Author Archives: Jeff

RAYMOND JAMES STEPS FORWARD TO SPONSOR THE CANADIAN UNIVERSITY MEN’S RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP

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We are pleased to announce a new partnership between Raymond James Ltd., Lougheed Wealth Management of Raymond James, and the Canadian University Men’s Rugby Championship (CUMRC).

              

The 2022 Championship will be hosted by the University of British Columbia from November 30 to December 4 at Thunderbird Stadium in Vancouver, BC. Once again, the tournament will feature 8 teams from across Canada in the 5 regions in which university men’s rugby is played in Canada:  the University of Victoria and host the University of British Columbia from BC, the University of Calgary from the Prairies, the University of Guelph and Wilfrid Laurier University from Ontario, McGill University from Quebec, Memorial University from the Atlantic region, and the wild card entry, either Trinity Western University or UBC Okanagan.

“As the excitement mounts on the pitch, we are excited to have Raymond James join us as the new lead sponsor, and to have Lougheed Wealth Management continue its support of our championship,” says Jeff Chan, CUMRC Co-Founder and Chair. “With rugby union one of the fastest-growing sports by participation and viewers globally and in North America, we look forward to growing together.”

“We are excited to participate in a great championship weekend,” said Dave Loughheed of Lougheed Wealth Management of Raymond James. “As a former player, the lessons I learned from rugby have been instrumental in my personal and professional journey helping clients. We wish all the players good luck for a successful championship.”

Founded in 2017 the Canadian University Men’s Rugby Championship was created to not only fill the gap in terms of a national championship with representation from all parts of Canada, but also has as a goal the growth of men’s rugby at the university level in both student-athlete numbers, number of teams, and audience interest and engagement, and the deepening of the talent pool for Canada’s senior national team. Already the number of teams vying to qualify for the tournament has grown from 29 to 34, including the new teams in 2022 at Memorial University in Newfoundland, and Carleton University playing in the Quebec league (RSEQ). Since its founding, the CUMRC has received the generous support of the University Rugby Supporters Fund at the Canadian Rugby Foundation.

Raymond James is a leading independent full service investment dealer offering an extensive range of professional investment services and products, including private wealth management services, financial and estate planning services, portfolio management, insurance, trust services, equity research, investment banking and institutional sales and trading. Through its network of more than 8,400 financial/investment advisors and portfolio managers across Canada, the United States and key international centres, Raymond James manages more than US$1.13 trillion in client assets under administration. The firm also has over 60 research analysts covering more than 1,100 companies in Canada, the United States, and internationally

For more information, contact:

Jeff Chan
Chair, Canadian University Men’s Rugby Championship
Email: jeffachan@gmail.com

Introducing the David Robinson Memorial Award Fund

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We are pleased to announce that The David Robinson Memorial Award Fund was established in today following the passing of noted Alberta and national Rugby official and educator David R. Robinson.

The Fund is intended to provide funding from its endowment for annual awards that further the broad objectives and purposes of Rugby Canada and the Canadian Rugby Foundation to develop and grow rugby across Canada while meeting CRA requirements. The award is presented annually to a rugby student-athlete entering or already enrolled in a university or college who has been actively participating as a rugby player, coach, official, administrator or volunteer at the club or high school level, and who has expressed an interest in continuing their rugby involvement as an official.

The David Robinson Memorial Award is named for David Russell Robinson.

