The BC Games Society and Coast Capital Savings have teamed up to create a new athlete bursary program.
Athletes competing at the Nanaimo 2014 BC Summer Games can apply to receive one of 16 bursaries in the amount of $500.
The bursary is intended to recognize youths who excel in athletics and education but, more importantly, go above and beyond in their communities through leadership and volunteer activities.
Athletes who have qualified to compete at the 2014 BC Summer Games can apply for the bursary by completing the online application form at bcgames.org.
The name of a reference (coach or teacher) who can support the application must be included.
Applications will be evaluated by a committee of BC Games Society and Coast Capital Savings representatives based on the following scale — 50 per cent volunteer and leadership activities, 30 per cent sports achievement and 20 per cent educational achievement.
The deadline to apply is July 4 and chosen applicants will be notified no later than July 11.
“BC Games athletes commit significant time and energy to their sport,” said Kelly Mann, President and CEO of the BC Games Society. “We hope that this financial support of athletes, who are leaders both on and off the field of play, will help give them an extra boost to continue to make a difference to their teams and in their communities.”