Canadian soccer icons to explore the influence of sport in ROM’s Holtby Lecture

TORONTO, April 28, 2026 – Harnessing the potential of sport to unite and inspire, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) presents the 2026 Eva Holtby Lecture on Contemporary Culture on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, featuring Canadian soccer superstars Christine Sinclair and Dwayne De Rosario.

Since its launch in 2006, the Eva Holtby Lecture on Contemporary Culture has brought the world’s most sought-after voices to ROM for compelling conversations that explore the many aspects of culture that shape who we are and how we see the world.

Moderated by Jessie Thomson, President & CEO of the non-profit Right To Play, which uses sport to help empower vulnerable children around the world, this year’s lecture will tap into the popularity of the “beautiful game,” as soccer is so widely known. A sport which resonates with fans all over the world – as clearly seen in multicultural Toronto, where devotees cheer on the Toronto FC, Team Canada, and other teams from around the globe – soccer can be a force for international cultural connection, transcending boundaries to build unity, mutual understanding, and national pride.

ROM is thrilled to welcome two leading Canadian soccer stars – Olympic medallist, CONCACAF champion, and all-time leading international goal scorer Christine Sinclair, a groundbreaking player who raised the profile of the women’s game during her two decades on the Canadian national team; and Dwayne De Rosario, one of the most accomplished players in Canadian men’s soccer history, including with Toronto FC and on the national men’s team.

“In celebration of the world's game, the annual Eva Holtby Lecture on Contemporary Culture is welcoming two of the best Canadians to ever play it: Christine Sinclair and Dwayne De Rosario,” says Jennifer Wild, ROM Interim Co-Director & CEO. “Drawing on their long history of excellence, these soccer icons will highlight how sport traverses borders and cultures to bring people together – an apt topic for a museum that does just the same.”

From global events and national leagues to grassroots initiatives strengthening local communities and athletes advocating for social change, this dynamic talk will highlight how sport can inspire meaningful cultural dialogue and serve as a catalyst for positive change.

“From exhilarating successes and heartbreaking failures, soccer teaches the value of determination, team spirit, and cooperation across cultures and borders,” says Christine Sinclair. “I’m pleased to join ROM to reflect on how sport can motivate and inspire people around the world.”

“The pursuit of greatness doesn’t come without struggle, both on and off the field,” says Dwayne De Rosario. “Soccer offers many lessons for all of us in our everyday lives – an important element of this event that aims to get to the heart of how we live and think today.”

The talk (held in ROM’s Samuel Hall/Currelly Gallery, Level 1) will be followed by a reception, including onsite sales and signings of both athletes’ books – Christine Sinclair’s Playing the Long Game, and DeRo: My Life by Dwayne De Rosario.

Tickets ($40/$36 for ROM Members) are available online at ROM’s website here.

BIOS:
Christine Sinclair is one of Canada’s most iconic athletes, recording a historic 331 international caps and a world‑record 190 goals (making her the all-time leader for international goals scored by either men or women) 

over more than two decades as forward and captain with the national team and the Portland Thorns FC of the National Women’s Soccer League. An Olympic gold medalist, two-time Olympic bronze medalist, CONCACAF champion, and 14-time winner of the Canadian Soccer Player of the Year award, she has played and scored in five FIFA Women's World Cups. The 2022 recipient of the inaugural The Best FIFA Special Award for Women's Football, she has extended her influence beyond the game as a leading advocate for gender equity and amplifying women’s voices in sport and society.

Dwayne De Rosario is one of Canada’s most accomplished soccer players, winning four MLS Cups, a CONCACAF Gold Cup, and named one of MLS’s 25 Greatest Players over his nearly 20-year professional career. Ranking tenth all‑time in MLS scoring with more than 100 goals, he represented Canada internationally from 1998 to 2015, scoring a then‑record 22 goals in 81 matches. A 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. Post-retirement, he opened the DeRo United Futbol Academy that helps train and mentor youth in the Greater Toronto Area.

Jessie Thomson joined Right To Play as President & 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.

About the Eva Holtby Lecture on Contemporary Culture
Since its launch in 2006, the annual Eva Holtby Lecture on Contemporary Culture brings powerful voices to ROM to discuss provocative and engaging contemporary ideas. Past speakers have included Kent Monkman, Laurie Anderson, Jessie Wente, Timothy Synder, and many more. 

The Eva Holtby Lecture on Contemporary Culture is generously supported by the Holtby and Schury Families. Envision Sports and Entertainment Inc., and Right To Play are program partners for this year’s event.