Three athletes from Concordia University received bursaries in recognition of their leadership qualities from the Fondation de l'athlète d'excellence du Québec at a gala dinner in Laval, Que., on Tuesday.
The awards were offered to student-athletes who have distinguished themselves through community service and have displayed leadership within their team.
Ali Olshefsky of the women's rugby program received $2000 as the outstanding female in the 2005-'06 leadership category. She is an exceptional student, has an amazing work ethic and her devotion to volunteer work is exemplary.
Away from the game, Olshefsky works for Le Bon Dieu Dans La Rue helping homeless youth. Last summer she travelled to Mexico to work with Students Taking Action In Chiapas. She helped with the inaugural women's rugby Kelly-Anne Drummond Cup, organizing transportation of donations to the West Island Women’s Shelter. She planned a "Stitch and Bitch" discussion forum through the Simone de Beauvoir Institute. She was a member of Free-Cycle and the Co-op de la Maison Vert. She also volunteered for "Stella," a group that advocates for sex workers.
Angela Di Stasi of the women's hockey received $1500 and was a finalist in the leadership category. She volunteers with Accueil Bonneau, a shelter that provides meals to homeless men.
On the men's side, cross-country runner Kyle Verboomen was the outstanding male in the leadership category and accepted a cheque for $2000 for his efforts. The Urban Planning student served as an executive with his department student association. He has been involved in leadership events at John Abbott College and with the Lester B. Pearson School Board. He also represented Quebec at the Canadian Student Leadership Conference in Halifax and at the Forum for Young Canadians held in Ottawa.
