(April 10, 2008)

The Manitoba Grassroots Bursary Fund is set to host its 25th Anniversary Dinner and Ice Show, April 12, 2008.  The bursary fund, which was established in 1984 by a group of dedicated volunteers, distributes 25-30 scholarships annually to support the training and development of elite skaters from the Juvenile through to the Senior Level.  Since its inception, over 400 scholarships have been awarded to deserving skaters who have successfully earned berths to compete at Canadian and international championships. 

Skate Canada’s Director of Coaching and Member Services, Jeff Partrick, knows first hand the value associated with the bursary fund.  “It was a nice honour to receive the recognition from the Manitoba Section,” said Partrick.  “It was also a nice finish to the competitive season when I received one of the bursaries.”

Partrick, who received the bursary multiple times over the course of his competitive skating career, competed at ten Canadian Championships from 1982-1991 and represented Canada internationally an impressive six times. 

“A lot of work has gone into this program by the volunteers and I appreciated the bursary and all of their hard work that made it happen” said Partrick, who used the bursary to offset ice fees, coaching lessons, equipment, music and other costs associated with competitive skating. 

Partrick will be one of the former bursary recipients attending the 25th Anniversary Dinner and Ice Show.  The weekend celebration, which will also include a Wine & Cheese as well as a Farewell Brunch, will be held at St. James Civic Centre and the Victoria Inn in Winnipeg, Manitoba. 

Special thanks to the Manitoba Grassroots Bursary Fund for helping to make figure skating dreams a reality!

Jeff Partrick is the 1983 Canadian novice bronze medalist		Jeff has been working at Skate Canada’s national office in Ottawa for almost nine years