Highlighting the memory and successes of a former Comox Valley student, athlete and educator who passed away last year is the plan for a group of organizers creating a bursary in her name.
G.P. Vanier grad and University of Vitoria athlete Megan Dalziel passed away in July 2019 of cancer at the age of 41. She exemplified what it meant to be an inspiration to others, particularly to excel as a female athlete who competed at a high level athletically and academically but came from a small community, explained Hugh MacKinnon, who coached Dalziel at Vanier.
“Her hard work ethic, humbleness and love of teammates, friends, family and students always shone through and was an example to all.”
RELATED: Bursary to honour inspirational Vanier student
A bursary was created in Dalzeil’s honour, for a graduating female Vanier student who has shown excellence in athletics and academic, and is pursuing post-secondary education and reflects the personal attributes shown by Dalziel. MacKinnon sits on the bursary committee.
“Coming from a smaller community, in Megan’s mind I believe, was a strength, not a hindrance and it made her the excellent person she came to be,” said MacKinnon.
Dalziel was a multi-sport athlete. She led Vanier to the provincials in volleyball, she succeeded in track and field and played on her school’s basketball team – her first love, noted MacKinnon.
She succeeded in the sport so much, she declined volleyball scholarships to post-secondary schools in the United States in order to play basketball at UVic, where she led the team to two national championships in 1998 and 2000.
Following her time at UVic, Dalziel taught and coached at York House School – an independent day school for girls in Vancouver.
News of the bursary was released earlier this year, and MacKinnon explained the hope was through local and Vancouver Island donations is that enough will be raised to be able to offer a $1,000 bursary annually to honour Dalziel’s legacy.
So far, approximately $7,000 has been raised, but the goal is to keep the bursary going in perpetuity.
“The Comox Valley and Island have again demonstrated wonderful generosity,” added MacKinnon, who thanked all those who have donated and noted donations can still be made with tax receipts provided to donors who include their name and address.
Anyone wishing to donate can do so by dropping off or mailing a donation to G.P. Vanier Secondary, 4830 Headquarters Road, Courtenay, B.C. V9J 1P2, c/o Counselling Department re: Megan Dalziel Memorial Bursary.
For more information or questions, contact MacKinnon at 250-339-0661.
photos@comoxvalleyrecord.comLike us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
