February 20, 2008 (Vancouver, B.C.) – The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) is now accepting applications for the 2008 Carol Anne Letheren Leadership and Sport Scholarship. The scholarship is a national, three-year, $1,500 per year, university award presented to one outstanding female high school graduate. The award is named in honour of the late Carol Anne Letheren (1942-2001), former chief executive officer of the COC.

The Carol Anne Letheren Leadership and Sport Scholarship is given to a female student (Canadian citizen or permanent resident) presently enrolled at a Canadian high school or CEGEP (private or public) in her graduating year and applying to a Canadian university or college in business, sport management, marketing, physical education or related fields. In addition to demonstrating qualities and personal values that personify the Olympic values, the eligible candidate will have a minimum grade average of 85% in her final year of high school. She will also be an accomplished athlete in high school, community or provincial level competitive sport(s). Please note that athletes competing at the national level (junior and senior) will be given preference.

The COC administers the scholarship with the support of the Carol Anne Letheren Foundation (CALF). CALF is the founding body of the scholarship and is composed of close friends and colleagues of Letheren who are committed to raising funds to ensure that more young women are able to follow in Letheren’s footsteps to pursue leadership roles in business and the sport community.

As CEO of the COC and member of the International Olympic Committee, Letheren was an avid promoter of the Olympic values. Her passion for sport and experience spanned more than four decades and included the following high-profile roles: COC president, director of Toronto’s 2008 Olympic bid, international gymnastics official and Chef de Mission for the Seoul 1988 Olympic Games. In many of these roles, Letheren was either the first woman or first Canadian woman to hold the position, distinguishing her as one of Canada’s most prominent women involved with high performance sport.

To learn more on how to apply please click here. Applications must be received at the COC Vancouver office by mail by 5:00 p.m. PST, April 11, 2008. Selections will be made shortly thereafter and the successful candidate(s) will be notified by May 23, 2008.