Dear TIRF Staff and Valued Stakeholders,
We are thrilled to announce an exciting development for the Toronto Inner-City Rugby Foundation (TIRF) as we welcome Sheldon Persad as our new Executive Director. Sheldon has been investing time getting to know the organization, our mission, goals and activities as well as our leadership team over the last few weeks. Sheldon will be ramping up his time at TIRF over the coming weeks. Sheldon brings an exceptional blend of leadership, strategic vision, and a deep-rooted passion for sport and community development that will be invaluable to TIRF’s continued growth and success. His career spans decades, marked by a steadfast commitment to fostering excellence and creating a positive impact through sport.
Sheldon’s extensive background includes over 39 years as a sport coach, working with athletes at the highest levels, including world championships, Commonwealth Games, and the Olympics. As a co-owner of Personal Best, his expertise has reached clients across four continents. He is one of only two Certified High Performance Sport Scientist Leaders in Ontario within the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Sport Institute Network, demonstrating his understanding of athletic development and organizational performance.
Beyond his coaching history, Sheldon has held pivotal leadership roles, including his long tenure with the Canadian Sport Institute Ontario (formerly the Canadian Sport Centre). There, he served in various capacities and is currently serving as a Consultant.. His experience in these roles has equipped him with a robust understanding of strategic planning, program management, and fostering high-performance environments. Sheldon is a co-founder of the Certified Professional Trainers Network (CPTN) and the inaugural President of the Canadian Strength and Conditioning Association (CSCA), highlighting his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to professional development within the sports industry.
What makes Sheldon an ideal fit for TIRF is not just his professional acumen, but also his personal connection to rugby and community. He has been involved with rugby for 40 years as a player, coach, and administrator, including coaching at high school, university, and club levels. He is currently Director of Rugby for the Toronto Saracens, helping to rebuild the club and demonstrating his commitment to the sport’s grassroots and organizational health.
We are confident that Sheldon’s leadership will help to propel TIRF to new heights, strengthening our programs, expanding our reach, and deepening our impact within the communities we serve. His dedication to developing individuals through sport aligns perfectly with TIRF’s mission to use rugby as a vehicle for positive social change. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Sheldon Persad.
Sincerely,
The Board of Directors of Toronto Inner-City Rugby Foundation (TIRF)