Memorial game supports student scholarship

The School of Physical and Health Education, is proud to host the sixth annual Paul Nelson Memorial Hockey Game, Friday, January 26 from 2 – 4 p.m. at Memorial Gardens.

The big game starts at 3 p.m. and features fourth-year Bachelor of Physical Health and Education (BPHE) students facing off against Nipissing University faculty and staff in the age-old battle of youth and versus wisdom. As part of the undergrad undercard, first- and second-year BPHE students will face off against third-year students at 2 p.m.

Funds raised via the game support the Paul Nelson Memorial Scholarship, awarded annually to a third- or fourth-year student in the School of Physical and Health Education, Coaching course, who exemplifies excellence in the development of their coaching philosophy.  Organizers are hoping to create an endowed scholarship, so that it can be offered to students in perpetuity. Over the past five years, more than $5,000 has been raised, and another $4,500 is needed to create the endowment.

Faculty and staff members play for a $20 donation; students play for $10. Everyone is invited to come on out and cheer, and make a donation to a worthy cause if so inclined. In addition to the hockey, there will also be a “chuck-a-puck” event between games with prizes available.

Anyone who would like to make a donation can do so online, right here. There’s also a short video that talks about Paul and the game.

Paul Nelson was a hard working and well-respected student in Nipissing’s BPHE program, who volunteered with his local fire department. Paul died in 2012 in a tragic accident while responding to a fire call. To honour his memory, Nelson’s friends and Nipissing BPHE faculty created a scholarship in his name and are raising funds each year by virtue of these hockey games.