WSC ANNOUNCES RECIPIENTS OF MANOO & JEAN GURJAR SCHOLARSHIP

Photo Credit: Johnny Hayward Photography 

Water Ski Canada (WSC) proudly announces Alberta’s Sean Kraus and Nova Scotia’s Olivia Chute as the distinguished recipients of the 2023 Manoo and Jean Gurjar Legacy Fund Scholarship.

Established in 2011, the Manoo and Jean Gurjar Legacy Fund is a benevolent initiative borne from the legacy donation of Dr. Manoo and Jean Gurjar of Vancouver, British Columbia. As a testament to Dr. Manoo’s enduring passion for water skiing – evidenced by his spirited competitions in the Men 9 category (75+) and his eminent presence at events – this scholarship seeks to inspire and support the next generation of Canadian water skiers.

Both Sean and Olivia encapsulate the spirit of this prestigious award, demonstrating a fervent love for the sport, unwavering commitment to education, exemplary sportsmanship, and an innate drive to compete and give back to the community.

The Legacy Fund’s mission is to annually provide financial assistance to one male and one female skier. Upholding the ideals set by Dr. Manoo Gurjar, an allocation of $1,000 is earmarked for each deserving recipient to assist in their skiing endeavors and academic pursuits. The criteria for selection is stringent, with a significant emphasis on qualities that mirror the generous spirit and dedication of the Gurjars.

Recipients are expected to use the financial aid to bolster their water ski training and competitive pursuits, in addition to managing academic-related expenses. Sean and Olivia will be required to furnish proof of their academic registration for the 2023-2024 year, ensuring that the scholarship’s intentions are wholly realized.

WSC remains deeply grateful to the Gurjar family for their vision and enduring support of Canadian water skiing talents. We celebrate the achievements of Sean and Olivia and are eager to witness their continued success in water skiing and academics.

 

Photo Credit: Johnny Hayward Photography
Photo Credit: Johnny Hayward Photography

APPLICATION FOR THE MANOO & JEAN GURJAR SCHOLARSHIP NOW OPEN

Apply today for the 2023 Manoo & Jean Gurjar Scholarship

The Manoo and Jean Gurjar Legacy Fund was established in 2011 as a result of a legacy donation to Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada (WSWC) from Dr. Manoo and Jean Gurjar of Vancouver, British Columbia.

Manoo Gurjar is a longtime and beloved water skier. In 2013, he continued to compete in the Men 9 category (75+), including at national championships where he consistently takes home hardware in the slalom event. Manoo’s smiling presence, friendliness, sharing of volunteer time, stories, photographs and food, have combined to make him a favourite personality at events. He continues to serve as a role model for one and alland is an ambassador for the sport wherever he travels.

It is that love of the sport and its people, and generosity of spirit that prompted Manoo and wife, Jean, to make a donation to WSWC in order to create a Manoo and Jean Gurjar Legacy Fund that will result in annual financial assistance to support a Canadian skier’s(s’) pursuit of skiing and educational goals.

GOAL OF THE LEGACY FUND

The goal of the Legacy Fund is to provide annual financial support to the skiing and educational pursuits of 1 male and 1 female Canadian water skier annually who best represents the ideals established in honour of Manoo Gurjar. A Legacy Fund allocation of $1,000 will be allocated annually to each recipient.

CRITERIA

The skiers selected shall best exemplify the qualities and wishes of Manoo and Jean Gurjar in their regard for the sport and education.

To be eligible for consideration, an individual must:
-Have not received this bursary in the previous two (2) years
-Be a male or female water skier, between the ages of 12 and 25 as at January 1 of the applicable year;
-Be attending a high school (as defined by the applicant’s home province) or a post-secondary school in the fall of 2022, with strong academic standing;
-Be a Canadian citizen.

The Legacy Fund award will be bestowed upon the eligible skiers who best exemplify the following qualities:

-Love and passion for the sport of water skiing;
-Sociability and friendliness within the water ski community (while social distancing);
-Good sportsmanship;
-Gives back to the sport in his or her own unique way;
-Demonstrates a commitment to education;
-Demonstrates a commitment to training and becoming better;
-Demonstrates potential and drive to compete

USE OF MANOO AND JEAN GURJAR LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP

The financial support should be used in support of water ski training and competitive pursuits, and/or tuition, books and other direct education-related expenses. Successful recipients must provide proof of registration in high school or postsecondary education during the 2023-2024 academic year.

SELECTION PROCESS

There will be an annual open call for applications, requiring the use of a specific Manoo and Jean Gurjar Legacy Fund Application Form, the deadline for submission is July 24, 2023

WSWC shall appoint a panel of three members who will be tasked with reviewing applications and selecting the 2 recipients of the Manoo and Jean Gurjar Legacy consistent with the above criteria. The recipient(s) will be announced at the 2023 Water Ski Nationals at Shalom Park

AWARD

The recipient(s) will also be presented with a keeper award that commemorates the honour of having been bestowed a Manoo and Jean Gurjar Legacy Fund award.

NOMINATION FORM

CLICK HERE to apply

2021 MANOO & JEAN GURJAR SCHOLARSHIP – APPLY TODAY

Manoo Gurjar is a longtime and beloved water skier. In 2013, he continued to compete in the Men 9 category (75+), including at national championships where he consistently takes home hardware in the slalom event. Manoo’s smiling presence, friendliness, sharing of volunteer time, stories, photographs and food, have combined to make him a favourite personality at events.

GOAL OF THE LEGACY FUND: The purpose of the Legacy Fund is to provide annual financial support to the skiing and educational pursuits of one male and one female Canadian water skier annually who best represents the ideals established in honour of Manoo Gurjar. A Legacy Fund allocation of $1,000 will be allocated annually to each recipient.

CRITERIA: The skiers selected shall best exemplify the qualities and wishes of Manoo and Jean Gurjar in their regard for the sport and education.

CLICK HERE for more information and to apply today!

AVERY COLCLEUGH & BRADLEY GIBBONS RECEIVE THE 2020 MANOO SCHOLARSHIPS

Congratulations to Avery Colcleugh and Bradley Gibbons, recipients of the 2020 Manoo and Jean Gurjar Scholarship.  The scholarship is given out each year to provide financial support to the skiing and educational pursuits of one male and one female Canadian water skier who best represent  the ideals established in honour of Manoo Gurjar.  

For more information about the Manoo Scholarship CLICK HERE

Congratulations Avery and Bradley!

Photos: David Crowder Photography