The Team

To contact any of our staff below, please use our contact form and allow 2-3 business days for a response.

• All
• Board and Committees
• CEO
• Coordinators
• Directors
• Founder
• Managers

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Richard Way

Founder

Richard Way is the founder of Sport for Life and a leading architect of the Long-Term Development Framework. For more than two decades, he has championed systems change in sport and physical activity, guiding the adoption of Long-Term Development in Sport and Physical Activity by over 60 sports in more than 100 countries. He co-authored the seminal book Long-Term Development (Human Kinetics) and Protect the Joy (Amplify Publishing), and has contributed to over 100 resources on athlete, sport, and physical literacy development. Recognized globally for his expertise in systems change, Richard works across sectors to align policy, practice, and partnerships. His ability to bring together diverse stakeholders—governments, sport leaders, educators, and community organizations—has positioned Sport for Life as a catalyst for innovation in building healthier, more active societies. Richard has advised multiple national sport governing bodies, contributing to both increased grassroots participation and success at world championships and Olympic Games. His evidence-informed vision and collaborative leadership have made him a trusted international advisor and a sought-after keynote speaker. His legacy continues to bridge participation and performance—ensuring that sport both enriches lives and achieves excellence at the highest levels. Beyond his leadership roles—including Director of Sport for Vancouver’s successful 2010 Winter Olympic Games Bid Corporation—Richard has deep roots as an athlete, coach, and builder. He holds an MBA from Royal Roads University and is a Chartered Professional Coach. A founding member of the International Physical Literacy Association, he established the Calgary Luge Club and the B.C. Luge Association, represented Canada in nine Natural Luge World Championships, and was an All-Canadian West soccer player at the University of Calgary. Above all, he is a proud father to three active young adults.

Ram Nayyar

Board Chair

Ram is the founder of Fearlessness Consulting Inc., a company dealing in personal and corporate performance strategies. Clients from all walks of life have worked with Ram’s approach to achieve real performance improvements across multiple domains in their lives and businesses. 

Currently, he is the head coach for the Vancouver Lawn Tennis and Badminton club with previous experience as  High-Performance Director, National Head Coach, National Para Badminton Head Coach. He has worked in every area possible within his chosen sport, most notably coaching Canada to it’s best ever Olympic Games finish in 2012. 

Ram has traveled to over 90 countries globally and has coached at every major sporting event in the world. Best-selling author of The Sport of Life and a Level 5 Chartered Professional Coach, Ram has received multiple awards in the field of coaching and believes that sport is a metaphor for life.

Elise Marcotte

Board Member

Elise Marcotte is a two-time Olympian in the sport of Artistic Swimming, a three-time Pan Am Games medalist (2 Gold, 1 Silver), a two-time Bronze medalist from the World Aquatics Championships, and has won over 20 titles at the Canadian National Championship. She brings her love for high performance, dedicated work ethic, and the energy required to be a successful Olympic athlete into her current endeavors.

Elise leads the Talent Intelligence function for Indeed Canada, where she is responsible for consulting with Enterprise businesses across Canada, offering best practices, thought leadership, and insightful data analysis. Originally from Québec and now living on a farm in Alberta, she is fluently bilingual in English and French, a mother of two, and a certified artistic swimming coach for multiple female athletes who have qualified for the Canadian national team and won national titles. She also runs a small real estate business in Calgary with her husband and serves as an ambassador working to keep young women engaged in sports and to assist Olympic and Paralympic Athletes in successfully transitioning from sports into the world of work.

Gord Plottel

Board Member

Gord Plottel has a diverse perspective on the Sport for Life movement, coming from his roles as a former national team athlete, coach, parent of athletes, sport governance volunteer, and now as a masters athlete over many decades. Gord is a lawyer who retired after thirty-three years of private practice at a national law firm. He brings extensive corporate governance experience gained both through his professional practice and volunteer work.

A lifelong passion for sport and its values is evident in Gord’s participation and volunteerism with multiple organizations, including Sport BC, Commonwealth Sport Canada, 2010 Olympics Legacies Now, KidSport Canada and KidSport BC, Field Hockey Canada, Swimming Canada, SDRCC, and local and national Field Hockey.

