Standardbred Canada is pleased to announce the winners for the 2017 Atlantic Bursary program. Each student will receive a $1,300 bursary towards their post secondary education for the 2017-2018 academic term.
The winners are:
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Emma Cole of Kensington, PEI
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Bria Harper of Truro, NS
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Kevin Poirier of Inverness, NS
Emma Cole is currently enrolled at Holland College where she is studying to be a Child and Youth Care Worker. Her family has been involved in racing and Emma helps her Dad, Garth, race horses. In her essay on promoting the 250th anniversary of horse racing in Canada, Emma suggests promoting the history and the experiences passed down from generation to generation. Having a matinee day of racing where children in the community (with no racing background) could be matched with a horse and family in the industry was another idea Emma felt would generate awareness and promote the industry.
Bria Harper will attend the Nova Scotia Community College in Truro for her second year of Practical Nursing in September. Her involvement in racing goes back to her grandfather, Fred Saunders who has been active in the industry for 60+ years. Bria inherited this passion for horses and has become very active and hands on in the industry, spending time grooming the horses in her Dad’s stable. She also finds time to volunteer with the Truro Harness Horse Owners Association. Some of Bria’s ideas for celebrating 250 were to have a major event at the track which would include giveaways, a fun zone for kids, meet and greets with drivers and a display on Somebeachsomewhere.
Kevin Poirier will be attending Saint Mary’s University in September for his first year in the Engineering Program. Kevin has worked at Inverness Raceway in a variety of capacities for the past four years, and his father, Joe Poirier is a trainer, driver and owner. Kevin thought that 250 celebrations should focus on family-oriented events with special activities throughout the race card that would educate fans about the history and importance of racing in the community.
The bursaries were awarded based on active involvement in the harness racing community, academics and financial need. Applicants were also required to submit an essay with ideas on how racetracks can celebrate the 250th anniversary of horse racing at their track or in their community.
Presentations will be made to the winners before the end of the summer at their home tracks.
The Atlantic Bursary Program is supported and funded by various organizations from the Atlantic Provinces and Standardbred Canada. Partners from the Atlantic Provinces include the Nova Scotia Harness Racing Industry Association, Prince Edward Island Harness Racing Industry Association, and the 'Stretch Drive Fund,' a fund created by the Atlantic Provinces Harness Racing Commission’s race officials.
Standardbred Canada and all of the partners from the Atlantic Provinces would like to extend their congratulations to the winners and thank all of the students who submitted applications for bursaries.