Dr Sleivert passed away on Monday at the age of 48, having been in Montreal to meet Swimming Canada at the Paralympic swimming trials, which concluded last Sunday (April 1).

"The Canadian Paralympic Committee is shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Gord Sleivert," said Henry Storgaard, chief executive of the CPC.

"Gord's passion and dedication to supporting Canadian athletes in their pursuit of the podium was unparalleled, and he will be greatly missed by the entire Paralympic sport community.

"Our thoughts at this time are with Gord's family and everyone whose lives he touched."

Sleivert, who had been with CSC Pacific (an organisation delivering sport programmes designed to help Canada win Olympic and Paralympic medals) since November 2003, was responsible for designing and implementing a number of innovative training programmes for elite Paralympians.

He was also the Canadian team's exercise physiologist at the Athens 2004 Summer Olympics, and had worked significantly with Rowing Canada, who also praised him for his contribution to sport in the country.

"Gord was such a positive force," said Rowing Canada high performance director Peter Cookson.

"His vast wealth of knowledge, his engaging style and sense of humour will be truly missed by our coaches, athletes and staff."

CSC Pacific chief executive Wendy Pattenden, said: "Right up until his passing, Gord was doing what he's always done during his eight years with CSC Pacific – tirelessly supporting athletes and coaches to win more medals for Canada.

"I have lost a close friend, and our team at CSCP has lost a beloved leader, a supportive mentor and an individual who had an incredible impact on our organisation."

Sleivert was praised on the CSCP website as a "visionary leader, an innovator, a mentor and a friend" and leaves behind wife, Kari, and their three children.

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