Introduction

The Manoo and Jean Gurjar Bursary Fund was established in 2011 as a result of a bequest to Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada (WSWC) from Dr. Manoo and Jean Gurjar of Vancouver, British Columbia.

Manoo Gurjar is a longtime and beloved water skier. In 2011, he continued to compete in the Men 9 category (75+), including at the national championships where he consistently takes home hardware in the slalom event. Manoo's smiling presence, friendliness, sharing of volunteer time, stories, photographs and food have combined to make him a favourite personality at events. He continues to serve as a role model for one and all, and is an ambassador for the sport wherever he travels. It is that love of the sport and its people, and generosity of spirit that prompted Manoo and wife, Jean, to make a donation to WSWC in order to create a Manoo and Jean Gurjar Legacy Fund that will result in annual financial assistance to support a Canadian skier's(s') pursuit of skiing and educational goals.

Goal of the Legacy Fund

The goal of the Legacy Fund is to provide annual financial support to the skiing and educational pursuits of one male and one female Canadian water skier annually who best represents the ideals established in honour of Manoo Gurjar. A Legacy Fund allocation of $1,000 will be allocated annually to each recipient.

Allocation and Use of Bursary Grants

Criteria

The skiers selected shall best exemplify the qualities and wishes of Manoo and Jean Gurjar in their regard for the sport and education.

To be eligible for consideration, an individual must:

• Be a male or female water skier, between the ages of 12 and 25 as at January 1 of the applicable year;
• Be a student at a high school or a post-secondary school, with strong academic standing;
• Be a Canadian citizen.

The Legacy Fund award will be bestowed upon the eligible skiers who best exemplify the following qualities: Love and passion for the sport of water skiing; Sociability and friendliness within the water ski community; Good sportsmanship; Gives back to the sport in his or her own unique way; Demonstrates a commitment to education; Demonstrates a commitment to training and becoming better; Competes in sanctioned level competition; Demonstrates potential and drive to compete at the national championship or higher level;

Use of Manoo and Jean Gurjar Legacy Fund Award

The financial support must be used in support of water ski training and competitive pursuits, and/or tuition, books and other direct education related expenses. An expense claim supported by original receipts is required to claim the Legacy Fund award.

Selection Process

There will be an annual open call for applications, requiring use of a specific Manoo and Jean Gurjar Legacy Fund Application Form PDF or DOC, deadline for submission is May 1, annually.

Each year, WSWC shall appoint a panel of three members who will be tasked with reviewing applications and selecting the 2 recipients of the Manoo and Jean Gurjar Legacy Fund consistent with the above criteria. The recipient will be announced by June 1st. If the recipient(s) is in attendance at the closing banquet of the annual Canadian Water Ski Championships, a public presentation shall also be made.

Award

The recipient(s) will be presented with a keeper award that commemorates the honour of having been bestowed a Manoo and Jean Gurjar Legacy Fund Award.