David Robinson Bio

On Saturday, October 15, 2022, we lost David Robinson, an outstanding member of the rugby community. David was an active referee for 30 years in Alberta and British Columbia but was often found refereeing around the world. David never missed an opportunity to take his boots and whistle with him on his travels, creating a legacy of having refereed in over 20 countries. David was often seen talking to new match officials about his global referring experience. On the field, David was willing to help whenever and wherever he was needed, from his annual run at the Stampede Rugby 7s, shadowing new match officials, refereeing age-grade matches, or the highest level of Provincial tournaments and Provincial finals. David’s community involvement was not limited to the field. David never missed an opportunity to host a visiting match official. He opened his home, shared his family and community, and ensured everyone got the most out of their visit and the game of Rugby, which he loved. David was a founding member of the Rugby Alberta Match Officials’ Association (RAMOA) and sat on its first board, serving as both treasurer and president during his time. David’s connections during his travels played a key role in helping RAMOA set up ongoing Match Official exchanges in Northern California. ln recent years, David became World Rugby Educator, influencing hundreds of new match officials with his personality and style. ln addition he became a Citing Commissioner for World Rugby and Major League Rugby and has been involved in several tournaments throughout Canada, the USA, and the Caribbean. Our thoughts and condolences go out to David’s family, friends and the community he tirelessly served. A life well lived in service of others is a life we should all celebrate. – Rugby Alberta

David was a founding member of the Rugby Alberta Match Officials’Association GAMOA) and sat on its first board, serving as both treasurer and president during his time. David’s connections during his travels played a key role in helping RAMOA set up ongoing Match Official exchanges in Northern California. David was often seen talking to new match officials about his global refereeing experience. David never missed an opportunity to take his boots with him on his travels, creating a legacy of having refereed in over 20 countries. On the field, David was willing to help whenever and wherever he was needed, from his annual run at the Stampede Rugby 7s, shadowing new match officials, refereeing age-grade matches, or the highest level of Provincial tournaments and Provincial finals. David’s community involvement was not limited to the field. David never missed an opportunity to host a visiting match official. He opened his home, shared his family and community, and ensured everyone got the most out of their visit and the game of Rugby, which he loved. – Rugby Canada

While details of the Award application process are in development, the selection criteria will include:

1. High school graduate from Alberta
2. Enrolled in or entering a Canadian university or college
3. Academic achievements
4. Rugby achievements and involvement
5. lnterest in officiating

To continue David’s legacy and honour his contributions to rugby, GO HERE TO DONATE TO THE DAVID ROBINSON MEMORIAL AWARD FUND AND SCROLL DOWN TO THE FUND NAME:

 

Announcing the Liam Geddes Memorial Award Fund

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We are pleased to announce the establishment of the Liam Geddes Memorial Award Fund at the Canadian Rugby Foundation. The Award is named in honour of Liam David Geddes (October 27, 1999 – March 11, 2022).

The Liam Geddes Memorial Award is intended to provide funding from its endowment for an annual award presented initially to the outstanding back row player at the Canadian University Men’s Rugby Championship (CUMRC) and later when appropriate, the national university men’s Back Row Player of the Year, consistent with the broad objectives and purposes of Rugby Canada and the Canadian Rugby Foundation to develop and grow rugby across Canada, while meeting CRA requirements. The Fund has been kickstarted with donations from Liam’s family and friends.

Liam loved hard, worked hard, and played hard. Liam first began to play rugby for his high school, in Lindsay, ON. He went on to play with the Lindsay Rugby Club, and represented Ontario with U17 and U18 squads. He was a varsity athlete with the Queens Men’s Rugby Program, helping them to achieve gold medals in OUA finals in 2018, 2019, and silver in 2021. He represented Queen’s Men’s Rugby at the Canadian University Men’s Rugby Championship (CUMRC) in 2018 in Victoria, 2019 in Montreal, and most recently 2021 in Kingston.

At the time of his passing, Liam was a 4th-year student at Queens University, about to graduate with Honours with a B.Sc. in Kinesiology. He was an academic all-star during all four years of his studies, and was awarded his degree posthumously in June 2022. His plans for further schooling, with the ultimate goal of acceptance into medical school, were unfortunately cut short by his untimely death.

