Applications open for Curling Canada’s 2026 Youth Scholarship Programs

Applications for Curling Canada’s 2026 Youth Scholarship Program are now open, with 20 student-athletes set to share in $52,000 — a significant investment in the next generation of the sport.  

The application deadline is June 7, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET, with recipients announced in September 2026. 

The program includes two streams: the For the Love of Curling Scholarship and the Fran Todd All Heart Scholarship.  Ten scholarships from each stream will be awarded to applicants who demonstrate, according to criteria specific to each stream, excellence in curling, strong academic standing, and volunteer leadership within their communities. 

Established in 2014, the For the Love of Curling Scholarship supports young athletes who excel on the ice and in the classroom while contributing to their communities through coaching, instruction and volunteering. The Fran Todd All Heart Scholarship, established in 2025, recognizes student-athletes who embody the values of curling and prioritize giving back by sharing their passion to create meaningful change. 

Applicants must be 22 years old or younger as of Dec. 31, 2026.  

Since 2014, more than $333,600 has been invested in Curling Canada’s philanthropic scholarship programs. 

This year, the program is stronger than ever, thanks to increased contributions from the Governor General’s Curling Club membership and a landmark legacy gift in honour of James Bayne Secord, which together expand the program’s reach and ensure its impact endures for generations to come. 

“Curling Canada is honoured to invest in the next generation of passionate, skilled and community-minded curlers,” said Brodie Bazinet, Curling Canada’s Director of Philanthropy and Youth Impacts. “The continued support from the Canada-wide curling community, including the Governor General’s Curling Club’s membership, and the generous legacy gift from the Secord family in memory of James Bayne Secord, reflects the very best of our sport — people giving back so that others can thrive. We are proud to steward these contributions and committed to ensuring they create meaningful, lasting impact for young curlers.” 

Two of the scholarships are funded and presented by the Governor General’s Curling Club, an honourary society under the patronage of the Governor General of Canada since 1874. While 18 scholarships are valued at $2,500, the two Governor General’s Curling Club scholarships are valued at $3,500 each and will be awarded based on the Club’s values, alongside achievements in curling, academic performance, community involvement and leadership. 

“The Governor General’s Curling Club is proud to deepen its support of these scholarships,” said Pat Reid of the Governor General’s Curling Club. “Young curlers who give back to their communities and to our sport, lead with integrity and pursue excellence — on the ice and in the classroom — are exactly who this program is meant to recognize. We are honoured to play a role in the development of the next generation of leaders for our sport and in the journeys of these accomplished student-athletes.” 

A generous legacy gift from the Estate of Maureen Secord honours the lifelong love of curling shared by Maureen and her husband, James Bayne Secord. Designated to support students pursuing curling alongside post-secondary education, the gift will directly fund a portion of the scholarship program over the next five years. 

“It was our parents’ intention, upon their passing, to provide financial support to young students who are participating in the sport of curling,” said daughter Laurie Secord. “Through Curling Canada and their philanthropic program, that wish has become a reality. James Bayne Secord and Maureen Secord were instrumental participants in the game for more than 70 years; from grassroots involvement and volunteering to coaching and Dad competing at an elite level, they have left an indelible mark on the game. May their generosity help to improve the financial burden of post-secondary education, as well as promote continued participation in the sport for our youth.” 

This year’s selection panel includes: Teri Palynchuk (Chair, Curling Canada Board of Governors), Jennifer Howard (Curling Canada Board of Governors), Nolan Thiessen (Curling Canada CEO), Fran Todd (Former Curling Canada Board of Governors and curling leadership volunteer), Darrell Ell (Governor General’s Curling Club representative), Brodie Bazinet (Curling Canada Director, Philanthropy & Youth Impacts), Jayden King (For the Love of Curling and Fran Todd All Heart Scholarships recipient), Emma Nagel (For the Love of Curling Scholarship recipient), Claire Dubinsky (For the Love of Curling Scholarship recipient).

For full scholarship application details and to apply, click here.