When Basketball Canada made what some saw as controversial decisions, it was Leslie, composed and assertive, who fronted the Association, explained the decisions and fielded difficult questions. In addition, Leslie is solidifying sponsorships, looking for new sponsors and has built bridges with the NBA, media and corporate community. Leslie believed that both the women's and men's teams could qualify for the 2000 Olympic Games if they had good coaching, adequate training camps, and opportunity to play challenging opponents. She kept the 2000 Olympic goal in everyone's sight. Not only did both teams compete in the 2000 Olympics the women's team placed 10th and men's team placed 7th.
Transformation takes time, networking, money and leadership.
Leslie is leading Basketball Canada's transformation. But that's where she is today. Lori is dedicated to harmonizing relationships between Athletes CAN, Sport Canada, the Canadian Olympic Association and other leading national sport organizations. During 2000 Lori was involved in several federal government initiatives. She was vital to the government's decision to increase funding to athletes and coaches in March 2000.