Paul ‘Koby’ Kobayashi Memorial Award Fund

The Paul ‘Koby’ Kobayashi Memorial Award 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, and that meet CRA requirements.

The Paul ‘Koby’ Kobayashi Memorial Award Fund was created by Paul’s family to honour his memory and his love of rugby. The awards will recognize leadership and provide support for elite players to compete at a higher level.

About ‘Koby’

Paul was an athlete who excelled at any sport he played, but it was through rugby that he found a camaraderie like no other. A brotherhood.

Paul joined the Campion Grads when he was 17 and was fortunate to have an exceptional group of veteran players who mentored and developed him both personally and as a player. Whenever Paul was going through dark and tough times in his life, it was his rugby brothers who stepped up and came through for him. They were all there for each other. As a former teammate/mentor of Paul’s stated, “He who sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother.”

In his last few months, Paul reminisced fondly about his rugby days and the Grads. He shared many stories about his rugby brothers and had many laughs. He also talked about the opportunity he had to play for the Prairie Fire and travel to Halifax and reflected on those days as some of the best times of his life.

The family wanted to honour Paul’s memory by providing awards to support the game that meant so much to him.

Koby Leadership Award ($500)

  • Awarded annually to a member of the Campion Grads RFC through a nomination process

Selection Criteria:

  • Current player of the Campion Grads
  • Shows commitment and dedication to the Campion Grads RFC, the RRU and the broader rugby community
  • Demonstrates leadership on and off the field
  • Supports new players, making everyone feel welcome and valued
  • Is respectful of, and respected by, teammates, opponents, coaches, and referees

Nomination Process:

  1. Submit either a letter of recommendation or a video explaining why the nominee is deserving of the award. Include how they exhibit the qualities outlined in the selection criteria.
  2. Provide the name, phone and email contact information of two other references who may be contacted to support the References must include at least one current or former Grads player or coach.

General Guidelines:

  • Unsuccessful applicants may nominate the same candidate in a subsequent year
  • Successful recipients may not be nominated again for a 5-year period
  • The award recipient must provide a photo and agree to have their name and photo publicized
  • Paul’s family would like to personally deliver the award at the annual Grads Banquet

Koby Excellence Award (Amount TBD)

  • Awarded annually to assist a current Regina player who could benefit from financial support to travel for a provincial or national level rugby competition. Players planning to travel to participate in a recruitment program or I.D. camp can also qualify.

Selection Criteria:

  • Current player in one of the men’s or women’s RRU clubs.
  • Has been selected for a provincial or national team, or is attending a recruitment program or I.D. Camp.
  • Shows commitment and dedication to their team(s), the RRU, and the broader rugby community.
  • Priority will be given to applicants who have limited financial means and support to participate, whereby this award would make it possible for them to attend.

Application Process:

  1. Submit a letter, not more than 350 words, describing the reasons why you would be a worthy recipient of this award and how the award will benefit you. Include your contributions to the rugby community, other volunteer or community activities, your accomplishments, and future goals.
  2. Attach two letters of reference supporting your application. One must be a current or former rugby teammate or coach.
  3. Email the above items to kobymemorialfund@gmail.com to

Deadline:

  • Applications will open once the minimum threshold of funding has been raised to allow disbursement. Deadline will be provided at that time.

General Guidelines:

  • Unsuccessful applicants may apply in a subsequent year.
  • Successful recipients may not apply again.
  • The award recipient must provide a photo and agree to have their name and photo publicized.
  • Paul’s family would like to personally present the award when possible.

To make a donation towards the Paul ‘Koby’ Kobayashi Memorial Award Fund, go here: