BlackNorth Initiative partnership with U SPORTS and the launch of the Athletes on Track Program

BY PAUL JUNOR

BlackNorth Initiative (BNI) was founded by Wes Hall, financier, and philanthropist in July 2020. Its mission is to end anti-Black systemic racism throughout all aspects of our lives by utilizing a business-first mindset. They are committed to the removal of anti-Black systemic barriers negatively affecting the lives of Black Canadian.

BlackNorth Initiative released information about a partnership with U SPORTS and the launch of the Athletes on Track Program. Funding is made possible by Scotia Wealth Management and Sherrard Kuzz LLP, and will be given to eight Black student-athletes.

Chris George, Co-Chair of BNI Sport, and Entertainment Committee states, “Having been a former university student-athlete, I couldn’t be prouder to help launch this bursary program and truly provide unique opportunities to our next generation leaders.”

This good news was first announced at the U SPORTS Annual General Meeting. It provides higher performance international opportunities for Canadian student-athletes at Winter and Summer Universiade, as well as numerous world university championships.

Pierre Arsenault, CEO of U SPORTS notes, “As the national governing body for Canadian university sport, we are committed to the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion. As a result, we are proud, along with our partners, to announce the creation of this enriching opportunity for our Black student-athletes.”

The aims of the Athletes on Track Program is to provide a foundation for Black student-athletes to succeed on and off the field of play by teaching new skills and fostering lasting professional relationships through the BNI Connect Program.

The eligibility requirements for student-athletes include the following:

• The student-athlete must identify as Black (Afro-Caribbean, African Canadian, and/or racialized)
• The student-athlete must be enrolled at a Canadian University (U SPORTS)
• The student-athlete must demonstrate financial need
• The student-athlete must be a member of a U SPORTS varsity team

Sundeep Gokhale, Partner at Sherrard Kuzz LLP states, “This program is designed to provide mentorship and career connections with successful business and community leaders. The program aims to build important skills and relationships, to open doors that are otherwise shut.”

Past winners can still apply for a bursary once program requirements are met.