Liam was known by all for having a kind heart, quick wit, and keen intellect. He was ever humble and known to give the greatest bear hugs to anyone he was with. Liam was also known for being a clothes horse, with an eye for style. In addition to being very close to his parents, sisters and extended family, he had an extremely large group of well-loved friends throughout his home in Kawartha Lakes, ON, as well as his second home in Kingston, ON. Liam was tenacious on the rugby field from his position in the back row, but he also had a kind and caring spirit and was ever ready to lend a helping hand, or a compassionate ear.

Liam had registered as an organ donor of his own accord several years before his passing. Through his gift of organ donation, Liam was able to profoundly impact the lives of 4 organ donor recipients (lung, liver, and both kidneys), and their families.

You can continue Liam’s legacy through the Liam Geddes Memorial Award Fund by making a donation to the endowment fund here and scrolling down to the Fund name.

Liam Geddes Article 20221027

Rugby Canada Announces Monty Heald Fund Grant

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In the leadup to the Rugby World Cup in Auckland and Whangārei, New Zealand this fall, from October 8 to November 12, the Foundation’s Monty Heald Fund has made a significant grant to Rugby Canada in support of the Senior Women’s 15’s team. Details follow in the Rugby Canada media release: July 2022_CRF MHF_en

 

Globe and Mail Covers the Fletcher’s Fields Donation to the Foundation

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Sale of Fletcher’s Fields provides historic boost to Canadian Rugby Foundation

NEIL DAVIDSON
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA
THE CANADIAN PRESS
December 23, 2021

Canadian rugby has received a historic boost in the form of an $11.65-million donation.

The money, which is going to the non-profit Canadian Rugby Foundation, comes from the $21.5-million sale of the eight-hectare Fletcher’s Fields rugby facility in Markham, Ont.

Established in 1966, Fletcher’s Fields features six rugby fields and has hosted Canada test matches against Argentina, England, Ireland, Japan, the U.S. and Wales, as well as numerous Ontario championships. It is named after the late Denis Fletcher, a rugby enthusiast who helped grow the game in Ontario.

Fletcher’s Fields Limited, which owned the facility, is comprised of six equal shareholders: Aurora Barbarians Rugby Football Club, Markham Irish Canadian Rugby Club, Rugby Ontario, Nomads Rugby Football Club of Toronto, Toronto Saracens Rugby Football Club and Toronto Scottish Rugby Football Club.

The $11.65-million donation will translate into six endowment funds, representing each of those shareholders. The remainder of the sale proceeds is being held back as the clubs determine their future venue and capital plans.

The Foundation will administer the endowment funds, retaining some of the proceeds with the bulk of that revenue going back to the original shareholders.

Foundation chair Mike Holmes called it a “historic donation.”

“It will enable us to invest significantly more funds in development of grassroots rugby in Canada,” Holmes said in an interview.

“That’s the mission of the foundation – to grow our capital so that we have more and more income arising from that capital,” he added. “And in time we have more and more money to spend on growth of grassroots rugby in Canada.”

Established in 2003, the Foundation offers scholarships and manages several funds, including the Captain’s Fund, which helps the under-20 and other national age-group programs and the Monty Heald National Women’s Fund, which assists women’s national team programs.

The Foundation’s assets now exceed $18-million. Rugby Canada’s annual revenue totalled $9.2-million in pandemic-affected 2020 and $14.9-million in 2019.

Fletcher’s Fields will continue hosting rugby and other sport competitions until October, 2024, with shareholder clubs hoping to have new localized facilities ready for the 2025 season.

In recent years, the Fletcher’s board opted for a long-term review with the facility’s increasing need for capital improvements and out of a desire for greater access to rugby across the city. That led to the board accepting a purchase offer.

In addition to the six new endowment funds, the Foundation has contributed $120,000 and committed to an annual contribution towards a new Fletcher’s Patrons Fund that honours those who helped finance major renovations and build grandstands at the property. The returns from the fund will go toward initiatives to help develop rugby in Ontario.

