The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba is pleased to name Stefan Waples and Danielle Dubois as the recipients of the 2008 Meyer Cosman Speed Skating Scholarship. The Scholarship, established in memory of Meyer Cosman, supports the pursuit of excellence in speed skating and education.

Meyer had a life-long passion for speed skating, beginning in his childhood and continuing through adulthood. He participated in competitions throughout his life, winning an array of medals and setting records at the Canadian Masters Championships and Senior Olympics.

Stefan Waples has been involved in speed skating since he was eight years old. Over the past three years, Stefan has volunteered his time with the “learn to speed skate” programs both in Winnipeg and Calgary. He is currently training for long track speed skating with the goal of joining the National Team and competing at the Olympic Games. When Stefan was in Winnipeg, he was the head coach of the River Heights Speed Skating Club and worked with the provincial team and the short track Canada Winter Games Team. This past season, Stefan set a record in the 5000m in Manitoba for Senior Age Class Long Track. Stefan is pursuing a degree in Philosophy at the University of Calgary.

Danielle Dubois began speed skating when she was in the second grade. She has received numerous accolades including being the top skater from Manitoba at the Canada Winter Games in 2003, where she placed fifth in the 1500m and was named captain of both the provincial and regional training centre team in 2004. Danielle is currently enrolled at the University of Winnipeg completing her degree in History. Having recently been accepted into law school, Danielle will begin her studies in the fall of 2009. “I’d like to express how grateful I am to receive the Meyer Cosman Speed Skating Scholarship,” says Danielle. “I have been admitted to law school next fall and this scholarship will certainly help me pursue my goals.”

The Meyer Cosman Speed Skating Scholarship is open to graduating senior high students who have been accepted into a university program. The applicant must be involved with speed skating, either as an active skater, coach or official and must be a member, in good standing, of the Manitoba Speed Skating Association (MSSA).

In his day Meyer Cosman left an indelible mark on the speed skating community. Through the scholarship in his name, he has also made a legacy mark on its future.