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Courtney Walls Bursary Drive Launched
posted April 16, 2012
from corerugby.com
CORE has agreed to manage a new rugby bursary being established for graduating rugby players at Okanagan Mission Secondary with strong academic and social skills. The bursary recognizes the achievements of 1982 OKM graduate Courtney Walls, who was a key leader on and off the rugby field at the school. Courtney passed away tragically in 1997. The scholarship is being raised by members of his graduating class, who are celebrating their 30 year reunion this summer.
The idea for the bursary gained momentum when Gareth Rees spoke passionately at the CORE Annual General Meeting in 2011 about his playing relationship with Courtney while they were at the University of Victoria together. Bob Callahan, a teammate and close friend of Courtney's at OKM, was at the meeting and it encouraged him to go ahead with the scholarship/bursary idea.
"Courtney was the captain of our rugby team at OKM and a great friend," said Bob. "He was a top quality rugby player, a strong academic student, and was well-liked by all students and teachers in the school. We have made these the criteria for this annual bursary in Courtney's name."
The goal is to raise $20,000 to be added to the CORE Endowment Fund. This will enable CORE to use the interest from that investment to award a $1,000 bursary to a worthy OKM graduate each year. If no OKM graduate meets the criteria, the bursary will be provided to other school athletes in the Central Okanagan. The fund was launched on April 11th and has already collected $6,025.
CORE has agreed to manage the funds, once they are raised. The Courtney Walls Rugby Bursary will be added to the four other $500 bursaries presently funded by the CORE Endowment Fund.
"I had the opportunity to coach Courtney through his junior and senior rugby career at OKM," said Doug Manning, President of CORE. "He was a gifted athlete with a rare ability to be both a hard worker and a fun-loving person. CORE is honored to host the Courtney Walls bursary and we look forward to identifying local athletes who are worthy of receiving an award in his name."
You can learn more about this new bursary by visiting the Courtney Walls Bursary website. Donations are welcome from $25 up to as much as you are willing to give. All donations will receive a charitable contribution tax receipt.
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