April 04, 2012 (Victoria, BC) – The Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence (PISE) is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Dr. Gord Sleivert from the Canadian Sport Centre Pacific (CSC Pacific). He passed away last night in Montreal while attending meetings with CSC Pacific and Swimming Canada staff at the 2012 Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Swimming Trials.

As Vice-President of CSC Pacific, Dr. Sleivert played a pivotal role in establishing the concept of a national sports institute on Vancouver Island. “Gord was instrumental in the creation of PISE, the evolution of sport physiology in Canada, and was a mentor and friend to the entire sport community,” states Robert Bettauer, CEO of PISE.

“Gord’s impact in shaping the high performance landscape in Canada will be felt for years to come – not the least of which will be this summer at the Olympic Games in London. We are devastated and so incredibly saddened by this news, and we wish his family strength and courage in this very difficult time.”

Dr. Sleivert will be greatly missed, and his presence at PISE and in his role as a national sport leader in Canada will leave a huge void for the sport system. He leaves a lifelong legacy – his contribution to high performance sport led to the creation of the Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence, which evolved from the partnership between Camosun College, Canadian Sport Centre Pacific and PacificSport Victoria.