 

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/article-sale-of-fletchers-fields-provides-historic-boost-to-canadian-rugby/

Fletcher’s Patrons Fund

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Fletcher’s Fields Limited (FFL) is a share capital corporation incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario). FFL is a not-for-profit organization within the meaning of paragraph 149(1)(l) of the Income Tax Act (Canada). On its initial incorporation as a letters patent corporation under the Corporations Act (Ontario) in 1970, the objects of FFL were stated in part as follows:

a) To establish, maintain and operate athletic facilities and to promote an interest in athletic games, recreation and sports;

b) To construct and operate grandstands, arenas, playing field, booths, refreshment rooms, food services and other buildings and conveniences whether of a permanent or temporary nature;

c) To arrange or hold matches and competitions of every nature and to offer or grant and contribute towards prizes, awards and distinctions;

d) To buy, sell and deal in all kinds of equipment, apparatus and provisions required by or conveniences for the persons frequenting the Company’s facilities; and

e) To use such facilities and to permit the same or any part thereof to be sued on such terms as the company shall think fit for any purposes, public or private, and in particular for public and other gatherings and meetings, exhibitions, picnics, tournaments and other performances.

On November 23, 2021, the Canadian Rugby Foundation (the Foundation) was pleased to accept a historic donation in the amount of $11.65 million from Fletcher’s Field Limited (FFL), this following the sale of its Fletcher’s Fields rugby facility in Markham Ontario to the City of Markham. The Foundation and FFL have entered into a donation agreement (the “FFL Master Agreement”) effective June 1st, 2021. In addition, the Foundation established from its own Unrestricted Fund a restricted fund to be named the “Fletcher’s Patrons Fund” in the amount of $120,000.

The Fletcher’s Patrons Fund is named for the generous supporters or “Patrons” who in 1995 enabled Fletcher’s Fields to undertake major renovations to the clubhouse and install an electronic scoreboard and a grandstand to accommodate three thousand spectators. Funds for the improvements came by way of an Ontario grant and a major fundraising drive in the rugby community. The fundraising drive involved donors contributing one thousand dollars to Fletcher’s in return for being named a patron and receiving free entry to games. Almost $150,000 was raised from members of the FFL shareholder clubs and other Ontario rugby clubs.

The Fletcher’s Patrons Fund is intended to provide funding from its endowment, and from capital disbursements that continue the objects of FFL. These include:

(a) To encourage and further the game of rugby in Ontario and Canada in accordance with the laws of World Rugby (“WR”);

(b) To actively support rugby players and participants in the Province of Ontario by furnishing equipment, kit, and facilities for the game of rugby; and

(c) To promote all forms of rugby recognized by WR and to arrange matches and rugby competitions and to offer or grant and contribute towards prizes, awards, scholarships and honorariums related to playing rugby in the Province of Ontario.

Fletcher's Fields

 

USE THE FORM BELOW TO DONATE TO THE FLETCHER’S PATRONS FUND:

Recap: 2021 Canadian University Men’s Rugby Championship

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November 28 saw the finale of the 2021 Toronto Arrows Canadian University Men’s Rugby Championship presented by Lougheed Wealth Management – Raymond James (CUMRC). Once again, the UBC Thunderbirds were victorious, winning their third championship in four years, and defeating the defending champions and arch-provincial rivals the University of Victoria Vikes in the Gold medal match 39-7.

This year’s tournament was hosted by Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario from November 24-28.  34 teams competed this year to qualify for the CUMRC through their conference or regional leagues, an increase of 17 percent from the inaugural 2017 tournament. Eight teams from all regions of Canada  won the right to compete at the CUMRC: UBC and UVic from BC, Calgary from the Prairies, Guelph, Queen’s and RMC from Ontario, Concordia from Quebec, and Dalhousie from the Atlantic. Three brand new qualifiers made it to Kingston – RMC, Calgary and Dalhousie.

