Freestyle Canada – Freestyle Canada National Slopestyle Team Athlete Anouk Purnelle Faniel and National Aerials Team Athlete Catrine Lavallée have both been rewarded with a bursary from L’Alliance et la Fondation Sport-Étude du Québec. These bursaries support student athletes who have decided to pursue both academic and athletic dreams.

Anouk Purnelle-Faniel found a way to balance her demanding slopestyle ski and academic career. This required her to study while travelling the world on the World Cup slopestyle circuit. Not an easy feat, but necessary in order to advance both of her career aspirations.

‘As it stands, I’m wrapping up my CEGEP studies in health sciences, then heading off to university in the fall in human resource. I really didn’t expect to get a bursary this year, it caught me off guard…It’s always nice to get recognized for your studies as it gives me encouragement to continue,’ stated bursary recipient Anouk Purnelle Faniel.

Catrine Lavallée had an excellent year of growth and progression on the aerials World Cup circuit. She managed to clinch a new personal best and a seventh-place finish at the World Championships in Sierra Nevada, Spain. While pushing her limits on the aerials World Cup circuit, she also balanced a full workload of school work. Catrine found it important to continue her studies while competing. She’s currently aligning herself for studies in law.

‘Currently I’m still in CEGEP studying in health sciences. My objective for life post-ski career is to study in law…Having received the bursary from the Alliance Sport Étude is certainly an honour. It’s not easy to be an athlete and study at the same time! This bursary gives me motivation and shows me that I can still balance a busy competitive skiing career and excel academically,’stated aerialist Catrine Lavallée.

Freestyle Canada would like to congratulate both Catrine and Anouk on their hard work and their dedication towards the advancement of their ski careers as well as their education. Both athletes are set to have another incredible season on the World Cup circuit as they look to clinch a spot on the Olympic Team roster.

For more information and media inquiries please contact: 
Dominique Ladouceur, Manager, Athlete Relations
Cell: 514.576.2379
Email: dominique@freestylecanada.ski