The Quebec Foundation for Athletic Excellence (FAEQ) has awarded 33 student-athletes for their academic and athletic achievements during the 27th edition of the National Bank Bursary Program. In total, it has distributed $126,000 in the form of individual $2,000 and $4,000 bursaries during a ceremony which took place today at National Bank’s headquarters.
The National Bank Bursary Program recognizes student-athletes in the Hopeful, Elite, and Excellence categories between the ages of 13 and 26, from all over Quebec. Last year, National Bank announced a one million dollar contribution over five years to support this program.
“Each year, it’s a pleasure for us to pursue our collaboration with the Foundation for Athletic Excellence. Our partnership, which dates back over a quarter-century, helps us foster academic and athletic excellence in Quebec’s top student-athletes. We commend the talent, discipline and determination of all the recipients,” stated Louis Vachon, National Bank President and Chief Executive Officer.
This sentiment is echoed by Claude Chagnon, FAEQ President. “For us, each of the 27 editions of the National Bank Bursary Program has been a highly valued moment of collaboration with a prestigious institution. As a steadfast partner of the Foundation for Athletic Excellence, National Bank is committed to the academic and athletic success of some of the province's most inspiring athletes.”
For this 27th edition, 19 Academic Excellence bursaries were awarded to student-athletes who have demonstrated outstanding academic results, 12 Academic and Athletic Support bursaries were distributed to encourage the reconciliation of sport and study, and two Perseverance bursaries were awarded to highlight the determination of an athlete in the face of difficult circumstances.
Over the years, National Bank has had the privilege of supporting hundreds of student-athletes such as tennis player Félix Auger-Aliassime, freestyle skier and 2018 Olympic champion Mikaël Kingsbury, cross-country skier and five-time international medallist Alex Harvey, weightlifter and two-time Olympic medallist Christine Girard, multiple international diving medallists Jennifer Abel and Roseline Filion, and hockey players Mélodie Daoust, Charline Labonté, and Caroline Ouellette, who have been awarded on the Olympic podium on several occasions.
Recipients of the 2019 National Bank Bursary Program