TORONTO – U SPORTS, in partnership with BlackNorth Initiative (BNI) and Sherrard Kuzz LLP, announced the recipients of the 2025 Athletes on Track Bursary today. In the program’s third year of operation, eight outstanding Black student-athletes within U SPORTS have been selected to receive this prestigious award.
The bursary program, supported by BNI and generous contributions from Scotia Wealth Management, Roots, Wheaton Precious Metal and Canada Basketball, provides a $5,000 award to each of the eight student-athletes. In addition to financial support, BNI will assign each recipient a dedicated mentor who will provide tailored guidance in crucial areas such as career development, public speaking, and personal growth.
“We are proud to support these talented student-athletes who excel both on and off the field,” says Dahabo Ahmed-Omer, Chief Executive Officer of BlackNorth Initiative. “This bursary program is about more than financial support, it’s about recognizing and nurturing the potential of these exceptional leaders. Congratulations to this year’s recipients; we are excited to witness the impact they will continue to make in their communities and beyond.”
To qualify for this opportunity, applicants must be Black (Afro-Caribbean, African Canadian, and/or racialized), currently enrolled in a Canadian university, and actively participating as a member of a U SPORTS varsity team. Financial need is also a key consideration in the selection process.
Recipients:
Canada West:
· Emmanuel Dan-Adokiene (Trinity Western University – Men’s soccer)
· Charity Williams (University of British Columbia – Women’s rugby)
OUA:
· Tamarri Lindo (York University – Men’s track and field)
· Vobia Kalome (Queen’s University – Women’s basketball)
RSEQ:
· El Hadj Saliou Diop (Université de Montréal – Men’s track and field)
· Daniella Mbengo (McGill University – Women’s basketball)
AUS:
· Kamari Scott (University of Prince Edward Island – Men’s basketball)
· Gabriel Belone (Université de Moncton – Women’s soccer)
“This program is a testament to the power of collaboration in creating meaningful change,” said U SPORTS Chief Executive Officer, Pierre Arsenault. “By supporting Black student-athletes through mentorship and financial assistance, we are not only fostering their academic and athletic excellence but also empowering future leaders in our communities. U SPORTS is proud to partner with BlackNorth Initiative to champion equity and opportunity in university sport.”
About BlackNorth Initiative
BlackNorth Initiative is on a mission to close the gaps created by systemic anti-Black racism for Black Canadians—a Canada where systemic anti-Black racism does not exist. For more information, visit: https://blacknorth.ca/ and follow us on social media @blacknorthca.
About U SPORTS
U SPORTS is the national brand for university sports in Canada. Every year, over 15,500 student-athletes and 700 coaches vie for 23 national championships in 13 different sports. U SPORTS also provides high performance international opportunities at FISU Winter and Summer World University Games, World University Championships, University World Cups and various educational initiatives.
U SPORTS works in collaboration with 58 members and four conferences as well as the Canadian sport system and Corporate Canada on the growth and delivery of university sport to student-athletes across the country.
John Bower
Director, Marketing and Communications
U SPORTS
780-667-5646
Zach Weese
Manager of Governance & Special Projects
U SPORTS
226-919-7335
Sagal Abdi
Chief Executive Officer
Black North Initiative
437-997-6933
Shelton Mpala
Associate Director of Strategic Communications
BlackNorth Initiative
437-997-7110