Commemorating the anniversary of [Watt’s] passing, U SPORTS is proud to announce the application process for the second annual Peter Watts Memorial Grant for prospective Canadian university journalism students.
The $3,000 annual grant was established last January for a period of six years and will be given to a student entering their first year of studies in a journalism, media or communications program at a university registered with Universities Canada. Students graduating high school and beginning their university education, as well as those with prior post-secondary experience in another field who intend to pursue further studies in one of these areas will both be accepted.
Watts, who died on January 18, 2019, was known for his work at CBC and TSN, and particularly his lifelong support for Canadian university student-athletes. He was a driving force behind the Queen’s University radio station CFRC, while also managing the Gaels football and hockey teams. Later in his career, Watts served as a media relations consultant for the Lieutenant Governor Athletic Awards held in Calgary, honouring the U SPORTS Athletes of the Year. A colleague and friend to many in the sports media industry, Watts was known for signature signoff “Go out and make it a safe and happy day.”
The inaugural grant was awarded to Matt Johnson, who began his studies at the Ryerson School of Journalism in September.
“I’m super thankful for the gratitude of the Watts family and Peter’s legacy, which was instrumental in me attending Ryerson! It was a great honour to receive and I’m excited for Peter’s legacy to live on, as another student gets set to benefit greatly from the Watts’ generosity!”
Matt Johnson – 2020 Winner
Prospective students can apply for the grant from Mar. 15-Aug. 15 to [email protected] with the following:
- A copy of your resume
- A short essay answering why is it important for you to pursue journalism and/or media studies? (1,000 word maximum)
- An example of an article, interview or media clip that you have produced.
A selection committee will review all applications, with a selection announcement to be made at a later date. Proof of university acceptance and admittance will be required.
Note: This grant is gratefully subsidized by the Peter Watts Memorial Media Foundation and independent of the U SPORTS Correspondent Program Presented by the Globe and Mail.
So “go out and make it a safe and happy day” and send in applications anytime between Mar. 15-Aug. 15!