Gord remains active, playing for the Over 60 Masters National Team, and enjoys golf, skiing, running, and cycling.

Jacquelyn Novak

Board Member

Jacquelyn is one of our newest additions to the Board of Directors, bringing expertise in strategy, program management and strategic talent. Jacquelyn has straddled the world of high performance sport as an athlete and coach in the sport of softball, while managing a fast-paced career with Deloitte as a management consultant specializing in Public Sector, Sport and Tourism.  Jacquelyn left Deloitte to pursue a Masters Degree in Sport Management from AISTS in the heart of the Olympic Movement – Lausanne, Switzerland.

Focusing on program development, commercial strategy in sport and sport for development (with programs led by the United Nations), Jacquelyn worked in Switzerland for organizations like European Athletics and the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB). She returned to Canada with Rowing Canada Aviron, focused on coach development and education. 

Jacquelyn presently wears a number of hats in not-for-profit and sport. She is the Managing Director with Toa Consulting, a boutique consulting firm focused on the sport, tourism and not-for-profit industries. She’s an instructor in the Sport Management program at Camosun College focusing on sport technology and innovation. And on the athlete and coach development side, she acts as a coach developer for Softball BC. She most recently has taken on the important role of Director, Sport for I∙SPARC (Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council) supporting Indigenous sport programming and competition for communities across B.C.

Meghan Burrows

Board Member

Meghan Burrows is a dynamic professional with a background in Recreation Therapy and holds a Masters of Public Health. With a decade of experience as a Personal Trainer, she has collaborated with SportMedBC as a run coach and worked with the University of British Columbia on innovative projects, such as developing guidelines for using physical activity as a primary treatment for depression.

In the BC public healthcare sector, Meghan has excelled in roles including project manager and physician engagement specialist, and she currently serves as a Negotiator at Doctors of BC. Her governance expertise shines through her contributions to medical staff associations and non-profit boards, facilitating strategic planning, recruitment efforts, and the development of memorandums of understanding.

An avid trail runner and backcountry skier, Meghan’s favorite local ski destination is the Brian Waddington Hut in the Birken Range. She has competed in powerlifting with the BCPA and continues to coach a strength class weekly, maintaining her CECs and fueling her passion for promoting physical activity.

Sylvie Béliveau

Board Member

Sylvie Béliveau is an important female figure in soccer at the Canadian and International levels and in the sport world in general. She has coached teams at all levels including the Canadian Senior Women’s National Soccer Team. For several years, Sylvie has given her technical expertise and time to many different sport organizations, including the Quebec Soccer Federation, Canada Soccer, FIFA, CAAWS and others. 

Sylvie’s knowledge of developmental principles especially LTD (Long Term Development), coach development and training, and sport administration, has contributed towards her in-depth knowledge of the Canadian Sport System.

Sylvie has played a significant role as a Board Member of CAAWS. She is also a founding member and presently Vice President of Egale Action, an organization that promotes the participation, retention and advancement of women in sport in the province of Quebec.  Sylvie is now the Senior Advisor, Varsity Program, at McGill University for The Women in Sport Initiative.

Aneesha Narang

Finance & Audit Committee Member

Aneesha Narang is a dedicated non-profit leader who has worked with organizations, including BC Athletics and the Cascade Journalism Society. In her career, she has also created a financial literacy program called the “Big Brain Literacy Program” to help international and high school students improve their financial literacy. She has a background in both accounting and finance. Aneesha is an avid runner; in her spare time, she coaches running to maintain her physical fitness aspirations.

Axel Ntakaburimvo-Ndayiragije

Finance & Audit Committee Member

Coming soon

Rosemary Redgrift

Governance Committee Member

Rosemary Redgrift brings over 30 years of experience as a coach and volunteer in physical education and sports. She earned her degree in Kinesiology/Physical Education from the University of Ottawa in 1986 and became a dedicated coach in diving and gymnastics during her university years. To this day, Rosemary continues her involvement in gymnastics, serving on the board of directors for Gymnastics Ontario with a focus on Risk Management. She also works as a coach developer at the foundations and competition level 1 and serves as a judge in two gymnastics disciplines at the provincial level: Men’s Artistic and Acrobatic.

