November 2, 2022
OUA introduces new football award celebrating equity, diversity, and inclusion
Burlington, Ont. - Ontario University Athletics (OUA) is pleased to announce the new Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Award as part of the conference's annual football honours.
This award will be presented annually in recognition of a student-athlete, coach, or administrator in OUA football for their work in supporting equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts on and off campus.
"OUA football has seen a great deal of progress from its members over the past few years and introducing this new EDI Award is not only a great way to continue this growth but celebrate it as well," said Corey Grant, head coach for Carleton Ravens football and co-chair of the OUA's Black, Biracial, and Indigenous Committee.
"Several of the conference's incredible football student-athletes, coaches, and administrators have been leaders in this space and, as we recognize these past efforts and those still to come, this is an exciting step toward continued inclusivity and united action both on and off the gridiron."
"We are excited to add to our annual OUA Football Awards with the very first EDI Award," added Michael Faulds, head coach for the Wilfrid Laurier football team and president of the Canadian University Football Coaches Association. "There have been significant efforts over the last several years by our OUA coaches, staff, and players to ensure that we are keeping EDI at the forefront of all our decisions. Our 2021 United Against Racism campaign was a great example of our coaches and student-athletes using their voices to keep these important conversations going."
The new conference recognition will be presented to a BIPOC candidate for outstanding contributions to OUA football or its member institutions and will be presented as part of the end of the season football awards luncheon.
Finished Faulds, "To annually award a member contributing to EDI initiatives is a great step in the right direction, allowing us to continue to gain positive momentum in this space."
The inaugural award will be handed out at the 2022 OUA Football Awards Luncheon on November 10.
This award will be presented annually in recognition of a student-athlete, coach, or administrator in OUA football for their work in supporting equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts on and off campus.
"OUA football has seen a great deal of progress from its members over the past few years and introducing this new EDI Award is not only a great way to continue this growth but celebrate it as well," said Corey Grant, head coach for Carleton Ravens football and co-chair of the OUA's Black, Biracial, and Indigenous Committee.
"Several of the conference's incredible football student-athletes, coaches, and administrators have been leaders in this space and, as we recognize these past efforts and those still to come, this is an exciting step toward continued inclusivity and united action both on and off the gridiron."
"We are excited to add to our annual OUA Football Awards with the very first EDI Award," added Michael Faulds, head coach for the Wilfrid Laurier football team and president of the Canadian University Football Coaches Association. "There have been significant efforts over the last several years by our OUA coaches, staff, and players to ensure that we are keeping EDI at the forefront of all our decisions. Our 2021 United Against Racism campaign was a great example of our coaches and student-athletes using their voices to keep these important conversations going."
The new conference recognition will be presented to a BIPOC candidate for outstanding contributions to OUA football or its member institutions and will be presented as part of the end of the season football awards luncheon.
Finished Faulds, "To annually award a member contributing to EDI initiatives is a great step in the right direction, allowing us to continue to gain positive momentum in this space."
The inaugural award will be handed out at the 2022 OUA Football Awards Luncheon on November 10.
