VANCOUVER, Canada (December 2016) – The Sarah Burke Foundation announces the winners of its annual “Up and Coming Scholarship Awards” to Mackenzie Spong of Ontario, Canada, and Tessa Maud from California, USA. These athletes will receive a $7,500 grant from the Foundation which provides financial assistance to aspiring young athletes who have demonstrated personal excellence in their sports and communities. (http://sarahburkefoundation.com).
Qualified applicants had to be 18-years old or younger, compete in winter sports, exhibit consistent academic success, and a philanthropic spirit in keeping with that of Sarah Burke. Each candidate was also required to submit three personal references that could attest to the person’s good character and generosity.
The applicant pool exceeded expectations again this year. “The applications we received were incredible and we continue to be awed by the many people who Sarah inspires on a daily basis,” says Foundation President, Rory Bushfield.
The “Up and Coming Scholarship” Award Winners are:
Sixteen year-old Mackenzie Spong is a sledge hockey player from Ontario, Canada. In 2015, she was chosen as the youngest player to represent her country on the Canadian Sledge Hockey Women’s Team. Just like Sarah, she hopes for the inclusion of Women’s Sledge Hockey as a recognized Paralympic sport and has set her sights on competing in the 2022 Winter Paralympic Games in Beijing.
Tessa Maud is a 13 year-old snowboarder out of California. Already established in her sport at such a young age, she has reached the podium every year since she started competing in 2013. For the last six years, Tessa has helped raise money to purchase items for children undergoing cancer treatment. And, like Sarah, Tessa is a positive person in her community. In her own words, “If you need to find me, listen for the girl who is laughing and flying through the air on a snowboard.”
We are proud to support these athletes as they work to achieve their dreams.
About Sarah Burke
Sarah Burke was an inspiration, a humanitarian, and a shining example of athletic excellence. Remembered for her brilliant heartwarming smile, her heroic feats on the ski slopes and her tireless championing of the underdog, Sarah’s spirit continues to live on in the hearts of those who knew, admired, and loved her. For more information, please visit http://sarahburkefoundation.com.
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