Montréal, September 20, 2017

Twenty Years of Hydro-Québec Support for the Foundation for Athletic Excellence

For the 20^th consecutive year, Hydro-Québec has provided support to Quebec’s most promising student-athletes by awarding 33 individual bursaries to the amounts of $2,000 or $4,000  through the Hydro-Québec Bursary Program, administered by the Quebec Foundation for Athletic Excellence (FAEQ). 

Four types of bursaries were awarded this year: 12 Academic Excellence bursaries to recognize outstanding scholastic achievements, 19 Academic and Athletic Support bursaries to encourage the successful balancing of academics and athletics, one Perseverance bursary to commend an exemplary attitude in the face of difficult circumstances, and one University Recruitment bursary to encourage a high-level student-athlete to pursue his academic and athletic endeavours at a Quebec university.

“We feel very pleased and lucky to be able to rely on loyal partners like Hydro-Québec. The Hydro-Québec bursary program has a successful 20-year track record and the company has assisted an impressive number of Olympic and Paralympic athletes and future leaders over the years. Established in 1997, the program provides support mainly to talented, emerging student-athletes who have been identified as Hopeful or Elite and are between 11 and 22 years of age. Over the past 20 years, Hydro-Québec has supported more than 400 student-athletes,” stated Claude Chagnon, President of the FAEQ.

No fewer than 18 former Hydro-Québec Bursary Program recipients made their marks at the 2016 Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games, including tennis player Eugenie Bouchard; divers Jennifer Abel, Meaghan Benfeito, and Roseline Filion; swimmer Katerine Savard; judoka Antoine Valois-Fortier; wrestler Dorothy Yeats; and wheelchair basketball player Jonathan Vermette.

Eligibility Criteria

Student-athletes must have post-career plans, which often include a secondary, college, or university education. Besides being selected as Hopeful or Elite athletes by their sports federations, student-athletes must meet the eligibility criteria to represent Canada at the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, or World Championships for their sport. The Hydro-Québec scholarships are awarded to at least one student-athlete from each of the regions where the company operates. 

Recipients of the 2017 Hydro-Québec Bursary Program

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 and 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 still open at: www.defi808bonneville.com.

For further information (the following telephone numbers are for the exclusive use of journalists and other media representatives):

Carolyne Hudson
Advisor – Donations and Sponsorships
Hydro-Québec
Telephone: 514-289-2211 ext. 2290
hudson.carolyne@hydro.qc.ca