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Professor Norm O’Reilly recognized as one of 5 To Watch in Canadian sport business industry
OTTAWA, May 17, 2013 — The University of Ottawa congratulates Faculty of Health Sciences sport management professor Norm O’Reilly for being recognized as one of the best and brightest of the Canadian sport business industry at the second annual 5 To Watch Awards, a celebration of leadership in Canadian sport business, held in Toronto.
Norm O’Reilly, PhD, is an associate professor at the School of Human Kinetics, where he teaches graduate-level courses related to sport management, sport finance and sport marketing in both English and French. He also gives talks at the NFL-Stanford Executive Education Program, and he leads practical student research with Senators Sports & Entertainment as well as theGolf Association of Ontario to evaluate the impact of sport on local markets. In addition, he often acts as an expert witness on legal cases. And the list goes on.
Professor O’Reilly’s impressive resume has earned him a reputation as a go-to expert on sport business in North America. The 5 To Watch Awards now officially acknowledges that this academic is as much a part of the industry as Canada’s leading sport business and marketing professionals. Previous recipients have come from TSN, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, the Canadian Olympic Committee, Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Bell Media.
“I do a lot of speaking, consulting and expert work that keeps me in the industry’s field of view, so I am very surprised that an academic was selected,” says Professor O’Reilly. “It’s an honour in itself, to know that my work is recognized outside of the classroom and by the industry. Sport marketing professors don’t have labs. Our lab is out here, and we need the support of organizations to allow us to follow through with our research.”
However, Professor O’Reilly admits that what counts for him are the opportunities he can provide to his young team of graduate researchers. “The bigger my platform is, the more knowledge and opportunities I can offer to my students, who are really the ones to watch. That’s how I foresee myself making a difference and setting the tone for the future success of Canadian sport business.”
5 To Watch recipients are voted on by a panel of leading sports marketers and influencers, including representation from Founding Partners—BMO Financial Group, the Canadian Football League, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, SDI Marketing, and TSN—and from presenting partner The Globe and Mail.
Information:
Kina Leclair
Media Relations Officer
kleclair@uOttawa.ca
Office: 613-562-5800 (2529)
Cell: 613-762-2908
