Considered a "world-renowned" sport business and marketing expert, O'Reilly is chair of the department of sports administration at Ohio University's College of Business in Athens, Ohio and currently holds the Richard P. & Joan S. Professorship in business.

He also has much experience within Canadian teams at major sporting events, having served a member of the Mission staff at the Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games, where his work spanned roles including leading operations at Canada Olympic House as well overseeing administration in the Athletes' Village.

At Rio 2016 he is expected to act as team spokesperson, promoting Canadian athletes and raising awareness of Paralympic sport and the Canadian team.

He will also particularly focus upon pre-Games preparation, the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) has revealed, and supporting team staff to ensure an "optimal environment of success" for Canadian athletes.

"I've had the good fortune to be involved in numerous facets of the Paralympic Movement for 20 years," said O'Reilly, a member of the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) Revenue Generation Advisory Group. 

“I hope to help our athletes to the best of my ability over the next 18 months."

It is hoped O'Reilly will help take some of the pressure off Petitclerc, the 14-time Paralympic gold medallist appointed Chef de Mission last September. 

"He will bring the team his passion and expertise and also share our vision of excellence towards Rio,” she said.

“I truly look forward to working with him."

The duo will be hoping to propel the team to an improvement upon their performance at London 2012 that saw Canada finish 20th on the overall medals table with seven gold, 15 silver and nine bronze.

A team of approximately 170 to 200 athletes is expected to be selected.

Related stories:
September 2014: Five-time Paralympian Petitclerc revealed as Canada's Rio 2016 Chef de Mission