A different kind of Grey Cup gathering
More than 100 girls joined the first-ever Girls in Sport Summit in Calgary on Saturday, turning part of Grey Cup weekend into a national conversation about how to keep young athletes involved as they get older. The event brought girls together for activities such as flag football and cheerleading, using one of Canada's biggest sporting occasions to present sport as a place for discovery, friendship and confidence.
The summit comes against a backdrop of concern about girls leaving organized sport at a higher rate than boys. Karen Dommett, executive director of Grey Cup 2026, said the difference is substantial and makes retention a central issue for organizers, families and sport groups. The gathering was built not only to introduce participants to new activities, but also to show that there are multiple ways to stay connected to sport.
“We know that girls drop out of sports, exponentially more than boys.”
That message was reflected in the range of experiences available in Calgary. Participants could try flag football outdoors during the Grey Cup festivities, while activities inside the Saddledome gave them an opportunity to learn from CFL cheerleaders. The format placed participation ahead of specialization, allowing girls to sample sports they may not have previously considered.
Trying something unfamiliar
For 14-year-old Shiloh Colmenares-Mickler, the summit offered a chance to move beyond the activity she knows best. She has been a competitive cheerleader for almost 10 years, but at the event she tried flag football for the first time. The speed of the game stood out to her, providing an immediate connection between a new sport and the excitement she already finds in competition.
“I found it really cool. And I love the fast pace.”
Other participants described benefits that extended beyond physical activity. Abigail Hunt said the setting could help girls form new friendships and improve their skills. Cailyn McFarlane said performing had given her more confidence, a quality she also associated with taking part in the summit. Their experiences underline the organizers' belief that sport can be a practical route to self-assurance as well as exercise.
Participation at every level
Jamie Bellows, role model engagement lead with Girls Forward, said the goal was for participants to leave feeling confident enough to explore unfamiliar opportunities. The emphasis was on encouraging girls to push themselves and take risks in a supportive environment, rather than suggesting that every athlete must pursue a competitive path.
Dommett identified a shortage of recreational opportunities as one barrier to continued involvement. She also stressed that young athletes do not all need to compete at the highest level to remain part of sport. That broader view is important to the summit's purpose: participation can take different forms, and girls need options that fit their interests and circumstances as they grow.
| Summit element | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Flag football | Offer girls a chance to try a new, fast-paced sport |
| Cheerleading activities | Connect participants with CFL cheerleaders and performance |
| Role-model engagement | Build confidence and encourage girls to take risks |
Keeping the momentum moving
Organizers hope the enthusiasm generated during Grey Cup weekend continues after the event ends. The summit's national setting gave girls access to activities linked to the championship festivities, but its larger ambition was long-term: help young athletes find a sport, a level of competition or a community that keeps them involved.
For the participants, that process began with simple acts of experimentation — stepping onto a football activity area, learning from cheerleaders or meeting someone new. For the organizers, it was an effort to make the path into sport feel wider and more welcoming. The Calgary gathering placed that effort in front of a large sporting audience and made girls' continued participation part of the Grey Cup weekend story.
- More than 100 girls attended the inaugural summit in Calgary.
- Activities included flag football and cheerleading during Grey Cup weekend.
- Organizers emphasized confidence, recreation and opportunities beyond elite competition.
