ChildFund Rugby take the stage at the Hong Kong Sport & Sustainability Summit 2026

ChildFund Rugby is set to play a role at this year’s Hong Kong Sport & Sustainability Summit 2026, with a global ambassador and the organisation’s Co-Directors contributing to conversations on sport’s role in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Taking place during the globally renowned Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens tournament week, the summit now in its third year will take place in the heart of Hong Kong from 14–15 April. The summit continues to position itself as more than a traditional conference, instead operating as an “action lab” designed to drive tangible outcomes through collaboration across sport, business and community sectors.

Driving purpose through leadership

ChildFund Rugby Co-Directors Megan Knight and Chris Mastaglio will join a group of global leaders, practitioners and sport development experts contributing to discussions across the two-day programme.

Knight will take on a key facilitation role, moderating a panel focused on the Collaboration of Catalyst, where the session will explore how funders and corporate partners can move beyond transactional relationships. Mastaglio will participate in a session focused on social impact and legacy, showcasing ChildFund Rugby’s belief on how sport can be intentionally designed to create safer, more inclusive communities.

“What stands out most is seeing community change,” Mastaglio shares. “Through ChildFund Rugby partnerships, young people, especially girls, are stepping into leadership roles, finding their voice, and shaping a more inclusive future through rugby.”

A platform for athlete advocacy

Extending beyond organisational leadership, ChildFund Rugby ambassador Alena Olsen will participate in a high-profile athlete panel. The Olympic bronze medallist and USA Rugby Sevens star, will speak at The Value of Sport Lunch, a featured event following the summit’s second day.

Olsen joins Australian Olympic swimming champion Ariana Titmus to bring an athlete's perspective into discussions around the broader societal value of sport. Her role highlights the importance of athlete voices in advocating for equity, inclusion and opportunity, particularly for young people in communities in vulnerable situations.

Organised by Hong Kong Rugby For Good, the summit convenes stakeholders from across sectors to address one central question for 2026: “What is my role in building this legacy?”

For ChildFund Rugby, the answer is grounded in its mission to harness rugby’s values to create safer and more equitable environments for children and young people worldwide. A mission that is brought to life through Pass It Back, a flagship Sport for Development platform.

Delivered in partnership with rugby partners and their communities across the globe, Pass It Back uses rugby to equip young people with critical life skills, leadership opportunities and safe, structured environments to learn and grow. Pass It Back is designed with a strong focus on safeguarding, gender equity and youth-led development ensuring that impact is both meaningful and sustainable - contributing to community outcomes and game growth.

Across multiple countries, Pass It Back has supported tens of thousands of young people to build confidence and step into leadership roles within their communities. Importantly, it has also created pathways for young women to participate and lead in environments where opportunities have traditionally been limited.

With continued investment, Pass It Back can reach more communities, train more young leaders and deliver more safe, inclusive spaces for children and young people to thrive.

Support the next generation of Pass It Back

The next phase of Pass It Back depends on collective action.

By donating today, supporters can directly contribute to delivering future seasons of Pass It Back ensuring that more young people around the world have access to the opportunities, skills and support that rugby can provide.

Donate today to help power the next generation through rugby.