Quebec Foundation for Athletic Excellence – Montreal, March 23, 2017 – Forty student-athletes ranging from 13 to 26 years of age, from across Quebec, will share $130,000 in bursaries divided into $2,000 and $4,000 individual awards as part of the 25th edition of the National Bank Bursary Program, in partnership with the Quebec Foundation for Athletic Excellence (FAEQ). Academic excellence, successfully balancing sport and study, and leadership were celebrated. Among the 2017 recipients are: Aurélie Rivard – Paralympic swimmer and multiple-time Paralympic medalist, Catherine Beauchemin-Pinard – Olympic judoka, Charlie Bilodeau and Julianne Séguin – World Junior silver medalists in figure skating, and Félix Auger-Aliassime – a rising star in Canadian tennis.

“For the past 25 years, National Bank has been proud to team up with the Foundation to help develop young athletes. Throughout the years, over 320 talented, disciplined, and determined student-athletes have benefited from this financial support,” stated National Bank President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Louis Vachon.

Three types of bursaries were awarded: 17 Academic Excellence Bursaries that highlight impressive scholastic achievement; 22 Academic and Athletic Support Bursaries that encourage a balance between academic and athletic life; and one Leadership Bursary underlining substantial and inspiring community involvement.

Quebec Foundation for Athletic Excellence President, Mr. Claude Chagnon, is inspired to see National Bank’s unwavering loyalty towards the Foundation. In his view, the achievement of the FAEQ’s goals is made possible through sincere and continuous support from prestigious sponsors such as National Bank.

Numerous student-athletes that have received National Bank Bursaries in the past have made impressive names for themselves during their athletic, academic, and/or post-sport careers. Among those in the latter category are notably: Marianne St-Gelais (three-time Olympic medalist in speed-skating); David Veilleux (the first-ever Quebecois cyclist to complete in the Tour de France); Andréanne Morin (oarswoman, Olympic silver medalist and presently working as a lawyer), and Sylvie Daigle (multi-time Olympic medalist in speed skating, and currently an emergency room physician).

National Bank Bursary Program Recipients 2017

About National Bank of Canada
With $234 billion in assets as at January 31, 2017, National Bank of Canada, together with its subsidiaries, forms one of Canada’s leading integrated financial groups. The Bank has more than 21,000 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.ca or via social media on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

About the Quebec Foundation for Athletic Excellence (FAEQ)
The FAEQ (www.faeq.com) is unique thanks to its personal approach, diligent management, and influential role in the realm of sport and education. In 2017, the Foundation will award $1,350,000 to 475 student-athletes, in addition to offering support services, assisting with academic orientation and the successful balancing of sport and studies. The FAEQ is moved to action by a genuine desire to unite with former bursary recipients and sponsors for the success of the next generation of bursary recipients, thereby making a difference in their academic, athletic, and/or personal development. Note that from September 22-23-24, 2017, Mont-Tremblant will host the Bonneville 808 Challenge, a major cycling event benefitting the FAEQ. Registration is now open at: www.defi808bonneville.com.

Contact:
Annie Pelletier
Communications Director
Quebec Foundation for Athletic Excellence
annie.pelletier@faeq.com
(514) 252-3171 ext. 3538

Jean-François Lauzon
Advisor, Public Relations
National Bank
(514) 394-6097