Pour la quatrième année consécutive, ARC Resources Ltd. a conclu un partenariat avec l'Institut canadien du sport de Calgary afin de remettre trois bourses d'études de 5 000 $ à des étudiants-athlètes de haut niveau. La lutteuse Jasmine Mian, la cycliste sur piste Monique Sullivan et le patineur de vitesse Dan Carruthers sont les heureux récipiendaires cette année.

Les récipiendaires ont suivi un rigoureux processus de demande qui se conclut par une entrevue en personne chez ARC Resources Ltd., une des sociétés canadiennes dominantes des domaines pétrolier et gazier classiques. Chaque candidat retenu doit suivre au moins quatre cours et connaître du succès dans les domaines scolaires et sportifs en plus de démontrer ses besoins financiers et de faire preuve d'un engagement communautaire soutenu.

For the fourth consecutive year, ARC Resources Ltd. has partnered with the Canadian Sport Institute Calgary to award three $5000 scholarships to high performance student athletes. Wrestler Jasmine Mian, track cyclist Monique Sullivan, and speed skater Dan Carruthers are the ecstatic recipients of this year's funding.

Recipients of the scholarship are put through a rigorous application procedure that culminates with an in-person interview at ARC Resources Ltd., one of Canada's leading conventional oil and gas companies. Each successful applicant must be taking a minimum of four classes, and demonstrate a combination of academic and athletic achievement in combination with financial need and regular community involvement.

As the current Canadian Champion in the 48KG weight class, and an MSc candidate in Experimental Psychology, Jasmine Mian is the epitome of what ARC and the CSI are looking for in scholarship recipients. The impact that this funding has on student athletes is apparent, as noted by Mian who says, "I am very grateful to be one of the recipients of the Inspiring Excellence Scholarship. The support and encouragement I have received from ARC Resources Ltd. and the Canadian Sport Institute provide me with the tools and confidence to be successful in the classroom and on the wrestling mat. The funding will allow me to continue competing at the international level, while taking advantage of opportunities for professional development throughout my MSc program. Scholarships like this truly make a difference in lives of student athletes."

Scholarships for student athletes aim to encourage recipients to continue pursuing post-secondary schooling while being world-leaders in their respective sports. Wayne Lentz, Vice President of Strategy and Business Development, notes the importance that ARC and the CSI put on preparation for life after sport, saying that "ARC created the Inspiring Excellence scholarship program to support student athletes in their commitment to education, sport and community. There is a strong emphasis on preparing student athletes for careers beyond their sport as well as their commitment to their education and community. Scholarship recipients are truly exceptional individuals who are excelling in both their academic and athletic pursuits and share the characteristics of work ethic, maturity, humility and long term views on the importance of their education and careers following their time in sports. The $5000 scholarship lowers financial barriers, furthers their studies and helps with expenses incurred while training and travelling to competitions."

Newly training with a National Team group, Dan Carruthers says that being awarded the scholarship is affording him some much needed relief over the financial worries that have accompanied coming into a more difficult training regime. He has felt that "one of the largest obstacles I face as a student athlete is making sure I can cover all of my costs, so I can perform my best. The scholarship will help me cover most of my skating travel expenses this year, some pricey equipment costs, and a portion of my tuition fees."

After finishing sixth in the keirin at the 2012 Olympic Games, Monique Sullivan is back in competition after taking time off to focus on school. Not wanting to be forced to choose between athletic and academic success, Monique believes that "The ARC scholarship is not only special because of the financial benefit, but because it represents being part of the ARC and CSI Calgary community. I am passionate about both racing and school, and it is really unique to be part of a community that supports both."

The scholarship winners will have an opportunity to thank the Canadian Sport Institute Calgary and ARC Resources Ltd. in person when they are honoured at a luncheon in November.

Stay in the loop!

Writer Brittany Schussler: @bschussler
Photo Credit: Dave Holland @csicalgaryphoto
ARC Resources Ltd.: www.arcresources.com
Monique Sullivan: @mmj_sullivan, http://moniquesullivan.wordpress.com/
Jasmine Mian: @jasmine_mian, www.jasminemian.com
Dan Carruthers: @ldcarruthers, www.ldcarruthers.com