2014Crisis Intervention & Suicide Prevention Centre of British Columbia

Rick BlightLeadership in ActionScholarshipforAthletes

Information Package

MISSION

The Crisis Intervention andSuicide Prevention Centre ofBritish Columbia (Crisis Centre) is a volunteer-driven organization committed to helping people help themselves and others deal with crisis.

BACKGROUND

Born in Manitoba in 1955, Rick Blight had a long and varied career as an exceptional athlete, selected by the Vancouver Canucks 10th overall in the 1stround of the 1975 NHL draft.

As is often the case with high performance athletes, Rick experienced both highs and lows over his career.He was a top scorer for the Canucks during his first three years in the NHL, leading the team in scoring in the '76-'77 season. Rick played in the NHL for another three years before traveling to Switzerland to continuehis career in the minors after a knee injury.
Rick retired from professional hockey in 1983 and began a career as a stockbroker before moving back to Manitoba to manage his family’s farm.He was a prominent and well liked businessman in the community. Rick never gave up his love of sports and excelled in both curling and golf. Rick also continued to be involved in hockey, coaching his son's teams for a number of years.
Rick died by suicide in 2005 at the age of 49, leaving his wife and children to cherish his memory.He was very proud of his children’saccomplishments; his son is now a high school teacher and his daughter a registered nurse.

PURPOSE OF SCHOLARSHIP

In tribute to Rick’slife, the Crisis Centre is offering the Rick Blight Leadership in ActionScholarship for Athletesas a means to recognize and encourage the presence ofmental health and wellness within athletics.

We recognize athleticism has the potential to be incredibly life promoting and at the same time it can bevery competitive and may not prioritizementalhealth and wellness as much as physical health and wellness.

Specifically, the Rick Blight Scholarship recognizes athleteswho have demonstrated a dedication to leadership in their sport andhave invested in theirpersonal mental health and wellnessand/orthatof theirsports team or community.

This may be demonstrated through actions such asvisiting a mental health professional,encouragingpeers to reach out when in need, involvement incommunity activities, supporting anti-stigmaefforts, LGBTQ alliances, or community events mandated to promote mental health and wellness.

If you are a youth living in the Lower Mainland or Sea-to-Sky Corridor who identifies with the abovecharacteristics, we want to hear from you!

ELIGIBILITY

  • Demonstrates a dedication to their sport.
  • Is a leader in their personal mental health and wellness and/or that of their sports teamor community.
  • Currently in grade 10, 11 or 12 at a Lower Mainland or Sea-to-Sky Corridor high school, or graduated from a Lower Mainland or Sea-to-Sky Corridor high school in the last year.
  • Fulfill the requirements of the application package.
  • Is not an employee or immediate family member of a Crisis Centreemployee.

VALUE

A minimum of one scholarship valued at $1,000 will be awarded, paid in one installment. The Crisis Centre may also make one or two secondary prizes of $500-$1000 available.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

STEP 1 – Electronic Application Form

Candidates are asked to complete the following application form electronicallyin the Word Document provided.

The Crisis Centre supports accessibility of this scholarship to all interested candidates. If you would like to submit Section D of your Application form (Personal Statements) using a different format, such as video, please contact us for more information and to make arrangements.

STEP 2 – Mail the application form

Once the application form is completed, please print and mail to:

c/o Rick Blight Leadership in Action Scholarship for Athletes

The Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of British Columbia

763 East Broadway

Vancouver, BC V5T 1X8

School or Community Reference

This person can be a teacher, principal, vice principal, guidance counselor or person from your community. It is recommended that you ask someone who knows you well and who can speak of your involvement in athletics and efforts to support positive mental health. This person cannot be a relative.

Ask your refereeto write you a brief one-page letter outlining your commitment to your sport and how you have demonstrated support for your mental health and wellness and/or that of your sports community.

Please ensure the letter is signed by the referee.

Completed application packages should besent by mail to be received byFriday, April 4th, 2014.Incomplete and late applications will not be accepted.

Applicants may be invited to an informal interview to discuss your application.

Make sure you have:

MAILED:

  • Crisis Intervention & Suicide Prevention Centre of BC Rick BlightLeadership in ActionScholarship for Athletes Application form Sections A – E completed.
  • If you would like to submit Section D of your Application form (Personal Statements) using a different format, such as video, please contact us for more information and to make arrangements.

Important Dates

  • Entry Deadline – Completed applications must be received byFriday, April 4th, 2014to be considered
  • Final Award recipient will be announcedFriday, April 24th, 2014

You will be emailed a confirmation of receipt of your application on Friday, April 4th, 2014.

* PLEASE NOTE: Award recipient(s) will be invited to the Crisis Centre’s Annual General Meeting on May 8, 2014 in Vancouver.

Questions regarding Crisis Centre’s Rick Blight Scholarship should be directed by email to:

Best wisheswith your sport and your continued health and wellness!

“I will not judge. I will have compassion. I will reach out, listen, talk, help and find help. My name is Kevin Bieksa I will not stay silent.”

- Vancouver Canuck Kevin Bieksa speaking out to support mental health

2014 Crisis Intervention & Suicide Prevention Centre of British Columbia

Rick BlightLeadership in ActionScholarship for Athletes Application

Section A: Personal Information
Surname / First Name / Middle Name
Gender / Date of Birth
Status in Canada:
____Canadian Citizen ___ Permanent Resident (Landed Immigrant)
Street Address
City / Province/Territory / Postal Code
Telephone Number / Email Address
How did you find out about this scholarship? (Please check all that apply)
__Guidance Counsellor / __Teacher(s) / __Internet
__Community Organization / __Publication / __Poster
__ Friend / __Mailing List / __Other
Section B: Academic Information
Current Secondary School / Graduation Date
Street Address / City
Province / Postal Code / Telephone Number
List three careers you are considering, in order of preference, and briefly describe why. Please indicate if you are uncertain.
Career / Reason for Interest in this Career
1)
2)
3)
Section C: Community Service and Volunteer Activities
Please describe your community involvement (i.e. outside of school) starting with the most recent experience
Activity/ Organization / Responsibilities / Position or Office Held / Dates
Section D: Personal Statements
Please do not exceed the suggested word count for each question.
  1. Tell us how you have made mental health and wellness a priority in your life as an athlete(max. 3000 characters, including spaces)

  1. Tell us about any contributions you have made in leadership or community service to support mental health and wellness within your sports team or community.(max. 3000 characters, including spaces)

  1. How will this scholarship help you achieve your future goals and what makes you the most deserving candidate for the scholarship? Financial need will be taken into consideration, so please indicate (if you choose) to what extent this ought to be considered. (max. 3000 characters, including spaces)

End of Application

To ensure your application is considered, see pages3-5for details.

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