The Hockey Diversity Alliance (HDA) is adding a football element to its youth Summer Fest in Toronto this weekend, with former NFL running back Marshawn Lynch as a special guest. Lynch will compete in a celebrity ball‑hockey game and host a football clinic on Saturday.

The former Seattle Seahawks running back and Super Bowl XLVIII champion is no stranger to the HDA. He previously played at the alliance’s Winter Fest that coincided with Toronto hosting the NHL All‑Star Game two years ago. “I’m really excited about him and the football aspect of it,” HDA chairman Akim Aliu said. He said the organization thrives by tapping into culture and personalities and leveraging audiences from different sports.

Launched in 2020 by current and former NHL players of color, the HDA seeks to open hockey to minorities and underserved youth by providing free equipment, clinics and ice time. Aliu estimates the alliance spends about $1.1 million annually on its grassroots mission and has expanded beyond Toronto to Los Angeles, New York, Montreal, Nova Scotia, and is adding Calgary next month. The Summer Fest is the major event, featuring performances, carnival attractions, rides and a fundraising gala. Notable athletes include Andre De Grasse, Bianca Andreescu, Luke Wilson and Serge Ibaka. Aliu anticipates a capacity crowd of more than 4,000 participants and says over 2,000 lives have been positively impacted.