FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
3 Recipients to Each Receive $500
July 30, 2015 – Vancouver, BC – The Vancouver Spirit Run, presented by ASICS, is pleased to announce the recipients of The Frank Reynolds Bursary – Nickolas Colyn (Langley, BC), Chelsea Ribeiro (Surrey, BC) and Addy Townsend (Coquitlam, BC).
This award is administered by the Board of Directors of the Vancouver Spirit Run and financed from the proceeds of the Vancouver Spirit Run and support from our sponsors. Eligible applicants must be residents of British Columbia and be matriculating students progressing to post-secondary study. The bursaries are awarded to individual(s) who have: demonstrated exceptional ability and show considerable promise in Track and Field, Road or Cross Country Running (Athletics): demonstrate financial need: have attained an acceptable academic record: and have demonstrated qualities of character, leadership and volunteering.
One of the founding sponsors for The Vancouver Spirit Run is ASICS. “We would like to say thank you to ASICS and all of our partners as we acknowledge their generous donations and support for the event. The Spirit Run has grown to be successful and recognized as a destination run for people of all ages and skill in the sea-to-sky corridor and beyond”, said Peter Diemer, President of the Vancouver Spirit Run organizing committee. “I would also like to thank our selection committee for choosing such worthy recipients again this year, and we wish them continued success in their athletic pursuits and post-secondary education”.
2015 – RECIPIENTS OF THE FRANK REYNOLDS BURSARY
Nickolas Colyn – leading an active lifestyle since beginning soccer at the age of 5, Nickolas transitioned to the sport of track and field during high school and has seen the opportunities, experiences, and memories that it provides. He was recognized by BC Athletics as the Youth Male Athlete of the Year in 2014 and looks forward to continuing his athletics at Trinity Western University next year. Nickolas has not only achieved excellence in sport, but has also maintained a GPA between 3.8 and 4.0 throughout high school with a passion for the sciences. He is hoping to work towards a university degree in either biology or chemistry.
Chelsea Ribeiro – even though Chelsea’s love of running has grown over the years, she has had to overcome many setbacks due to injury in order to continue training and competing towards her goals. Where many people would give up, Chelsea persisted and recognized that her injuries gave insight into potential future careers in athlete therapy and medicine. Her university studies will include exercise science and physical therapy with hope of eventually owning a physiotherapy business. Chelsea represented Canada on the 2013 World Youth Track and Field Championships National Team and will continue competing in cross-country and the steeplechase while attending university with the hopes of eventually racing professionally and reaching the Olympics.
Addy Townsend – an avid runner since joining the kilometer club in elementary school, Addy has worked hard to reach a high level of performance throughout high school in cross-country, track & field, and soccer. Highlights from her high school running career include winning the Fraser Valley Cross-Country Championships, winning the 800m BC High School title in 2014 and representing BC at the National Junior Championships. Addy has contributed time to working and volunteering in the community at summer camps and coaching students attending inner city schools by sharing knowledge of soccer and track & field skills. Her future plans are to attend Simon Fraser University where she hopes to study Criminology and pursue more success in her running endeavours.
About The Vancouver Spirit Run:
The 2015 Vancouver Spirit Run, presented by ASICS, is set for September 13th, 2015 at Jericho Beach Park. The Vancouver Spirit Run, part of the Vancouver Sun Run Series, is a Cross Country and Trail running event featuring something for everyone at Jericho Beach Park. It is the realization of the late coach Frank Reynolds’ vision to have a mass participation cross country event while encouraging and supporting British Columbia High School and University athletes through charitable donations and scholarship programs.
“I believe that sport teaches you what is really worthwhile in life and how much you can get out of hard work, sacrifice, and commitment”. – Frank Reynolds
For more information about The Vancouver Spirit Run, visit www.vancouverspiritrun.com