also offered involving presentations from the following organizations:
- Mental Game Academy Speaker: Larissa Mills
- Canadian Tire Jumpstart Speaker: Local Regional Manager-Canadian Tire Jumpstart
- Community Sport Councils Ontario Speakers: Kevin Arnsdorf and Jeff Carmichael
Beyond the events themselves, Sport Week emphasized collaboration, leadership, and creativity—hallmarks of Humber’s experiential learning philosophy. Students not only attended but actively contributed to planning and delivering these experiences, gaining firsthand exposure to event logistics, operations, sponsorship, marketing, and stakeholder engagement. Each event featured the Toronto ’26 Street Squad, showcasing elements from global sport to create an energetic atmosphere in anticipation of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Second-year Sport Management student Thomas De Pinho captured the spirit of the week perfectly:
“It was an experience that captured the essence of sport: community, competition, and celebration. Attending provided me with valuable insights into both event management and the sports industry. These experiences have not only deepened my understanding of the dynamics of sports events but also motivated me to pursue a career in the sports industry with a better understanding of both the practical and professional aspects involved. Moving forward, I feel more confident and inspired to apply the lessons I've learned to my future studies and career path.”
With food, raffles, and proceeds supporting the Sport Management Program Scholarship, Sport Week was more than a series of events—it was a celebration of learning, community, and the future of sport.
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