TORONTO (April 26, 2024) – Nine participants were handpicked by Canadian Football League (CFL) clubs for the third annual Football Diversity Program presented by Securian Canada. One participant from diverse cultural backgrounds will join each team's football operations department for approximately four weeks, including training camp from May 12 to June 1.
“The growth of our sport requires different perspectives to introduce new possibilities and connect more people,” said CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie. “We continue to lay the foundation for change with our amazing partners at Securian Canada, and while there is always more to do, I know we are building something positive and worthwhile.”
“We are grateful to our participants for their efforts and expertise. At the end of this year's program, I know they will return to their home communities with everything they have seen and learned, and continue to grow our great sport across the country.
Through this program, participants will gain knowledge and practical experience of professional football.
“We are thrilled to be the official life insurance partner of the CFL and its football diversity program for a second consecutive year,” said Nigel Branker, CEO of Securian Canada. “The CFL's vision to lay the foundation for a more inclusive workplace is closely aligned with our values at Securian Canada of setting an example for DEI in Canadian businesses and taking concrete steps to support underserved communities. We are thrilled that this year's participants will be immersed in a one-of-a-kind career development experience and the pathways it will create for their futures.
Nathan Taylor made a lasting impression during his time with the Ottawa REDBLACKS as part of the football diversity program, and the team later hired him as running backs coach.
Additional information about the program, including eligibility requirements for applying in the future, is available here.
FOOTBALL DIVERSITY PROGRAM PRESENTED BY SECURIAN CANADA – COHORT 2024
(Team: Name | Area of Interest | Hometown)
- Montreal: Jean-Samuel Blanc | Framing | Montreal
- Ottawa: Isaiah Johns | Framing | Windsor, Ontario.
- Toronto: Samuel Okanlawon | Video | Vancouver
- Hamilton: Savannah Allen | Football operations | Mississauga, Ontario.
- Winnipeg: Mark Surya | Framing | Burlington, Ontario.
- Saskatchewan: Ventson Donelson | Framing | Regina
- Calgary: Christopher Anstey | Framing | Calgary
- Edmonton: Ingi El Shahid | Football Operations | Montreal
- BC: Susan Lam | Sports therapy | Calgary