The results from the twelve matches played over three days aligned closely with the way the teams were initially seeded. All matches were streamed on YouTube and on The Rugby Network:

Quarter-finals

UBC 66, RMC 0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYTnR_6aEpg)

Guelph 34, Calgary 5 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q550bCSZ-jw)

UVic 72, Dalhousie 0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPusfiY7Zfw)

Queen’s 38, Concordia 22 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Poa5YsZPag4)

Consolation Semi-finals

Concordia 60, RMC 3 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29ucaHwEwxk)

Calgary 25, Dalhousie 11 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IE9A9boxYQ0)

Championship Semi-finals

UBC 41, Queen’s 20 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDuZ8zRey5s)

UVic 29, Guelph 22 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCrwkvUH54c)

Final Day

7 vs. 8: RMC 43, Dalhousie 7 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdPmrDysjBA)

5 vs. 6: Concordia 39, Calgary 17 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCk7y1YKgJM)

Bronze medal: Queen’s 13, Guelph 5 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nevcgmXx-8Q)

Gold medal: UBC 39, UVic 7 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acbNEZ89b1E)

 

Photos from the tournament can be seen here

All game videos on the Queen’s YouTube channel

During the first day of the tournament, 8 players – one from each team – were presented with the Col. W.D.C. Holmes Award recognizing their contributions to the game of rugby off-the-field. Full story.

Following the tournament, the First and Second Team All Stars were announced, with the two finalists, UBC and UVic well represented.

 

And finally, the University of Calgary Dinos were named as the inaugural winners of the Jeff Chan Spirit of Rugby Team Award. The Dinos were selected by the Toronto Arrows selection panel, the tournament officials, and the CUMRC Board, based on their demonstration of the spirit, values, and culture of the game of rugby including respect for their opponents and the officials, competitiveness, and good sportsmanship over the course of the CUMRC tournament.

 

The CUMRC Tournament had the generous support of the following sponsors:

Title sponsor: The Toronto Arrows

Presenting sponsor: Lougheed Wealth Management – Raymond James

Sustaining sponsors: The Canadian Rugby Foundation, Langara Fishing Adventures, Pemberton-Holmes, and Michael Holmes.

Host university: Queen’s University

All Stars and Player of the Game sponsor: Pinnacle Scouting

Continuing support: Rugby Canada.

The 2022 CUMRC returns to British Columbia November 30 – December 4, 2022.

Col. W.D.C. Holmes Awards Presented at the 2021 Canadian University Men’s Rugby Championship

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From November 24-28, Queen’s University hosted the Canadian University Men’s Rugby Championship (CUMRC). The 2021 CUMRC featured eight teams from across Canada including the ultimate champion UBC and UVic from BC, Calgary from the Prairies, Guelph, Queen’s and RMC from Ontario, Concordia from Quebec, and Dalhousie from the Atlantic region.

As was the case with the U SPORTS Women’s Rugby Nationals, 8 student-athletes were recognized for their off-field contributions to the game of rugby at their university and community in the past year, while their university team’s Athletic Financial Awards (AFAs) were enhanced with $500 cheques from the Canadian Rugby Foundation’s W.D.C. Holmes Fund. Examples of factors to be considered could include organizing community events involving the team, mentoring younger players, volunteering with their home rugby club or at the community in which the university is located, volunteering as a club executive or an official at any level, and providing off-the-field leadership on the university team.

The Col. W.D.C. Holmes Awards are presented by Michael Holmes in memory of his late father Lt. Col. W.D.C. Holmes, who won the sword of honour at RMC in 1942 before embarking on a distinguished career in the British Army during and after World War II. Fittingly the same Royal Military College  made its inaugural appearance in the 2021 CUMRC.

The following eight men were recognized for their contributions to the game of rugby:

Braden Gray – Royal Military College, 4th Year, Computer Engineering

Brayden is a senior computer engineering student and the team captain.   A native of Ottawa, Ontario his career choice is to serve in the Royal Canadian Navy as a Marine Systems Engineering Officer.  He has held a number of leadership position within RMC including Flight Section Commander and Squadron Sports Officer.

