Canada Releases Review of Olympic Sailing Program

Kingtson, ONT (October 2, 2015) – After results at the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games failed to meet medal targets, the Sail Canada Board, in association with Own the Podium, commissioned a review of Sail Canada’s High Performance program in the spring of 2015. Wilma Shakespear, an international sports consultant, was chosen to lead the review.

Following standard review processes, including interviews across a range of Sail Canada stakeholders and comparisons with other country systems, Ms Shakespear has now delivered an extensive report with recommendations to the Board.

Sail Canada’s board has approved the report and have begun implementing the key recommendations of the report with the establishment of a Board-reporting High Performance Committee. Sail Canada is pleased to announce that Peter Hall has agreed take on the role of Chair of this committee.

Peter is a well-known Canadian sailor, winner of numerous world titles in multiple classes. He has represented Canada at several Pan-Am Games and is a Council member of the International Sailing Federation. A lawyer by training, Peter has many years of experience in negotiating national and international capital infrastructure projects.

“Sail Canada is committed to creating the best possible High Performance environment where Canadian sailors aspire to own the podium at Major Games and international events,” comments Sail Canada President Alan Lombard. “Continuous assessment of our programs is part of this commitment. Peter brings a wealth of experience to this new role and we look forward to working with him.”

Sail Canada is currently identifying other members of the committee to support Peter, one of whom will be a current director of Sail Canada. The report’s Executive Summary and recommendations can be found here.