Ex-NFL stars Colin Kaepernick and Marshawn Lynch host free BIPOC youth road hockey tournament with the Hockey Diversity Alliance on Aug. 16 in Toronto.
Former NFL Stars Champion Inclusion Through Hockey
Colin Kaepernick and Marshawn Lynch—both former NFL icons known as much for their activism as their athleticism—are stepping onto Canadian pavement for a powerful cause. On August 16, the duo will join the Hockey Diversity Alliance (HDA) in hosting a large-scale road hockey tournament in Toronto aimed at supporting marginalized youth.
Toronto to Host World’s Largest BIPOC Youth Hockey Tournament
Set to take place in downtown Toronto, the event is expected to welcome 250 children from diverse backgrounds. Organizers are calling it the world’s largest BIPOC youth road hockey tournament. The tournament is part of the HDA’s mission to fight racism in hockey and to create spaces where underrepresented youth can access the sport freely and safely.
Event Offered at No Cost to Participants
The tournament, which is entirely free for all participants, aligns with the HDA’s year-round programming that includes both on- and off-ice training, mentorship, and educational support. With 1,500 young players already engaged in their programs across the Greater Toronto Area, the Alliance is scaling its efforts by adding high-profile ambassadors like Kaepernick and Lynch to amplify their message.
Led by Players, for the Next Generation
Founded and chaired by former professional hockey player Akim Aliu, the HDA includes active NHLers like Nazem Kadri (Calgary Flames) and Matt Dumba (Pittsburgh Penguins). Their collective vision is to eliminate the systemic barriers that prevent Black, Indigenous, and other youth of colour from pursuing hockey.
Why Kaepernick and Lynch?
Kaepernick and Lynch have long been outspoken advocates for social equity, and their involvement underscores the cross-sport solidarity that can exist in driving systemic change. Lynch, now part-owner of the NHL’s Seattle Kraken, and Kaepernick, a symbol of protest against racial injustice in the NFL, bring a powerful spotlight to hockey’s evolving culture.
A Step Toward Change
The August 16 tournament marks not just a day of fun and games, but a growing movement to reimagine hockey in Canada as a sport where every child, regardless of race or background, has the chance to play and belong. With major names backing the initiative, the message is clear: the future of hockey must be inclusive.
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