Aria Keshoofy – University of Guelph, 5th Year, MSc. Population Medicine

Aria has been a leader and captain for the past two season, who recently won the OUA Trillium Award this past season. Last Christmas he organized a advent donation drive which resulted in gifts and food for 9 families in need. He also helps mentor younger and incoming players.

Dawson Legere – Dalhousie University, 3rd Year, Arts

Dawson successfully recovered from two shoulder surgeries to become a most essential part of the DURFC pack. Beyond his invaluable contributions to the team, Dawson has committed himself to being an exemplary figure in the Halifax rugby community. This past summer, Dawson rose to head coach for the U-15 Nova Scotia provincial squad. At 21 years of age, he is one of the more respected figures in Nova Scotia for his playing and coaching abilities.

Logan Martin-Feek – University of   Victoria, 4th Year

Logan has been unable to compete with his team on the field this season due to injury but was previously the on-field captain and has continued to foster his leadership skills . Logan is the first guy to make sure that the players new to our program feel welcome, and that they belong. He has worked tirelessly this year to develop himself as a leader, frequently looking for professional development opportunities, and suggesting ways in which we can better our program.

Aidan McMullan – Concordia University, 2nd Year Building Engineering

Only a second year student and already recognized as a team captain, Aidan is a leader in off the field activities, he is a mentor to young aspiring rugby players, and coaches rugby in the community.

Alex Pipchuck – Queen’s University, 5th Year, Arts & Science

Alex is one of the team leaders in organizing the Run for the Cure for the Men’s Rugby Team fundraising for the past 3 years. The Gaels have been the top fund-raising team from a Canadian university and the top team from Kingston. Alex led the team to raise funds in a number of ways, including an email campaign, going door-to-door in non-COVID years, run challenges where money is donated per kilometre, and contributions from the team’s alumni.

Sam Platt – University of Calgary, 3rd Year, Law

Sam engages the community and rugby team to get involved with positive and exuberant passion. This year alone Sam serves on the Exec as the Liaison for all Charity connections. Successfully accomplished raising over $10k for breast cancer and continues to excel at engaging the team in events to better our community presence. Sam is working on an initiative to engage local high schools to share the players’ and coaches’ knowledge at the University of Calgary Dinos with the local community, while having fun and raising awareness for mental health.

Bryce Worden – UBC, 4th Year, Kinesiology

Bryce is applying to Medical School after his degree in Kinesiology. He guides and informs younger players and leads from behind and sometimes out front with the senior players.  He leads a abundant group of mini and junior rugby players at his home club.

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Founded in 2017, the 2021 Toronto Arrows Canadian University Men’s Rugby Championship, presented by Lougheed Wealth Management-Raymond James, marked the 4th year for the tournament. With generous  sponsor support from the Canadian Rugby Foundation, Langara Fishing Adventures, Pemberton-Holmes, Pinnacle Scouting and with the support of Rugby Canada, the CUMRC is contributing to the growth of university men’s rugby across Canada with 34 teams now competing to qualify for the tournament and two more slated  to join in 2022, when the Championship will be held at the University of British Columbia. And increasingly, the university ranks are the crucial development path for MLR’s Toronto Arrows, and and the senior national 15s team.

Inaugural Col. W.D.C. Holmes Awards Presented at the 2021 U SPORTS Women’s Rugby Championship

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The Nov. 10-14 U SPORTS Women’s Rugby Championship hosted by Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, marked the first Holmes Awards recognizing off-field contributions to the game of rugby by a Canadian University Women’s Rugby student-athlete.

The Col. W.D.C. Holmes Awards are presented by Michael Holmes through the Canadian Rugby Foundation in memory of his late father, Lt. Col. W.D.C. Holmes, who won the sword of honour at RMC in 1942 before heading off to England with a commission in the British Army in the Second World War.  In his 25 year career with the British Army he fought in numerous campaigns  and was awarded both the Military Cross and the Distinguished Service Order for bravery in the Korean War.

