Curling Canada introduces new stream to its scholarship program, investing equally in future champions and builders

More curling scholarships mean more opportunities for young curling champions and leaders. This is why Curling Canada is nearly doubling the number of scholarships student-athletes can earn this year.

In addition to the For the Love of Curling scholarships awarded annually since 2014 to young competitors and champions, Curling Canada is launching a new stream of scholarships this year to support young builders of the sport in their post-secondary endeavours. 

The Fran Todd All Heart Award was launched two years ago and provided opportunities for young curlers to create new inclusive initiatives and programming at their curling facilities. This year, the award is transitioning into a scholarship to assist curling’s future builders of the sport in their post-secondary academic pursuits.

“Many young curlers grow up with dreams and aspirations of reaching the podium. Others wish to use the values and qualities of fair play and sportsmanship they learned through curling to bring change to their communities. They are all leaders of the sport in their own rights and deserve our support,” said Brodie Bazinet, Curling Canada’s philanthropic program manager. “This is a major opportunity for broader representation of young curlers across the country. Thanks to the generous support of donors, Curling Canada can now invest equally in our sport’s future builders and champions.”

The Curling Canada Scholarship Program now has two streams, with 10 scholarships to be awarded in each. The 20 scholarships are worth $2,500 each, totalling a $50,000 investment in the future of the sport this year.

There are 10 For the Love of Curling Scholarships for young curling student-athletes who best demonstrate athletic and academic prowess and strong community leadership. The aim is to give talented young curlers the support they need to pursue their academic and curling dreams.

Ten Fran Todd All Heart Scholarships are available to curling student-athletes who best demonstrate volunteer and community leadership to create meaningful change through sport. The scholarship aims to reward compassionate young curlers by supporting their academic and community volunteer impact dreams.

The Governor General’s Curling Club – an honourary society under the patronage of the Governor General of Canada since 1874 – will present two of the 20 scholarships this year, financially supported by donations from its membership.

Potential scholarship recipients will use the same application to apply for both scholarship streams. Applicants will write a personal essay reflecting on their vision for the future of curling in Canada and what influences they and their generation of curlers can have on the development of the sport and the community. 

Applicants must be 22 or younger as of Dec. 31, 2024. Students who have received the For the Love of Curling Scholarship are still eligible for the Fran Todd All Heart Scholarship.

The selection panel consists of Curling Canada staff, board members, former scholars and other leaders in the curling community, including: Nolan Thiessen (Curling Canada CEO), Helen Radford (Curling Canada Manager, Youth Programs and NextGEN), Bobby Ray (Curling Canada Manager, Club Development), Brodie Bazinet (Curling Canada Manager, Philanthropic Program), Michael Szajewski (Curling Canada Board of Governors Chair), Jennifer Howard (Curling Canada Board of Governor), Donna Krotz (leadership representative), Wil Robertson (previous scholar), Sophie Blades (previous scholar) and Wil Thurlow (Governor General’s Curling Club).

The application deadline is June 9, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Curling Canada will announce the recipients in September 2024.

For more information and to apply, visit Curling Canada’s Philanthropic website.