Bill Burke, Chair of Sport Newfoundland and Labrador�s Scholarship/Bursary Program, announced today that the deadline for full-time post-secondary students submitting applications for the 2007 Scholarship/Bursary Program is drawing near. The completed application forms, together with all supporting documentation, must be received by Sport Newfoundland and Labrador on or before February 29, 2008.

Mr. Burke explained the scholarship/bursary procedure, "Each year, the Board of Trustees of Sport Newfoundland and Labrador�s Scholarship Trust Fund makes a decision on the amount of money that will be made available from the Scholarship Trust Fund to be used for the provision of a limited number of scholarships/bursaries for post-secondary students. The value of these scholarships / bursaries varies, depending upon the amount of money available and the number of scholarships/bursaries awarded. Students currently enrolled in a recognized post-secondary institution and participating in athletic, coaching or officiating endeavours will receive the primary focus when the awards are decided. Awards are made at the discretion of Sport Newfoundland and Labrador�s Scholarship Committee."

The 2007 Scholarship/Bursary Application Forms were forwarded in mid-December to all Provincial Sport Organizations and to all post-secondary institutions in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Mr. Burke also stated, "Students applying for a scholarship/bursary must obtain an endorsement from their Provincial Sport Organization; submit their record of athletic, coaching or officiating performance and contribution; be in current full-time attendance at a recognized post-secondary degree granting institution and have a minimum average of 65 per cent during the 2007 school year. The completed application forms, together with all supporting documentation, must be received by Sport Newfoundland and Labrador on or before the February 29, 2008, deadline and applications will not be considered without supporting documents.

"The Scholarship Committee will meet on April 6 to determine the recipients of the 2007 Scholarship/Bursary Fund. The successful applicants will be notified accordingly and the Scholarship/Bursary presentations will take place in late April. The 2006 program had 21 post-secondary students each receive a $500.00 scholarship and we anticipate the value and number of scholarships being the same for 2007."

Tom Godden, President of Sport Newfoundland and Labrador, said, "The Board of Directors is very pleased, again this year, that the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation is partnering with us to provide this much needed assistance to our top academic and athletic students, coaches and officials. The department�s contribution of $5,000 assures the continued success of this program to our sport community."

Post-secondary athletes requiring information on this program can contact either their Provincial Sport Organization, their post-secondary physical education office or Sport Newfoundland and Labrador at telephone number 709-576-4932; fax: 709-576-7493.