Marco Sladoje and David Brown among eight OHA members awarded $6,000 bursaries
Eight outstanding Ontario Hockey Association (OHA) members, including Marco Sladoje from Lakeshore and David Brown from Chatham, have been selected to receive bursaries from Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) worth $6,000 each to further their post-secondary education.
The bursary program, funded by MilkUP, DFO's youth lifestyle brand, recognizes young athletes who show leadership in building strong and healthy communities, demonstrate high academic achievement, and have a passion for hockey.
"We proudly partner with OHA to recognize these eight student-athletes who exemplify a strong commitment to their education and sport," said Cheryl Smith, Chief Executive Officer at Dairy Farmers of Ontario.
"Through MilkUP, DFO will provide each bursary recipient $6,000 to go towards their post-secondary education. Each of the award winners demonstrates MilkUP's values – perseverance, originality, and heart – and are true inspirations to their classmates and community."
Mark Tuck, OHA Executive Director, added, "We are very excited to partner with Dairy Farmers of Ontario on this exceptional bursary program for our OHA members. We understand that while the players are participating in our programs, they are also balancing the academic demands for their future."
"The bursary program aligns with the OHA purpose to grow individuals and communities through hockey, and our players will benefit immensely from this bursary program and partnership."
The Ontario Hockey Association (OHA), founded on November 27, 1890, is the governing body for most Junior and Senior hockey in Ontario. It is a Member Partner of the Ontario Hockey Federation, one of thirteen Provincial and Regional Branches of Hockey Canada. The OHA is comprised of three Junior hockey leagues and two Senior hockey leagues: Junior A – Ontario Junior Hockey League; Junior B – Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League; Junior C – Provincial Junior Hockey League, Senior – Allan Cup Hockey (AAA), and Ontario Elite Hockey League (AA). For the 2023-24 season, these five leagues encompass 125 teams. The objectives of the OHA include:
Fostering and encouraging amateur hockey.
Conducting competitions.
Determining teams for inter-branch competitions provided by Hockey Canada.
Providing for the affiliation of other hockey organizations.
The OHA also provides administrative resources, coordinates programs, services, and events for hockey participants, and supports various development programs for coaches, officials, trainers, and players. It addresses safety and risk management issues and offers resources for harassment and abuse education.
Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) is the regulator and sole delegated authority for the marketing of milk in Ontario, the largest sector of Ontario agriculture. DFO's mission is to provide leadership and excellence in the production and marketing of Canadian milk for a dynamic, profitable, and growing dairy industry. Ontario's 3,213 dairy farmers, their families, and employees are proud to produce high-quality milk for Canadians.
MilkUP, DFO's Gen Z lifestyle brand, encourages youth to 'milk every moment' through academics, sports, or entertainment. It motivates Ontario youth with authentic experiences that inspire them to realize their untapped potential and re-embrace milk as a lifestyle staple.
Shazia Nazir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