Rosemary has been a committed volunteer at gymnastics events worldwide, including participation in three Canada Games and Gymnaestrada non-competitive events in four European countries, as well as the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England. She also played a key role as the equipment team leader for gymnastics at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

In her personal life, Rosemary has always been passionate about physical activity and sports. Despite limited opportunities in the small Northern Ontario town where she grew up, she engaged in every sports activity available and continues to challenge herself physically and mentally today.

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Drew Mitchell

Chief Executive Officer

Drew is the CEO of Sport for Life. He focuses on developing physical literacy and quality sport at the community level, while promoting the Canadian Sport for Life movement. A graduate of Simon Fraser University with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, Drew has worked extensively in the sport system as an educator and program developer for more than 35 years. He previously managed Sport Technical and Performance Services for viaSport BC and served as Manager of Science and Medicine programs for SportMedBC, where he collaborated with over 50 different sports at the local, provincial, and national levels. A former member of the Canadian National Canoe Team and Health and Lifestyle Coordinator at the Downtown Vancouver YMCA, Drew has been involved in sport and fitness for over 40 years as an athlete, coach, administrator, volunteer, developer, and manager.

Hardeep Buttar

Director of Finance

Hardeep Buttar is the Director of Finance at Sport for Life. A Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) in British Columbia, she brings over 10 years of experience in accounting, financial reporting, and treasury management across public practice, government, and the non-profit sector.

Passionate about both numbers and community impact, Hardeep supports the organization through strategic financial oversight and a focus on sustainable growth. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, cooking, running, and exploring the beauty of British Columbia and beyond.

Kabir Hosein

Director of Strategic Initiatives

Kabir Hosein is the Director of Strategic Initiatives at Sport for Life. A father of four very active kids and from the Caribbean, Kabir was a leader in the Athletics Association and Olympic movement in Trinidad and Tobago. Since joining Sport for Life, he has been an integral part of the organization’s management, bringing his experiences in sport and physical activity as a Newcomer to Canada into his work. Kabir takes time to build relationships and co-create initiatives that reflect his values of “physical activity and sport for everyone can create a sense of belonging.”

Saren Blézy

Director of Physical Literacy and Impact

Saren Blézy is the Director of Physical Literacy and Impact at Sport for Life. She holds a Master’s Degree from the Brussels School of International Studies and certifications in Collaborative Leadership and Facilitation. As a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), she combines globally minded analysis with systemic problem-solving to transform complex challenges into actionable strategies. Known for fostering inclusive collaboration and driving innovation, Saren leads initiatives from conception through successful delivery, ensuring meaningful and lasting impact.

Outside of work, she is an avid mountain sports enthusiast, finding energy and renewal in the outdoors.

 

Tanya Labrecque

Director of People and Operations

Tanya Labrecque is the Director of People and Operations at Sport for Life. Based in Calgary, she brings over 30 years of diverse experience, primarily in the fitness and recreation industry. Tanya began her career as a recreation manager at Fairmont Hot Springs, later becoming a personal trainer and fitness director at the Calgary Winter Club. She then moved into senior management roles with multi-complex sports facilities, including Vivo for Healthier Generations and the YMCA in Calgary. Her passion for being active, healthy, and outdoors has led her to pursue many physical activities over the years. Currently, she is an avid downhill skier and squash player. In the summer, she enjoys hiking, mountain biking, wake surfing, and spending time by the water.

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Tom Jones

Director of International Engagement

Tom is the Director of International Engagement at Sport for Life. A graduate of UBC with an MBA from the University of Calgary, Tom was a member of the Canadian National Volleyball Team, competing at the Olympic Games, Pan American Games, World Championships, and World University Games, as well as professionally in Europe. He later transitioned into sport management, serving as Athlete Development Manager for the Government of British Columbia and Sport Excellence Manager at the Richmond Olympic Oval.

