Emerging Black Leaders from the OUA tabbed to take part in SPX Academy

Collage of 12 OUA student-athlete headshots alongside their names, sports, and university logo, with bold black text at the top that reads, 'Congratulations: Black Talent Future Leaders SponsorshipX All-Star Academy', with the Black Beyond Sport and OUA logos featured in the top corners
c/o Black Beyond Sport
January 31, 2024

Burlington, Ont. – 12 Emerging Black Leaders from Ontario University Athletics (OUA) are set to participate in SPX Academy, as part of the upcoming SponsorshipX in Toronto.

“I am thrilled and grateful for this opportunity,” said Western hockey player Anthony Allepot. “I am eager to soak up valuable insights and knowledge during the event and hopeful to connect with individuals who can guide me toward the path to success in my future professional career.”

This immersive and highly customized experience, offered in partnership with Black Talent Initiative and Black Beyond Sport, offers an opportunity for these leaders to learn more about careers in sales, marketing, and sponsorship, while also getting a behind the scenes look at the NHL All-Star Weekend.

Said McMaster rugby player Osa Olaye, “[SPX Academy] is a valuable opportunity to engage with industry leaders, explore innovations, and shape the future of sports marketing. I look forward to gaining knowledge, contributing to diversity initiatives, and positioning myself for a dynamic career.”

Isaac Harris, a baseball player for the Windsor Lancers, echoes Olaye’s sentiment, as he is “eager to be attending and have the opportunity to learn from different points of view within the world of sports and marketing.”

Rounding out the list of attendees are Toronto football player Abdullah Dwyer, Western track and field athlete Hans-Mathieu Indome, Ottawa football player Cedrik Kakudji, York field hockey player Jade Lew, Guelph rugby player Tadiwanashe Murewa, TMU basketball player Jahcobi Neath, Algoma soccer player Thiery Nsega, Queen’s rugby player Siobhan Sheerin, and Toronto track and field athlete Michaela Wilson.

Throughout the conference, these future leaders will experience keynotes, workshops, seminars, and more thanks to the SPX Academy content that is curated to foster learning, inspire unique thinking, accelerate professional development, and set the foundation for what a career in the industry could look like.

Finished Lew, “As an Emerging Black Leader, attending SponsorshipX Academy is an affirmation of my potential. I’m excited about the mentorship opportunities, diverse perspectives, and the chance to gain insight on a more inclusive future in sports.”