CLAUDE DESCHAMPS MEMORIAL AWARD

CRITERIA

The CLAUDE DESCHAMPS MEMORIAL AWARD was established in 1984 in honour of a former Executive Director of Softball Canada, Mr. Claude Deschamps.

This bursary is nationally administered by Softball Canada and is awarded annually to a female and male recipient towards their education. The recipients for this Award receive $1000.00 each and are chosen from the region* hosting the annual Softball Canada Congress (formerly known as the Annual General Meeting).

To qualify for this Award, the applicant must be:

• Registered with the provincial/territorial association
• In a minor category, for a minimum of two (2) years prior to the application
• Be a resident of the province/territory
• Be in attendance at a recognized educational institution at a post-secondary level.

Softball Canada by September 15 of each year must receive a letter of application, a completed application form, along with a letter of endorsement from the provincial/territorial office.

Note: Reference letter(s) may be included whenever possible.

REGIONS

Western: Saskatchewan, Alberta, Yukon Territory and British Columbia
Atlantic: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland & Labrador, and Prince Edward Island
Central: Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, and Northwest Territories, Nunavut Territory

2025 RECIPIENTS

AILAH MACDONALD (Peakes, PEI) is currently attending the University of Prince Edward Island. In 2024, she was named to the All-Star Team at the U17 Canadian Championships after an outstanding performance and is also a two-time MVP of the Eastern Championships. Beyond her athletic success, Ailah is passionate about giving back to the sport through hosting local softball clinics and mentoring younger players. Following the Canada Games this summer, she hopes to continue both playing and coaching, with the long-term goal of one day coaching at a future Canada Games.

TUCKER SWEET (Hoyt, NB) is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Engineering at the University of New Brunswick, where he continues to balance his academic and athletic pursuits with dedication and drive. A member of Team New Brunswick at this year’s Canada Games, Tucker has also earned U12 Provincial Championships in 2018 and 2019 and captured a U15 Provincial Championship title in 2023 as a coach. Looking ahead, Tucker’s goals include becoming an Intermediate Men’s Provincial Champion within the next three years and earning a spot to compete at the ISC World Tournament.