Tom has also held CEO positions with AthletesCAN, Commonwealth Games Canada, and Volleyball Victoria (Australia) before founding his own sport management company. Since 2016, he has focused his work with Sport for Life, leading the Community and International Engagement Division, which has developed and delivered initiatives in more than 30 countries, including Canada. An active volunteer in the Canadian volleyball community, Tom enjoys biking, beach volleyball, music, and fitness.

Tyler Laing

Director of Quality Sport

Coming soon!

Allison Giuliani

Move for Life Project Manager of Community Physical Activity

Allison Giuliani is the Move for Life Project Manager of Community Physical Activity at Sport for Life, bringing 19 years of leadership, project management, and health promotion experience to the team. Allison is passionate about advancing innovative initiatives that promote physical activity and enhance the physical literacy of community members. She believes in equipping residents with the tools, education, and support they need to stay active for life.

Allison has extensive experience in the health and wellness sector, spanning fitness leadership, workplace health, healthcare, and active rehabilitation services. Holding a degree in Kinesiology from the University of British Columbia and a diploma in Recreation Leadership, along with multiple fitness certifications, she is deeply committed to building healthy communities and helping people move better and feel better.

Annie Lau

Manager of Information Technology

Annie Lau is the Manager of Information Technology for the Sport for Life, and a member of Sport for Life’s EDIA Committee, representing people with diverse abilities. After eight years with the organization, Annie transitioned from administration to provide leadership in IT management and operations.

She graduated from George Brown College in Toronto with a diploma in Business Administration (Co-op) and completed courses in the Fitness & Lifestyle Management Program. Annie competed in six international tournaments with Team Canada Women’s Deaf Volleyball Team from 2010 to 2019 and currently serves as a board member for the BC Deaf Sports Federation (BCDSF). While remaining connected to sport, Annie has shifted her focus to golf, where she has found her next passion.

Outside of work, Annie stays physically active by biking, golfing, and playing pickleball and volleyball.

Jenna Leslie

Manager of PLAYBuilder

Jenna Leslie is the Manager of PLAYBuilder at Sport for Life. With a background in high-performance sport as both an athlete and coach, Jenna brings firsthand experience of the impact that quality sport can have on youth development. She began her post-secondary journey at Xavier University on an NCAA Division I soccer scholarship, studying Sport Management, before completing a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a Certificate in Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Creativity at Queen’s University.

Her work at Sport for Life is fueled by her passion for creating tools and resources that advance physical literacy and promote accessible, high-quality sport experiences for all. Outside of work, Jenna loves staying active through running and hiking, and has found a new competitive outlet in hybrid fitness competitions.

Joe D’Eramo

Manager of Quality Sport and Evaluation

Joe D’Eramo is the Manager of Quality Sport and Evaluation at Sport for Life. He supports partners across Canada in strengthening sport experiences through Long-Term Development and Quality Sport frameworks, while also contributing to internal evaluation and strategic initiatives to measure impact and guide growth.

Joe’s career has spanned international development, sport for development, project management, strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation, and business management. He studied business and later earned a Master’s in European Union Studies and Human Rights, combining organizational expertise with a focus on social impact. His work has also extended internationally, including an advisory role with Sports Charity Mwanza in Tanzania.

Joe’s interests include sport and physical activity, travel, and photography—side quests that fuel his curiosity about people, places, and cultures, and keep him collecting stories, lessons, and perspectives from around the world.

Kim Samson

Senior Manager of Communications and Francophone Engagement

Kim Samson is the Senior Manager of Communications and Francophone Engagement at Sport for Life, bringing over 15 years of experience in strategic communications and partnership development. Fully bilingual in English and French, she leads the organization’s communications strategies and manages projects that expand Sport for Life’s reach across Canada, Europe, and North Africa, working closely with francophone partners and communities.

As the project manager of one of Sport for Life’s largest physical literacy initiatives, Kim played a key role in strengthening collaboration between governments, institutions, and community organizations. She is now focused on developing new partnerships and projects in Europe. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the University of Sherbrooke and a Project Management Program certification from the Rochester Institute of Technology.

She represents the LGBTQ+ community on Sport for Life’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) Committee and volunteers with an LGBTQ+ social group she founded. Passionate about the outdoors, Kim enjoys cycling, hiking, skiing, and kayaking.

