Athletes pursuing education receive over $30,000 through the Athlete Education Bursary

AEB Recipients

TORONTO, ON (April 8, 2026) — Game Plan is proud to announce the recipients of the first intake of our 2026 Athlete Education Bursary (AEB), awarding a total of $31,000 to 21 Canadian athletes in support of their education journeys this year.

Learning plays an important role in living well, offering balance, purpose, and opportunities to develop new skills at every stage of an athlete’s journey. Whether continuing a program, exploring a new interest, or preparing for life beyond sport, education remains a vital part of that growth. The Athlete Education Bursary was designed to help offset eligible education expenses for the 2026 calendar year, supporting everything from postgraduate studies and certifications to course materials and skill development, so athletes can continue to learn, grow, and work toward their goals.

This first intake saw strong interest from athletes across the country, with close to 200 applications submitted. The selected recipients represent a diverse group of athletes at different stages of their journey:

  • Abi Tripp, Para Swimming

  • Alexis Cronk, Rowing

  • Andrea Secaffien, Athletics

  • Ann-Sophie Taschereau, Weightlifting

  • Brendan Guraliuk, Field Hockey

  • Courtney Stott, Canoe-Kayak

  • Denelle Pedrick, Gymnastics-Artistic

  • Emma Lunder, Biathlon

  • Emma Spence, Gymnastics-Artistic

  • Isabella Howley, Rowing

  •  Ivy (Gui Hua) Liao, Table Tennis

  • Joel Ewert, Wheelchair Rugby

  • Kathleen Leahy, Rowing

  • Lilly Rainham, Sailing

  • Margaret Kuts, Gymnastics- Rhythmic

  • Nicole Ostertag, Athletics

  • Nicole Rivait, Softball

  • Pamela Brind'Amour, Fencing

  • Parker Illingworth, Rowing

  • Ry Prior, Cross Country Skiing

  • Thora Rae, Field Hockey

Athletes could request up to $2,000, depending on their learning plans and related expenses. The bursary is designed to complement existing supports, including the Athlete Assistance Program (AAP).

"The support from this Athlete Education Bursary is invaluable. It will directly help me with covering part of my tuition in my final year of law school, reducing the financial pressure of balancing full-time studies with training and competing for Canada in table tennis. Having benefited from so much community support throughout my athletic and academic journeys, receiving this bursary also further motivates me to continue giving back through mentorship, coaching, and athlete advocacy. For this, I am truly grateful!" Ivy Liao, Table Tennis

This bursary is made possible through the generosity of a donor from the Canadian Olympic Foundation (COF), whose support helps create meaningful education opportunities for athletes like you.

This marks the first of two intakes for the Athlete Education Bursary in 2026, with a second intake planned for later this summer. Additional details will be shared through Game Plan channels in the coming months.

About Game Plan:   Game Plan is Canada’s holistic athlete-support network. Its nationwide team of world-class experts and specialized advisors empower national athletes with practical ways to live healthy, balanced, and personally successful lives at every stage of their journey. Game Plan’s growth-centred programs, structured services, and everyday resources are custom designed to support the total well-being of every individual athlete.

Established in 2015, Game Plan is a globally leading initiative which functions in collaboration with the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC), Sport Canada and the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Sport Institute Network (COPSIN).