Summer Games lands a CEO from Down Under

The Canada Summer Games 2021 board of directors has tabbed a lawyer who represented Australia in snowboarding as its director and chief executive officer.

Dan Wilcock will become the organization’s next president and CEO and lead the Games in the next phase of its business evolution, a media release said.

“Every other country in the world would love to have an equivalent of the Canada Games to help youth reach their potential,” said Wilcock.

“A who’s who of Canadian sporting legends including Sidney Crosby and Catriona Le May Doan have come through these Games, not to mention people who are leaders in their fields outside of sport.

“We have a great opportunity to work with our government partners, corporate Canada and broadcasters to really showcase these Games in new ways — especially with the next Games in Niagara less than two years away.”

The board unanimously approved the recommendation from the selection committee to appoint Wilcock.

“The Canada Games is one of Canada’s top sports properties where many of the next generation of Canadian star Olympic, Paralympic and Special Olympic athletes get their start,” said Evan Johnston, Canada Games Council chair.

“Dan’s diverse background makes him the perfect person to take the games with more than 50 years of history to new heights and to impact more youth across the country.”

Wilcock came to Canada from Australia 12 years ago and has held several senior leadership positions.

He has bachelor of commerce and bachelor of laws degrees from Australian National University as well as a master of laws degree from the University of Ottawa.

Wilcock developed his Frenchlanguage skills while living and working in the Ottawa-Gatineau region and represented the federal government at the U.N.