Ross Quigley’s legacy in local sports will never be forgotten.
Quigley, who passed away in December, was the founder of the Cobourg and District Sports Hall of Fame. Not only is he a member of the 2022 induction class, there is also a new award named in his honour that will support students for years to come.
Through the Ross Quigley Youth in Sport Award, each year two graduating students of different genders will be selected to receive $1,000 bursaries to recognize and reward their athletic, academic and community achievement and involvement through financial assistance to further their education.
“It was his dream to get the Cobourg and District Sports Hall of Fame up and running and he did a lot of legwork on his own even before putting together a group to formally start to have it developed. He was such an incredible Cobourg citizen, he just loved his town so much,” said CDSHF director Jennifer Ashley. “He was very involved in sports his whole life; playing when he was younger and then as an adult and not only that, he was involved in other volunteer initiatives in other service groups. Just always giving, giving, giving constantly to his town.”
Ashley said it’s fitting to have an award named after Quigley, who was certainly “honoured about that” as well.
“He was aware of this award and he had some input before he passed away so we were really happy about that,” Ashley said, noting the award isn’t just for athletes. “Say there’s someone who’s a coach, an official, a mascot, a student journalist, all of those kids would be eligible to apply. It’s just involved in sport in any way.”
Eligible applicants must reside in the CDSHF’s catchment area of Cobourg, the Townships of Hamilton, Alnwick/Haldimand and Cramahe or Alderville First Nation and attending a school in Northumberland County.
Other criteria for applicants include: be a graduating OSSD student (or graduated in 2021 if currently completing a gap year); active in school, community or higher sports activities as an athlete, coach, official or supporter; continuing their academics through university, college, apprenticeship or other post-secondary institution and will show proof of acceptance for the fall of their graduating year; is an active participant/volunteer in the school’s community and the greater area community; will provide a reference statement; will provide a personal statement of a significant personal achievement and importance; and is available to attend the award ceremony (CDSHF inductee dinner) and agrees to attendee publicity.
Application forms are available online at www.cdshf.ca and must be submitted digitally no later than Sunday, May 1 at 12 p.m. to media@cdshf.ca.
