The December 2014 Howlers U-18 tour to Colombia witnessed the creation of an idea for a scholarship. During the event known as “tercer tiempo” (‘third time’ or after tournament social), a group of Howlers management and supporters got together with some of the representatives of the Antioquia Rugby Federation to enjoy some of the country renowned rum. The ensuing conversation could prove to hold a lasting legacy.
Andrew Purdey (parent of Howlers player Seth Purdey and student at Shawnigan Lake School) offered to fund a scholarship (valued at at about $50,00) to one worthy and qualified Colombian youngster from one Medellin’s poor neighbourhoods to attended one of Canada’s most prestigious private schools in Canada (Shawnigan Lake School) that boasts quality rugby and academic programs.
This life changing opportunity brought immediate excitement, which initially masked the obvious challenges for someone to take advantage of this opportunity. The largest being that of speaking English .
All students in public schools in Medellin study English throughout their education and it was initially thought that this would not be an issue.
In due course it became obvious that English skills that the initial candidate possessed would not be adequate for him to attend this school .This was cause for a further re-evaluation.
Recognizing the need for an adequate level of English linguistic proficiency Howlers' President Karl Fix, Andrew Purdey and the staff at Shawnigan Lake School ) came up with a plan to hopefully bring a candidate to that level. I in turn am serving to help implement this strategy.
It was decided that 2 players will compete for this opportunity .
The Howlers have taken on the task of funding the two youths to attend one of Colombia’s top English schools, El Colombo Americano, where they are currently taking intensive course four days a week. The two will continue taking the classes for a six to 9 month period to raise their level of English with the intention of one qualifying to attend Shawnigan in the fall of 2016.
The level of English training they are receiving at this point may already prove to be a value tool for both candidates later in life.
The candidates for the scholarship are:
Juan Camilo Uribe
Carlos Stiven Pestaña
"No es sólo un juego , es una forma de vida" (it's not just a game , it's a way of life)
Damon Weigl
Andrew Purdey (parent of Howlers player Seth Purdey and student at Shawnigan Lake School) offered to fund a scholarship (valued at at about $50,00) to one worthy and qualified Colombian youngster from one Medellin’s poor neighbourhoods to attended one of Canada’s most prestigious private schools in Canada (Shawnigan Lake School) that boasts quality rugby and academic programs.
This life changing opportunity brought immediate excitement, which initially masked the obvious challenges for someone to take advantage of this opportunity. The largest being that of speaking English .
All students in public schools in Medellin study English throughout their education and it was initially thought that this would not be an issue.
In due course it became obvious that English skills that the initial candidate possessed would not be adequate for him to attend this school .This was cause for a further re-evaluation.
Recognizing the need for an adequate level of English linguistic proficiency Howlers' President Karl Fix, Andrew Purdey and the staff at Shawnigan Lake School ) came up with a plan to hopefully bring a candidate to that level. I in turn am serving to help implement this strategy.
It was decided that 2 players will compete for this opportunity .
The Howlers have taken on the task of funding the two youths to attend one of Colombia’s top English schools, El Colombo Americano, where they are currently taking intensive course four days a week. The two will continue taking the classes for a six to 9 month period to raise their level of English with the intention of one qualifying to attend Shawnigan in the fall of 2016.
The level of English training they are receiving at this point may already prove to be a value tool for both candidates later in life.
The candidates for the scholarship are:
Juan Camilo Uribe
Carlos Stiven Pestaña
"No es sólo un juego , es una forma de vida" (it's not just a game , it's a way of life)
Damon Weigl
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