Quebec Foundation for Athletic Excellence – 24th edition of its Bursary Program in association with the Quebec Foundation for Athletic Excellence

Montreal, March 23, 2016 – Louis Vachon, President and Chief Executive Officer of National Bank, and Martin Lavigne, President of National Bank Financial – Wealth Management, revealed the names of the 33 student-athletes from across Quebec awarded bursaries as part of the 24th edition of the National Bank Bursary Program in association with the Quebec Foundation for Athletic Excellence.

The recipients, who range in age from 12 to 25, received an Academic Excellence Bursary for their outstanding academic results, an Academic and Athletic Support Bursary for successfully combining academics and sports, or a Leadership Bursary for their academic and athletic achievements and inspiring community service.

“National Bank is proud to have contributed to the development of young athletes for over two decades,” stated Mr. Vachon. “This partnership with the Foundation is a way for us to help members of the next generation reach their full potential, which is an important aspect of our involvement in the community. Congratulations to all the student-athletes on their discipline and determination to succeed both athletically and academically. They are truly inspirational.”

Quebec Foundation for Athletic Excellence President Claude Chagnon thanked National Bank for its unwavering support over the past 24 years, as well as its loyalty and generosity to the Foundation. “National Bank has long understood the importance of supporting student-athletes—not just those already competing internationally but also those who are lesser-known and have less financial support. More than ever, National Bank stands united with the Foundation in celebrating the academic, athletic, and personal achievements of Quebec’s young student-athletes.” 

Some of this year’s bursary recipients will be attempting to qualify for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, following in the footsteps of past National Bank Bursary recipients who made it to the Olympics. Among the alumni are: synchronized swimmer Marie-Pierre Gagné who competed at the Olympic Games in Athens in 2004 and Beijing in 2008 as well as fencers Marie-Pierre Boudreau-Gagnon, Philippe Beaudry and Sandra Sassine and divers Roseline Filion and Jennifer Abel, all five of whom participated in the Olympic Games in Beijing in 2008 and London in 2012.

 

33 bursary recipients of the 2016 National Bank Bursary Program

 

About National Bank of Canada
With $219 billion in assets as at January 31, 2016, National Bank of Canada, together with its subsidiaries, forms one of Canada’s leading integrated financial groups. The Bank has close to 20,000 employees and is widely recognized as a top employer. The Bank’s securities are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: NA). Follow the Bank’s activities at nbc.caor via social media via Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

About the Quebec Foundation for Athletic Excellence: UNITED for SUCCESS
The Foundation is recognized for its personal approach, diligent management, and influential role in the realm of sport and education. Under its new five-year plan for 2015-2020, the FAEQ’s primary objective is to achieve a 35% increase in the annual amount of bursaries awarded and the annual number of bursary recipients. This year, the Foundation will distribute $1.2 million in bursaries to more than 425 student-athletes throughout Quebec. The Foundation’s bursaries reward academic excellence, encourage the balancing of high performance sport and academics, highlight leadership and recognize perseverance. The FAEQ is committed to joining forces with former bursary recipients and sponsors for thesuccess of current bursary recipients, thereby making a difference in their academic, athletic, and/or personal development. Visit the Foundation’s web site at faeq.com and click “Like” on its Facebook page at: FAEQ – Fondation de l’athlète d’excellence du Québec.

 

Contacts:

Patricia Demers
Associate Executive Director
Quebec Foundation for Athletic Excellence
patricia.demers@faeq.com
Tel.: 514-252-3171, ext. 3728

Catherine Deshaies
Advisor – Public Affairs
National Bank
Tel.: 514-412-1320