Sixteen awards of $500 are presented to the 8 Women’s and 8 Men’s teams in the National University Rugby Championships, to go towards each team’s Athletic Financial Awards (AFAs). The award recognizes the player on each team who has best contributed to the game of rugby at their university and community in the past year. The goal is to encourage the future leaders of the sport of rugby across Canada and recognize off-the-field vs. on-field performance, Examples of factors to be considered could include organizing community events involving the team, mentoring younger players, volunteering with home rugby club, or at the community in which the university is located, volunteering as a club executive or an official at any level, and providing off-the-field leadership on the university team.

Eight women were recognized for their off-the-field contributions to the game of rugby, each representing the eight Universities competing at the Women’s Rugby Nationals as follow:

Sophie-Rose Pickard – Acadia University, 5th Year Kinesiology

Sophie has been a standout team player on and off the field and took the role to new heights this season. Her positive attitude and personality are infectious among the team – even if she’s having a down day. She is a go-to for anyone who need an ear to listen or a helping hand. Soph is always willing to contribute in any way she can; active participation in film sessions, practices, technical questions to provide learning moments for younger players. She is the epitome of what a rugby player is, she spins everything in a positive way and will bring her lessons from rugby her wherever life takes her. Throughout her years as a student-athlete, Soph has shown great resilience in both athletics and academic pursuits. No matter her adversities, Sophie has always remained grounded, true to herself, and have become a role model for younger players. Sophie plans to move back home to Newfoundland upon graduation to help women’s programs develop and succeed on the national stage.

Amelia Stapley – Queen’s University, 4th Year Arts & Science

 

Amelia has been an incredible teammate for 4 years within the Queen’s Women’s Rugby program. She is always going out of her way to support her teammates – especially our 1st years – to ensure they are well looked after.  Amelia also volunteers her time at her local rugby club, coaching mini rugby and helping pass on her love for the sport.

Dani Franada – St. Francis Xavier University, 4th Year Business

Dani is a player every coach wants to have; she makes her teammates better by just being on the field. She is a leader on the field, in the dressing room, and in the StFX leadership academy. She is respected by our younger players and is well liked by all her teammates. She is kind and considerate of others and looks to lead by example.

Annabelle Parent – Université Laval, 4th Year Intervention Sportif

Annabelle has been plenty involved in the rugby community during the covid period. She managed different programs and academies for kids between 6 and 21 years old according to public health authorities. She also volunteers to make known rugby in high school and primary school all over Quebec and his region. Despite recovering from ACL injuries, she never stops helping the growth of our sport during this period.

Rori Woods – University of British Columbia, 3rd Year Kinesiology

Rori has been a huge part as a coach and program leader with the UBC mini rugby program. This is her second year. The program runs for 8 to10 weeks in Term One and again in term two during the school year. The program runs every Sunday morning, with 50 children aged 3 to 9. Rori has also been involved in a UBC recruit camp that took place during the summer break. Rori has also supported the UBC female rugby academy as a coach and mentor to potential new recruits. Rori is also a huge part in the University leadership group.

Hannah Beaumont – University of Guelph, 5th Year Human Kinetics

Hannah is a speedster on the pitch that can score tries and track down any opponent. She’s the top try scorer this season with a whopping 10 tries. She’s courageous in contact at such high speeds and does this with a smile on her face. Hannah is an exceptional player and teammate. She has made her mark on the gryphon program and will be missed immensely following her graduation.

Ngozi Mosindi – University of Ottawa, 2nd Year Criminology

Since Ngozi has become a part of the Gee-Gees, she has been extreemely involved in all aspects of what we do on and off the field. She has been a part of our Task Force for Equity and Diversity, where she hosted a 3-part Black Women in Sport: Speaker Series. Apart from all Ngozi has done with the Task Force, she has been a main support with player recruitment. She has been in contact with recruits all fall, hosting zoom meetings, supporting trial days, and maintaining connections. In the zoom sessions, Ngozi leads recruits through their questions and gives insight to our program. Ngozi has also helped with the development of our younger players by supporting their development games and the growth of other young athletes in Ottawa. She has planned and ran sessions with the rugby team at Heritage College as well as Ashbury Colleges’ football team.

