Faster, higher, stronger: Sport as an agent of social change
This panel brings together sporting legends Mark Tewksbury, Tendai Mtawarira, Waneek Horn-Miller, and Jamad Fiin to explore how sport can drive social change. They will share their personal journeys, highlighting how their platforms as athletes have empowered them to advocate for equality, inclusion, and justice in their communities and beyond.
Speakers
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Mark TewksburyCanadian Olympic Champion Swimmer and HumanitarianMark Tewksbury
Counsellor
Canadian Olympic Champion Swimmer and Humanitarian
Mark Tewksbury first came to prominence as a record-breaking backstroke swimmer. His sixteen-year athletic career included 21 national titles, 7 world records, Olympic gold, silver and bronze medals, and a cover appearance on TIME magazine.
When he publicly came out in 1998, Mark was one of the first openly gay Olympic Champions in the world and has been a leader with the global 2SLGBTQ+ movement ever since.
In 2019, he was awarded a Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award for his work in gender inclusion and sexual diversity. In 2020, Mark was appointed Companion of the Order of Canada, the nation’s highest civilian honor. In 2022, Mark represented Canada as part of the Honours Procession at Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral.
Embracing the notion of life-long learning, in 2025, after three years of studies and working in a commercial kitchen, Mark completed the Red Seal culinary program.
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Tendai MtawariraSouth African Rugby Star and Chairman Of The Beast FoundationTendai Mtawarira
Counsellor
South African Rugby Star and Chairman Of The Beast Foundation
Tendai ‘The Beast’ Mtawarira is an international Rugby legend. A veteran of the sport, he was a professional athlete for seventeen years. Tendai found a home for his strength and determination in the sport of rugby. The Zimbabwean born athlete caught the eye of coaches and scouts. His size and strength earned him the moniker ‘Beast’. He would go on the be the most capped player for the Sharks, the most capped springbok prop, a multiple winner in local and international leagues and earn the biggest prize in the sport, the 2019 Rugby World Cup trophy.
Tendai has chosen excellence and commitment throughout his whole life, he is married to Kuziva and they have two children, their daughter Talumba and son Wangu. The family includes two fairly famous pups Milo and Coco. Tendai deeply values family, has a strong network around him and encourages the contributions of diverse voices in his life. He shares his story and journey as a public speaker internationally.
Tendai is also a businessman, describing himself as a serial entrepreneur. He has most recently launched ‘The Beast Wines’ and is working hard to expand the brand worldwide. He has also worked hard to to improve his knowledge, he has completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management in 2019 and is determined to complete his MBA.
Tendai is a philanthropist, he established The Beast foundation in 2020 looking to make an impact on youth, their education and changing their impact on the future. The Beast Foundation is offering scholarships, mentoring youth and using sport to Unite, Build and Inspire Youth. Tendai was appointment as UNICEF Regional Ambassador to Eastern and Southern Africa in May 2022 and has traveled amplifying the plight of children and the need for education to support their futures.Tendai looks forward to a future that is filled with young leaders on the African Continent creating innovative solutions and living to leave a legacy.
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Jamad FiinCEO and Founder, Jamad Basketball Camps