Belleville, ON, March 20, 2023 – Loyalist College is investing in competitive athletics programming in the Bay of Quinte region by launching a new $50,000 sponsorship agreement with Skyhawks Football. This agreement strengthens Loyalist’s existing partnership with the Skyhawks.
Since 2021, Loyalist has been the official home of the Skyhawks, a Canadian Junior Football League team that offers young athletes in Southeastern Ontario aged 17 to 23 an opportunity to play football at an advanced level of competition.
The sponsorship agreement includes a Skyhawks bursary fund to support learners completing their post-secondary education while pursuing their dreams on the football field. The bursaries will provide essential financial support to any Skyhawks player who is also a full-time registered student in good academic standing at Loyalist College.
“We’re proud to sponsor a community organization that is bringing growth and opportunities for youth to the Bay of Quinte,” said Loyalist College President and CEO Mark Kirkpatrick. “Building on our partnership with the Skyhawks means more students across the country won’t have to choose between competing in a sport they love and pursuing their post-secondary education. Together, we will continue removing barriers for learners seeking a competitive athletic environment within our tight-knit, caring community.”
“Loyalist’s excellence in varsity athletics and student-centred philosophy makes it the perfect home for the Skyhawks,” said Peter Gabriel, President of Skyhawks Football. “As the team continues to grow and soar to new heights, we look forward to sharing the excitement of cheering on our region’s very own CJFL team with the entire Bay of Quinte community.”
About Loyalist College
Loyalist College is located on the territory of the Huron-Wendat, the Anishnaabeg, and the Haudenosaunee people. We acknowledge our shared obligation to respect, honour, and sustain these lands and the natural resources contained within. Ranked one of Canada’s top 50 research colleges, Loyalist College empowers students, faculty, staff, and partners through experiential, industry cluster-based education, training and applied research programs. As Ontario’s Destination College, the College provides job-ready graduates for, and knowledge transfer to, industry and the community. Located on more than 200 acres in the beautiful Bay of Quinte region, the College is perfectly positioned between Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Loyalist College offers more than 70 full-time diploma, certificate and apprenticeship programs in biosciences, building sciences, business, community service, health and wellness, media studies, public safety, and skilled trades. Continuing education options are available through LoyalistFocus.com, including hundreds of online, distance and in-class courses, and through the College’s 100+ university transfer agreements. Loyalist College is a key driver of social and economic health in eastern Ontario. It contributes 3.8 percent of the Gross Regional Product, representing $398.9 million annually to the regional economy – based on a November 2022 report by Emsi. For more information on Loyalist College’s Belleville, Bancroft and Toronto campuses and Port Hope satellite location, visit loyalistcollege.com.