C.O.R.E. stands for Central Okanagan Rugby Enthusiasts, a non-profit organization focused on developing grassroots rugby in the Okanagan region of British Columbia. C.O.R.O. partners with local schools and clubs to establish player development pathways and provide financial support to young athletes through scholarships and bursaries.
The C.O.R.E. Endowment Fund continues to provide graduating Central Okanagan rugby players with funds to help them with their transition to post-secondary education. This year, $1,000 was awarded to each of five local graduates. The recipients are:
- Grady Curran (KSS) – attending University of Victoria next year to begin the path of becoming a lawyer. “I’m determined to make the most of my opportunities at UVic and prove that your support is making a difference. Thank you for investing in my future.”
- Everett Pinkoski (RSS) – pursuing an Environmental and Forest Science degree at UBC or UBCO. “Rugby has developed me as a person, player, and teammate and created an aspiration to play at the international level. Entering into post-secondary, I understand the demands of rugby and school but I am motivated to take on both.”
- Kai Reynolds (KSS) – pursuing a career in either engineering or nursing. “I hope to continue playing and coaching rugby in the future, and I look forward to using what I have learned from the sport in my everyday life.”
- Vann Richmond (RSS) – pursuing a Bachelor of Science and a subsequent leadership related degree to work in the healthcare industry. “I decided to fully commit myself to rugby after falling in love with the game through my school team. I joined the Kelowna Crows where I fell even more in love with the community.”
- Carson Venning (KSS) – attending University of Guelph next year to study criminology. “I will be trying out for the Gryphons rugby team. This award will assist me greatly in meeting my educational goals.”
In addition, the Courtney Walls Award was given to Grady Curran, captain of the KSS team. He demonstrated many of Courtney’s characteristics – a quality rugby player, a good leader, good grades, and respect from his teammates and teachers. In his thank you note, Grady wrote, “Being recognized for this award means the world to me. I’ve been fortunate to have so many people support me, and now to be acknowledged feels like a dream come true.”
The C.O.R.E. Endowment Fund remains healthy, with more than $106,000 managed by the Canadian Rugby Foundation on our behalf.
