On Saturday, December 5, two of the four 2009 recipients of the Atlantic Bursary Program were recognized and presented with their $1,000 bursaries at
Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park.
Morgan McInnis, 18 of Summerside, PEI and Nicholas Oakes, 20 of Cornwall, PEI were on hand to receive their cheques and take part in a race presentation for the Atlantic Bursary Race sponsored by Prince County Horseman’s Club Sales and Promotions.
The bursaries were awarded based on participation in the industry, academics and financial need. Applicants were also required to submit a typewritten essay addressing 'how you would market harness racing to youth.'
Samantha LaPierre, 21, of Charlottetown, PEI, and Mark Whidden, 21 of Truro, NS also each receive a $1,000 bursary towards their post secondary education for 2009-2010, but were not available for the presentation.
Partners for the Atlantic Provinces Bursary Program include the Prince Edward Island Harness Racing Industry Association, the Nova Scotia Harness Racing Industry Association, Horse Racing New Brunswick, the Horse People from New Brunswick, and the 'Stretch Drive Fund,' a fund created by the Maritime Provinces Harness Racing Commissions Race Officials and Standardbred Canada.