Tara Jeffrey
Sarnia’s Ryan Davies is among six athletes chosen from across Ontario to receive the Brian Maxwell Memorial Scholarship.
The award, given annually through OFSAA (The Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations), provides $5,000 to six student-athletes who will be continuing their post-secondary education at a Canadian College or University.
“Ryan Davies is an impressive student-athlete with a diverse range of talents and accomplishments,” an OFSAA news releases noted. “He has excelled both academically and athletically during his time at Northern Collegiate Institute & Vocational School in Sarnia.”
He has also contributed significantly to his school’s cross country team, helping them achieve high rankings in team standings, OFSAA added.
“Beyond athletics, Ryan’s academic performance is commendable, maintaining a remarkable 96% average over his grade 12 courses. His dedication to education has led him to pursue Commerce at McMaster University, where he will be joining the Marauders’ track and field team, showcasing his talent on a larger platform.”
Davies’ passion for sports and community extends beyond track and field; he’s also an accomplished tennis player, has participated in soccer and badminton, and give back to his community through volunteering.
“One of Ryan’s most remarkable achievements is starting his own lawn care business from scratch, turning it into a profitable venture,” OFSAA added. “This entrepreneurial experience has not only provided him with valuable skills but also served as a significant source of income to support his post-secondary education expenses.
Just last month, Davies won gold in the men’s U20 3,000-metre steeplechase event at the Bell Canadian Track & Field Championships, where he represented the London Western Track & Field Club.
He also placed 9th in the men’s U20 3,000 metre race.
He was also named co-winner of the Sarnia-Lambton Sports Hall of Fame’s Pappy Burr Award, which goes to outstanding students about to enter post secondary education.
The Brian Maxwell scholarship fund is in memory of the successful distance runner who competed in track and field and cross country, achieving success as an OFSAA champion, and a Canadian junior, juvenile and senior champion. In 1980, he was selected to the Canadian Olympic team and later became a successful entrepreneur who, with his wife, Jennifer, co-founded the nutritional supplement PowerBar.
Brian was born with a defective heart valve and in 2004, at age 51, died of a heart attack.
Scholarship recipients are chosen for their display qualities of honesty, integrity, compassion and an unwavering quest to accomplish the best academically and athletically while supporting fellow team members.
Davies’ award was presented to him by Pat Park — OFSAA Communications and Marketing Lead — who is also a graduate of Northern Collegiate.