Ada Okonkwo – University of Victoria, 4th Year Masters in Public Health

Ada has been an incredible advocate and leader for the Vikes Women’s Rugby team, the Vikes athletics department, the university and in the community this past year. She is currently completing her master’s in Public Health and has a passion for uplifting the voices of the BIPOC community. Ada also organized our team to all wear orange and consulted with the indigenous community on campus to make sure our game on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was done properly and with respect. For the university, Ada is a member of the Vikes Student-athlete Leadership Council. She provides advice to Vikes Athletics Department for leadership on advancing the culture of excellence associated with varsity athletics and the student-athlete experience, as well as any issues related to BIPOC. In consultation with the Indigenous Academic & Community Engagement Department, In the community, Ada has used her voice to advance the BIPOC community. She was involved in the Black Lives Matter movement and spoke at the peaceful protests in Victoria. She also organized a peaceful protest at Victoria City Hall to bring global awareness and attention to the violation of human rights and injustices against Nigerian youths #ENDSARS.

Presentations were made by Hans de Goede a Director of the Foundation (whose daughter Sophie captained the Gold medal-winning Queen’s Gaels and was named the Tournament MVP) and Jeff Chan, Executive Director of the Foundation.

 

 

 

Announcing the Steven Batie Memorial Fund

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The latest of the Foundation’s Awards Endowment Funds has just gone live with the creation of the Steven Batie Memorial Fund.

The Fund was created by Steven’s family in October 2021 to honour his 25-year legacy in Canadian rugby. He was a leader both on and off the pitch at the club, provincial and national U21 level and his legendary tenacity during the game was matched only by his kindness, warmth, and welcoming nature off the field.

Steven’s rugby life began with the Ladysmith Secondary School Blues Rugby Program, followed by the Nanaimo Hornets Rugby Club. After high school, Steven became a beloved member of the UVic Vikes Rugby Program for six years, meeting and playing alongside lifelong friends under the mentorship of Doug Tate.

   

Steve focused his education on finance following his undergrad by completing the British Columbia Institute of Technology’s (BCIT) Financial Management program. He began his career in finance in the banking industry, earned his CFP designation, and ultimately transitioned away from the traditional financial institutions to become a financial planner, investment advisor, and owner of Rothdale Pacific Wealth Management in Vancouver.

After UVic Steve went on to become a long-standing member of the Burnaby Lake Rugby Club. For 15 years, he played at every level with the club while helping coach and mentor new players. He also volunteered his time and expertise to provide additional fitness training to support players trying out for representative teams. Burnaby Lake was also where he met his wife Jean and his family is grateful to the club for embracing the entire Batie family.

Steven was also a valued member of a number of representative teams, including the Mid Island Tsunami, the Canadian U21 Men’s World Cup Team, and BC at all levels, including starting in BC Bears’ famous 2014 victory over the Uruguayan Men’s National Team.

Support of this fund will help grow the game of rugby and support the two clubs – University of Victoria Vikes Men’s Rugby program and the Burnaby Lake Rugby Club – that brought Steven so much joy and happiness during his life, in addition to keeping his spirit alive for his family.

In addition to supporting this fund, Steven’s family asks that you also honour his life and legacy by being kind – to yourself, your teammates, your friends and even strangers – for everyone you meet may be fighting a battle you know nothing about. In closing, the family has asked that we share the words Steven’s dad would say to him before every single game (and most practices) over his 25 years playing rugby:

Play Hard.
Play Safe.
And Have Fun.

The Steven Batie Memorial Fund will be officially unveiled at Steve’s Celebration of Life on November 14, 2021.