National Bank Announces $1 Million Contribution to the Foundation for Athletic Excellence

National Bank Announces $1 Million Contribution to the Foundation for Athletic Excellence

The Foundation for Athletic Excellence (FAEQ) is pleased to announce the renewal of its partnership with the National Bank. Through their joint bursary program, the bank will invest $200,000 per year in the Foundation for Athletic Excellence from 2019 to 2023, for a total of $1 million. During the 26^th edition of the National Bank Bursary Program, which took place this morning, 39 student-athletes were awarded a total of $130,000 in individual bursaries.

The National Bank Bursary Program provides financial support to the top student-athletes in the Hopeful, Elite and Excellence categories. Through individual bursaries ranging from $2,000 to $4,000, the program rewards academic excellence, encourages a healthy balance between sport and study, and acknowledges the perseverance of student-athletes between the ages of 12 and 25.

Figure skaters Julianne Séguin and Charlie Bilodeau, who placed ninth at the PyeongChang Olympic Games, and paraswimmer Aurélie Rivard, who won four medals at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games, are amongst the 2018 recipients. Past National Bank bursary recipients who competed at the PyeongChang Olympics include gold medallist Mikaël Kingsbury (men’s freestyle skiing) and silver medallists Brittany Phelan (women’s ski cross) and Mélodie Daoust (women’s hockey).

“For over 25 years, the National Bank has partnered with the Foundation for Athletic Excellence to support young athletes in their academic and athletic endeavours. Throughout this period, more than 360 student-athletes have benefited from this financial backing and I’m proud to be able to say that many more young people will be able to pursue their goals following the renewal of our partnership with the Foundation. The bursary recipients all show great talent, discipline and determination. I urge them to continue down that path,” said Louis Vachon, President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Bank.

FAEQ president Claude Chagnon is very pleased to be able to rely on the confidence of the Foundation’s long-time partner, the National Bank. “The Foundation’s success is directly linked to the loyalty of prestige sponsors like the National Bank, which is why I am especially pleased with today’s renewal announcement.”

The following bursaries were awarded this year: 17 Academic Excellence bursaries to recognize impressive scholastic achievements, 21 Academic and Athletic Support bursaries to promote a healthy balance between sport and study, and one Perseverance bursary to acknowledge an athlete's singular determination in the face of hardship.

About National Bank of Canada
With $251 billion in assets as at January 31, 2018, 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
The Foundation (faeq.com) has made a name for itself with a personalized approach, a rigorous style of management and its influential role in the sports and education circles. In 2018, the QFAE will award close to $1,425,000 in bursaries to over 500 student-athletes and encourage the conciliation of school and high performance sports. The QFAE teams up with former scholarship recipients and partners towards the success of all laureates in their academic and sports/personal advancement. Please note that the 2nd edition of the Bonneville 808 Challenge will be held on September 22 and 23, 2018 at Mont-Tremblant. This major cycling event will benefit the FAEQ. To register log on to defi808bonneville.com.