Canada’s trusted partner in advancing sport knowledge has added industry expertise in mental performance, governance, and strategy
Ottawa, ON – October 7, 2025 – The Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC), Canada’s leader in sport knowledge and evidence-based insights, is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Zarina Giannone and Samuel Ouellette to its Board of Directors.
Based in Vancouver, Dr. Zarina Giannone is a Registered Psychologist and Certified Mental Performance Consultant who works with professional athletes, Olympians, Paralympians, and performers in high-stakes environments. Her expertise in mental health and performance will strengthen SIRC’s efforts to support athlete well-being and organizational resilience.
Joining her on the SIRC board, Samuel Ouellette, Coordinator of the University Competitions Service at HEC Montréal, brings over a decade of leadership in sport governance and strategy. A proud Francophone leader and passionate endurance athlete, his governance expertise and networks will help SIRC advance equity and better serve sport organizations nationwide.
“We are delighted to welcome Zarina and Samuel to the SIRC Board of Directors,” said Kim Gurtler, CEO of SIRC. “Zarina’s expertise in psychology and mental performance, combined with Samuel’s experience in governance and strategy, bring valuable perspectives that will strengthen our efforts to advance a more inclusive, evidence-informed sport system across Canada.”
SIRC thanks former board members Debra Gassewitz and Alison Doherty for their long-standing support of sport in Canada and their many years of service to the organization.
These strategic appointments reinforce SIRC’s mission to mobilize knowledge, foster collaboration, and support evidence-informed decision-making that strengthens the Canadian sport system from grassroots to high performance. The expanded Board of Directors will further SIRC’s growing impact on sport in Canada from coast-to-coast-to-coast.
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About SIRC
The Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC) is Canada’s leader in sport knowledge. Through research, insights, and knowledge sharing, SIRC helps build a stronger, more inclusive, and evidence-informed Canadian sport system.
For more information
Taylor Matthews
Manager, Outreach and Operations
Sport Information Resource Centre
info@sirc.ca