Mataya Jim

Manager of Indigenous Engagement

Mataya Jim is the Manager of Indigenous Engagement at Sport for Life. She is a W̱SÁNEĆ woman from the W̱SÍ,ḴEM community, with ties to Penálaxeth’ and W̱waayaa. Mataya holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Victoria, where she studied Sociology and Indigenous Studies.

Much of Mataya’s work has taken place within Indigenous communities, where she has planned and coordinated community engagement initiatives, summer recreation programs, and cultural events. She has also worked and volunteered with children and youth through girls’ groups and soccer teams.

During her studies, Mataya served on the Native Student Union Council and volunteered in student mentorship roles. She enjoys engaging in projects that bring people together and celebrate community success.

Outside of work, Mataya is very family-oriented. She enjoys spending time with her family on the beaches of Vancouver Island, supporting community soccer. She also loves relaxing with a good book.

Renée Lozeau

Manager of Brand and Design

Renée is the Manager of Brand and Design at Sport for Life, bringing over 20 years of design experience along with a strong sense for creative strategy and team mentorship. She is a longtime ally and advocate for equity-seeking groups—both inside and outside the workplace.

When she’s not at her desk, you’ll find her exploring new places, sharing her passion for music, dance, and performance, or diving into creative projects with her signature inspiration and enthusiasm.

Shelley Roddie

Manager of Major Events and Social Media

Shelley Roddie is the Manager of Major Events and Social Media at Sport for Life. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Recreation and Health Education (Co-op) from the University of Victoria. Shelley has worked in a variety of roles related to health and wellness, with a focus on youth and sport, including a co-op term with Sport for Life.

Sport and recreation have always been an important part of her life, and she loves being active and outdoors—whether running, swimming, cycling, hiking, or spending time at the beach.

Thalia Moore

Senior Manager of Education

Thalia Moore is the Senior Manager of Education at Sport for Life, where she oversees the educational components of national projects and leads the development of certifications and post-secondary partnerships. She has nearly 20 years of experience as an educator and leader in sport and recreation, including more than a decade as a post-secondary professor.

Holding a Master of Science in Kinesiology and a background as a former multisport athlete, Thalia brings both academic expertise and lived experience to her work—championing inclusion, accessibility, and quality sport experiences for all. Outside of work, Thalia is happiest at the rink, track, soccer pitch, or ball field, cheering on her active kids while staying active herself.

Deen Pawlik

Senior Coordinator of Education and Operations

Deen Pawlik is the Senior Coordinator of Education and Operations at Sport for Life. A graduate of Brock University’s Sport Management program, Deen has over five years of experience working in sport. Having seen firsthand the positive impact that sport and physical literacy can have on youth, he is passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for others to experience the same. He has also gained valuable experience working with Cosmos Sports & Entertainment and the Jays Care Foundation.

Deen practices what he preaches by staying active through volleyball and baseball, often at local recreation centres in Hamilton, Ontario. Outside of work, he enjoys cooking, baking, traveling, and spending time with his beagle, Masha.

Khalil Ur Rehman

Senior Coordinator of Finance

Khalil Ur Rehman is the Senior Coordinator of Finance at Sport for Life. He is responsible for operational accounting, particularly accounts payable and accounts receivable. He also helps with organizational administration.

Khalil holds a Master in Business Administration with a major in finance from the University of Lincolnshire (United Kingdom). Before working at Sport for Life, he has worked with various companies, including TD Waterhouse, Tiles from the Nile and Small Business Accountants Calgary.

Khalil likes to travel, explore new natural places and watch cricket matches or boxing.

Tawana Lewis-Harrison

Executive Coordinator

Tawana Lewis-Harrison is the Coordinator of the Executive at Sport for Life, bringing 20 years of experience in project leadership, operations, and financial services across the business and higher education sectors. A lifelong learner, she is passionate about leading and managing projects that enhance organizational effectiveness and optimize processes. Tawana draws inspiration from learning about people and their passions.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her young family, going on nature walks, reading, and cooking.