Quebec Foundation for Athletic Excellence (FAEQ) – Montreal, November 29^th 2017- During the 32^nd Quebec University Sport gala presented by RDS in collaboration with TKNL, the Quebec Foundation for Athletic Excellence (FAEQ) distributed $301,500 in individual bursaries to deserving student-athletes who distinguished themselves in the RSEQ (Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec) during the 2016-17 season.

Of this amount, 85 University student-athletes sharing $250,500 received their bursaries during a press conference preceding the gala. An additional $51,000 was also distributed to 14 University student-athletes in other FAEQ bursary programs throughout 2017. 

Winners from the following 11 categories were also announced for the 2016-2017 University season (results between May 1^st 2016 and April 30^th 2017):

1.       Student-Athlete of the Year – Academic Excellence – Female, presented by the Molson Foundation

2.       Student-Athlete of the Year – Academic Excellence – Male

3.       Student-Athlete of the Year – Individual Sport – Female

4.       Student-Athlete of the Year – Individual Sport – Male

5.       Student-Athlete of the Year – Team Sport – Female, presented by the National Bank

6.       Student-Athlete of the Year – Team Sport – Male, presented by the Government of Quebec

7.       Women’s Team of the Year

8.       Men’s Team of the Year

9.       Coach of the Year – Women’s Team / Journal de Montréal Award

10.    Coach of the Year – Men’s Team / Journal de Montréal Award

11.    Student-Athlete of the Year – Leadership, presented by Gildan

In the Recruitment category, 44 bursaries totalling $163,000 were handed out to the best student-athletes graduating from Quebec CEGEPS who chose to compete in a Quebec University sport. Nine of these bursaries were of $8,000, and will be distributed over two years, $5,000 of which will come in the student-athlete’s first year.

 “The link between the Quebec Universities and the FAEQ never ceases to strengthen. Not only as it pertains to the expansion of our bursary program this year but also due to the partnerships we’re generating with l’Institut National du Sport du Québec and the Alliance Sport-Études in order to improve the conditions of student-athletes in Quebec Universities”, noted President of the FAEQ, Mr. Claude Chagnon.

More than 650 guests attended the event which took place at the Sheraton Laval Hotel and united bursary recipients, former recipients, sponsors, donors, partners, and members of Quebec sports community.

Winners from the 11 Categories of the 32^nd Quebec University Sport Gala

This student-athlete award is granted on the basis of exceptional athletic and academic performances during the 2016-2017 school year. Merit is considered as follows: 60% weighting for academic results, 40% weighting for athletic performance.

Female: presented by the Molson Foundation:
Katerine Savard – Swimming – University of Montreal Carabins
Bronze medalist at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, she also earned seven medals in seven events at the U SPORTS Canadian Championships. She completed 19 credits and a field experience and maintained a grade point average of 3.75 out of a possible 4.3 in Primary Education.

Male:
Louis-Mathieu Normandin – Football – University of Montreal Carabins
Named to the RSEQ and U SPORTS All-star team in 2016 He completed 27 credits and maintained a GPA of 3.99 out of 4.3 in Business Management.

This award honours a Student-Athlete’s exemplary individual performances during the 2016-2017 within the RSEQ.

Female:
Katerine Savard – Swimming – University of Montreal Carabins
Bronze medalist at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, she also earned seven medals in seven events at the U SPORTS Canadian Championships. She is pursuing her studies in Primary Education. 

Male:
Antoine Thibeault – Track and Field – Laval University Rouge et Or  
Named RSEQ and U SPORTS Athlete of the Year event, he brought home a gold medal in the 3,000 m and silver in the 1,500 m finals at the Canadian Championships. He was named an RSEQ and U SPORTS All-star in Cross-Country and is pursuing his studies in Physical Education.

This award honours a student-athlete’s exemplary athletic performances as part of a team during the 2016-2017 season within the RSEQ.

Female: presented by National Bank
Alex Kiss-Rusk – Basketball – McGill University Martlets
Named an RSEQ and U SPORTS All-star, she was named Defensive Player of the year in the RSEQ. Gold medalist and Player of the tournament at the Canadian Championship, she is pursuing her studies in Physical Education

Male: presented by the Government of Quebec
Mathieu Betts – Football – Laval University Rouge et Or
Named RSEQ and U SPORTS Linemen of the Year in 2016, he also earned RSEQ and U SPORTS All-Star status. He is pursuing his studies in Physical Education  

Women’s Team: Basketball – Martlets – McGill University
The Martlets won their 6^th straight RSEQ Championships and their first Bronze Baby trophy as U SPORTS champions, and the first for an RSEQ team in 34 years. One player earned All-Canadian status as well as earning the Player of the tournament award at the Canadian Championships.

Men’s Team: Football – Rouge et Or – Laval University
The Rouge et Or won a dramatic Dunsmore Cup and were dominant in the Uteck Bowl. They used that momentum to win their 9^th Vanier Cup in program history. 5 players earned All-Canadian status and one earned the Lineman of the Year Award

Women’s Team: Ryan Thorne – Basketball – McGill University Martlets
Following a 9 win 7 loss regular season, Coach Thorne rallied his team to bring home a 6^th straight RSEQ Championship and their first U SPORTS Canadian Championship in team history.

Men’s Team: Félix-Antoine Lapointe – Cross-Country – Laval University Rouge et Or
Having brought home his 6^th consecutive RSEQ Championships, he lead his team to their first U SPORTS Championships and the first for the RSEQ since 1972. He earned the title of RSEQ Coach of the Year for the 4^th straight season.

This student-athlete award is granted on the basis of community involvement and leadership abilities.

Myriam Robitaille – Volleyball – McGill University Martlets
Myriam was part of a team of 5 volunteers who organized the “Serve” tournament, a fundraiser to encourage sexual education in Quebec, in collaboration with the Head & Hands organization. Named to the RSEQ second All-Star team in 2017, she is pursuing her studies in Languages and French Literature

 

About the Quebec Foundation for Athletic Excellence (FAEQ)
The Foundation (www.faeq.com) has made a name for itself with a personalized approach, a rigorous management style, and its influence in sports and education circles. In 2017, the Foundation will award $1,375 000 in bursaries to over 475 student-athletes and encourage the conciliation of school and high-performance sports. The FAEQ works with partners and former scholarship recipients to promote academic, athletic, and professional success.

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Source:

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