Steven Batie Memorial Fund

The Steven Batie Memorial Award Fund was created by Steven’s family in 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.

Following his university graduation, he 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 and support the clubs that brought Steven 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.

Eligibility:
The award will be gifted annually to:

  • One member of Burnaby Lake Rugby Club Men’s, Women’s, or Junior teams ($500)
  • One member from the University of Victoria Men’s rugby teams ($500).
    The award winners will be a player who has displayed the values that Steve brought to the game of rugby in his many years of playing at UVic and Burnaby Lake.

General Guidelines:

  • Unsuccessful applicants may re-apply in a subsequent year.
  • Successful recipients may not apply again.
  • The award recipient must agree to have their name and photograph publicized.
  • Steven Batie’s family may wish to personally award the scholarship if feasible.
  • The awardee is obligated to provide a photo to help promote the Steven Batie Memorial Fund and the Canadian Rugby Foundation.

Selection Criteria
The award winner will have consistently shown the following values as a member of Burnaby Lake Rugby Club or University of Victoria men’s rugby teams:

  • Commitment – Someone who is committed to leadership both on and off the field.
  • Generosity: Someone who looks out for the wellbeing of their teammates.
  • Kindness: Someone who makes others feel welcome and comfortable around the team.

Note: A current or former coach or board member from Burnaby Lake Rugby club or UVic may be contacted to provide their insight on the applicant.

How To Apply:
The awardee can apply on behalf of themselves, or they can be nominated by someone else. The application should be in writing or a video format to explain why you or the person you are nominating are a good candidate and meet the eligibility requirements and selection criteria (one or more examples of when the player has met one or more of Steve’s values).

All applications should be sent to aarontakel@gmail.com

Application Deadline:

  • University of Victoria Men’s Team – January 31st of each year. The award will be presented at the annual awards banquet at the conclusion of the season in March.
  • Burnaby Lake Rugby Club – March 31st of each year. The award will be presented at the annual awards banquet at the conclusion of the season in May.

USE THE FORM BELOW TO DONATE TO THE STEVE BATIE MEMORIAL FUND: