Akpan and Bodurtha to receive U SPORTS Athletes on Track bursary

U SPORTS and BlackNorth Initiative (BNI) Announce Eight Recipients of the 2025-2026 Athletes on Track Bursary

U SPORTS, in partnership with BlackNorth Initiative (BNI) and Sherrard Kuzz LLP, announced the recipients of the 2025-2026 Athletes on Track Bursary today. In the program's fourth year of operation, eight outstanding Black student-athletes within U SPORTS have been selected to receive this prestigious award.

The bursary program, supported by BNI and generous contributions from Scotia Wealth Management, Canada Basketball, Roots and Wheaton Precious Metal, the program will once again award eight student-athletes with a $5,000 bursary. Each recipient will also be matched with an industry mentor through the BlackNorth Connect Program, gaining access to guidance in areas such as résumé development, public speaking, and other career-focused skills aligned with their personal goals.

"We are proud to stand behind these exceptional Black student athletes who are raising the standard in competition, in the classroom, and in their communities," says Dahabo Ahmed Omer, Chief Executive Officer of BlackNorth Initiative. "Athletes on Track is about more than a bursary. It is an investment in leadership, confidence, and long-term career success. By pairing financial support with mentorship through BlackNorth Connect, we are helping these students turn talent into opportunity and potential into impact. Congratulations to this year's recipients. We cannot wait to see what you build next, on the field and far beyond it."

To qualify for this opportunity, applicants must be Black (Afro-Caribbean, African Canadian, and/or racialized), currently enrolled in a Canadian university, and actively participating as a member of a U SPORTS varsity team. Financial need is also a key consideration in the selection process.

Recipients:

Canada West:

• Daniel Owoeye (Mount Royal University – Men's basketball)
• Ezinne Ibelo (University of Calgary – Women's rugby)

OUA:

• Tristan Boateng (York University – Men's track and field)
• Enora Touloute (University of Ottawa – Women's basketball)

RSEQ:

• El Hadj Saliou Diop (École de technologie supérieure - Men's track and field)
• Janay Francis (Concordia University - Women's rugby) 

AUS:

• Max Bodurtha (St. Francis Xavier University - Men's soccer) 
• Akwaima Akpan (St. Francis Xavier University - Women's rugby) 

About BlackNorth Initiative

BlackNorth Initiative is on a mission to close the gaps created by systemic anti-Black racism for Black Canadians—a Canada where systemic anti-Black racism does not exist. For more information, visit: https://blacknorth.ca/ and follow us on social media @blacknorthca.

About U SPORTS

U SPORTS is the national brand for university sports in Canada. Every year, over 15,500 student-athletes and 700 coaches vie for 23 national championships in 13 different sports. U SPORTS also provides high performance international opportunities at FISU Winter and Summer World University Games, World University Championships, University World Cups and various educational initiatives.

 U SPORTS works in collaboration with 58 members and four conferences as well as the Canadian sport system and Corporate Canada on the growth and delivery of university sport to student-athletes across the country.

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