Presented by the Canadian Rugby Foundation (in conjunction with the Charlton L. Smith Foundation and the Taaffe family)
Courtenay Taaffe was vibrant, determined, talented and dedicated; she had endless energy and enthusiasm for her passions in life, one of which was the sport of rugby. This scholarship was created in 2005 to honour Courtenay’s rugby passion and life achievements. The successful recipient will share some of the many qualities Courtenay did including a strong work ethic, both in the classroom and on the field, as well as an enthusiastic and determined personality. She played hooker and flanker for UVic, James Bay, Crimson Tide and Team B.C. She coached the JBAA junior women, the Vancouver Island Crimson Tide junior women, the Vancouver Island Japan Club team and the Stelly’s Secondary Queen Bees. Courtenay set a precedent for hard work and accomplishment in the sport of women’s rugby. Courtenay passed away at the age of 29 of a rare and aggressive lymphoma.
This award is annually awarded to a female athlete who excels in rugby, academics and community service. It is open to 17-28 year old players/coaches/referees who are pursuing a full-time degree, diploma or certificate program at a Canadian university or college on Vancouver Island. Students commencing or continuing full-time studies in the fall are eligible.
Application Checklist is here. Application Form is here. Please send application to awards@canadianrugbyfoundation.ca
NOTE: If you have already submitted application please resubmit and ensure that you receive confirmation that your application has been received. You will receive acknowledgment of receipt within 48 hours.
Eligibility:
A current female student playing rugby on Vancouver Island who is:
1. Playing either club or university rugby;
2. Between 17 to 28 years of age as of the end of September of the year in which the scholarship is granted;
3. Enrolled in a full-time degree (graduate or undergraduate), diploma or certificate program at a Canadian college or university for the academic year commencing in the year in which the scholarship is granted. Students commencing their studies in the Fall are eligible.
General Guidelines:
1. Unsuccessful applicants may reapply in a subsequent year.
2. Successful recipients may not apply again.
3. The award is conditional upon the acceptance and continuance in the educational program of the applicant’s choice. Verification of acceptance will be required.
4. Applications may be emailed, mailed or couriered. Faxes will not be accepted.
5. The award recipient must agree to have her name and photograph publicized. She must be prepared to promote the scholarship as requested.
Selection Criteria:
1. Strong academic achievement.
2. Recognized contribution to the rugby community.
Application Requirements:
1. A completed application form;
2. A letter, not more than 250 words, describing the reasons why you would be a worthy recipient of the Courtenay Taaffe Memorial Scholarship. Include your contribution to the rugby community, other volunteer activities, your academic achievements, your most important accomplishments and your future goals;
3. Two letters of reference from the two individuals named in your application. One must be a coach or a teacher from your school, college or university. The other must be from an individual, other than a teacher or coach, who is familiar with your community service and rugby background;
4. An electronic photograph e-mailed to cdnrugbyfoundation.financial@gmail.com. We would prefer if the applicant is wearing a rugby jersey in the photo but that is not required (once submitted the photo will be the property of the Canadian Rugby Foundation).
Deadline:
Applications may be submitted by email, mail or courier no later than June 1st at 4pm PDT.
Canadian Rugby Foundation
709 Yates St.
PO Box 8003
Victoria, BC
V8W 3R7
Decisions:
Award winners will be notified by July 31st. Only the winner will be notified. The award committee thanks all applicants for their interest in the Courtenay Taaffe Memorial Award and wishes them success in the classroom and on the field.
CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO THE COURTENAY TAAFFE MEMORIAL AWARD FUND:
