Josh Liendo, Charles Allen and Mount Royal University to be honoured for excellence in sport, leadership and international partnership
OTTAWA – (November 3rd, 2026) – Commonwealth Sport Canada (CSC) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Canadian Commonwealth Sport Awards, recognizing outstanding athletic and coaching achievements at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and the exceptional contributions of partners advancing the power of sport in communities around the world.
This year's recipients are Josh Liendo (Swimming), Sport Excellence - Athlete Award; Charles Allen (Athletics), Sport Excellence - Coach Award; and Mount Royal University, Partnership Excellence - Outstanding Partner Award.
The three recipients will be celebrated at the Canadian Commonwealth Sport Awards Gala on November 27, 2026, at the Westin Hotel in Ottawa.
“Josh, Charles and Mount Royal University represent the excellence, dedication and collaboration that are central to the Commonwealth Sport Movement,” said Claire Carver-Dias, President of Commonwealth Sport Canada. “We are proud to recognize Josh's achievements as an athlete, Charles's contributions as a coach, and Mount Royal University's longstanding commitment to developing future leaders through sport. Their accomplishments and contributions reflect the positive impact sport can have on individuals, communities and the broader sport system.”
Josh Liendo – Sport Excellence, Athlete Award
Canadian swimming star Josh Liendo delivered another outstanding performance at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, successfully defending his gold medal in the men's 100-metre butterfly with a Commonwealth Games record time of 50.42 seconds. The victory added to an impressive international career that includes four medals at Birmingham 2022 and a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where he became the first Black Canadian to win an Olympic swimming medal.
Beyond his achievements in the pool, Liendo has distinguished himself as a leader and role model. As a Team Canada Captain at Glasgow 2026, he supported and mentored fellow athletes while continuing to inspire the next generation of swimmers through his commitment to excellence and inclusion.
"I am honoured to receive this award and to be recognized alongside so many outstanding Canadian athletes," said Liendo. "Glasgow 2026 was a special experience for me. Being able to defend my title in the 100 fly was one of my big goals for the season and I was happy to achieve that result at the games in Glasgow. I am very thankful for this honor and I will use this as motivation to continue to represent Canada in the best way possible."
Charles Allen – Sport Excellence, Coach Award
Charles Allen is recognized for his outstanding contributions to Canadian athletics, including the success of athletes under his coaching influence at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. As Athletics Canada's East Hub Sprints and Hurdles Coach, he helped prepare athletes who earned multiple podium finishes, including gold for Sheriauna Haase, silver medals for Sade McCreath and Duan Asemota, and bronze for George Quarcoo and guide Segun Makinde.
A former Olympian who represented Guyana in 2000 and Canada in 2004, Allen has been part of Athletics Canada's high-performance coaching program since 2016. His technical expertise, mentorship and commitment to developing athletes across athletics and para-athletics have made him an important contributor to Canada's international success.
"I am honoured and humbled to receive the 2026 Canadian Commonwealth Sport Award for Sport Excellence. I am grateful to Athletics Canada for the nomination and to Commonwealth Sport Canada for this prestigious recognition. This milestone leaves me overjoyed for my team and dedicated athletes," said Allen.
Mount Royal University – Partnership Excellence, Outstanding Partner Award
Mount Royal University (MRU) is recognized for its longstanding partnership with Commonwealth Sport Canada in advancing international sport development through the SportWORKS program. For almost a decade, the partnership has provided students with international placements through the Queen Elizabeth Scholars initiative, supporting community sport organizations in countries including Botswana, Rwanda and Trinidad and Tobago, with projects also extending to Kenya.
Through this collaboration, MRU has helped strengthen community sport, promote inclusion and develop future leaders. The partnership demonstrates the lasting impact of connecting education, international engagement and sport as a catalyst for positive social change.
"The QES leadership team at MRU is thrilled to be receiving this award. This ongoing partnership has strengthened through the years and has provided incredible opportunities to numerous students. Their experiences demonstrate the positive impact a strong partnership can have," said Julie Booke, Mount Royal University. "We hope this partnership continues for years to come and together we can offer students amazing life and learning opportunities."
The Canadian Commonwealth Sport Awards recognize individuals and organizations whose performances, leadership and contributions strengthen Commonwealth Sport in Canada and internationally. Recipients are recognized through a formal nomination and review process overseen by CSC's Awards and Recognition Committee, comprising members from across Canada.
From exceptional achievements at the Commonwealth Games to the development of athletes and coaches and the creation of opportunities through international partnerships, the 2026 recipients demonstrate the many ways sport can inspire excellence, foster inclusion and create lasting impact.
For more information about the Canadian Commonwealth Sport Awards, award categories and previous recipients, visit commonwealthsport.ca.
For more information about the Canadian Commonwealth Sport Awards, award categories and previous recipients, visit commonwealthsport.ca.
ABOUT TEAM CANADA 2026
Team Canada competed at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games from July 23 to August 2, bringing together 148 athletes across nine sports and four Para disciplines, supported by 91 coaches, managers and support staff. Competing under the theme Mighty, Together, Team Canada won 62 medals: 19 gold, 20 silver and 23 bronze, achieving its goal of a top-three ranking in total medals among all nations and territories competing. The team included a record 35 Para athletes and brought together Olympians, Paralympians, Commonwealth champions and emerging athletes from across Canada.
ABOUT COMMONWEALTH SPORT CANADA
Commonwealth Sport Canada (CSC) is the franchise holder for the Commonwealth Games and the Commonwealth sport movement in Canada. CSC supports Canada’s athletes to achieve excellence at Olympic and Paralympic Games and world championships and enriches the lives of youth across the Commonwealth and hosts the Commonwealth Games. For additional information, go to: www.commonwealthsport.ca .
For more information, please contact:
Patrick Kenny
Chief Communications Officer, Team Canada 2026
Email: [email protected]
613 724 7160
