The scholarship is no longer available, it was funded for five years beginning in 2018 and ending in 2022. The purpose was to recognize and support skaters up to age 18 who were living with a chronic medical condition.
A note from Scholarship Administrator - Alan Jay
In my capacity as a speedskating coach, club administrator, and camp director, I have met a number of young skaters with chronic and in some cases life-threatening illnesses. From interactions with these children and their families, I’ve come to learn and appreciate how important athletics is to managing their health and overall well-being. It is well researched and documented that physical fitness and sports can play an important role in establishing and maintaining good health for otherwise healthy individuals. For children with chronic medical conditions, this can be particularly important. Developing and maintaining physical fitness through participation in athletics can dramatically and measurably affect the outcome of their conditions, and in some cases directly impact their expected lifespan.
Skaters with chronic medical conditions often face unique participation obstacles.
-
Their condition may require periodic and/or unexpected treatment resulting in missed practices and events.
-
During practices and events their condition may require a treatment that temporarily removes them from participation.
-
Because of issues such as treatment regimens, and dietary requirements, children and their families may incur unique financial burdens relating to participation in speedskating. These may include but are not limited to increased travel costs for camps; meets and clinics; specialized equipment; insurance and medical care.
Through a generous donation from the Noble Family Charitable Foundation, the Buffalo Speed Skating Club was honored to provide this unique scholarship opportunity to young speedskaters living with chronic medical conditions.
Scholarship goals:
-
Provide financial assistance to the recipients.
-
Recognize the recipients for their strength, perseverance, and dedication to, and accomplishments in the sport of speedskating.
-
Encourage children with chronic medical conditions to participate in athletics in general, and speedskating in particular.
-
Set an example for the greater speedskating community by recognizing the recipients.
About the Noble Family Foundation:
The Noble Family Foundation was established upon the passing of Beatrice Noble. Through hard work, study and selflessness, throughout her life Beatrice cared and provided for family, friends, and strangers alike. In keeping with the charitable goals and wishes of Beatrice, this scholarship is funded by the Foundation through a donation from the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County. To read a brief biography of Beatrice Noble please click here