Eva Holtby Program on Contemporary Culture
Sport Inspiring Meaningful Cultural Exchange

Christine Sinclair and Dwayne De Rosio, Photo Credit: Envision Sports and Entertainment

Date

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 19:00 - 21:30

Location

Level 1,
Currelly Gallery

Admission

$36.00 Member Price
$40.00 Regular Price

Audience

Adults, Families, Students, Teens & Youth
Contact us

About

The Annual Eva Holtby Lecture on Contemporary Culture brings the world’s most sought-after and thought-provoking voices to ROM for compelling conversations that spark curiosity and challenge perspectives. Since 2006, this highly celebrated series has explored the ways art and culture shape who we are and how we see the world.

This year, two Canadian soccer superstars take the stage to explore sport as a powerful force for international cultural diplomacy, transcending political and social boundaries to build unity, mutual understanding, and national pride. From grassroots initiatives strengthening local communities to world-renowned athletes advocating for social change, and global events like the FIFA World Cup, this dynamic talk aims to reveal how sport can inspire dialogue, connection, and meaningful cultural exchange. 

A reception will follow, including book sales and signing by the athletes. 
Book sales include Playing the Long Game by Christine Sinclair and DeRo: My Life by Dwayne DeRosario.  

Program Partners: Envision Sports and Entertainment Inc. and Right To Play

The Eva Holtby Program is generously supported by the Holtby and Schury Families.
 

 

Panelists

Christine Sinclair, Canadian Women's Soccer Player, Photo Courtesy: Canada Soccer
Christine Sinclair

Christine Sinclair is one of Canada’s most iconic athletes, recording a historic 331 international caps and a world‑record 190 goals over more than two decades with the national team. An Olympic gold medalist at Tokyo 2020 and two‑time bronze medalist, she has extended her influence beyond soccer through her memoir Playing the Long Game and motivational speaking. Sinclair is also a leading advocate for equity, gender diversity, and amplifying women’s voices in sport and society.

Dwayne De Rosio, Canadian Soccer Player, Photo Courtesy: Envision Sports and Entertainment Inc.
Dwayne De Rosario

Dwayne De Rosario is one of Canada’s most accomplished soccer players, ranking tenth all‑time in MLS scoring with 104 goals. He represented Canada internationally from 1998 to 2015, scoring a then‑record 22 goals in 81 matches. A 2000 CONCACAF Gold Cup champion and four‑time Canadian Player of the Year, De Rosario has been inducted into both the Canada Soccer Hall of Fame and Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame.

Moderator

Jessie Thomson, Right To Play
Jessie Thomson

Jessie Thomson joined Right To Play as the President and CEO in October 2025. She brings 20 years of experience across the Canadian federal public service, the United Nations, non-governmental organizations, and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, most recently serving as Head of Delegation for the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in Türkiye.

Related

Eva Holtby Program
Program

Eva Holtby Program on Contemporary Culture

The Annual Eva Holtby Program on Contemporary Culture brings powerful voices to the Royal Ontario Museum to discuss provocative and engaging contemporary ideas. Since its launch in 2006 with Adam Gopnik as the inaugural lecturer, the Holtby Lecture has been presented by Kwame Anthony Appiah, Glenn D. Lowry, Lewis H. Lapham, Henry Louis Gates Jr., Carlos Fuentes, Ingrid Betancourt, Anthony Gormley, Bob Colacello, Sheika Hoor al-Qasimi, Jameel Jaffer, Timothy Snyder, Jesse Wente and Laurie Anderson. The Eva Holtby Program is generously supported by the Holtby and Schury Families.