The Fraser Valley Ringette Association provides an annual scholarship of $1,000 towards post-secondary education for ringette players, coaches, executive members, and/or officials who have demonstrated a strong commitment to the sport of ringette.
Application for the Michelle Vandale Memorial Scholarship may be made by registered participants (male or female) of the Michelle Vandale Memorial Ringette Tournament using the application form below.
The Application must be submitted to the scholarship committee on or before Nov. 22nd.
Michelle Vandale
Dec. 9th, 1967 – Nov. 11th, 2009
A Member of the Fraser Valley Ringette Association, Michelle began her ringette career as a player at the age of 8 and continued to play throughout her teens and young adulthood. She later took a break from ringette to get married and start a family, after which, Michelle was reunited with the sport she loved when she resumed playing. It wasn’t long after her daughter began playing (also at the age of 8) that Michelle discovered a love of coaching.
Over the years, Michelle proved herself to be truly dedicated, not only to the sport but more importantly to the players that she coached and mentored. She faithfully devoted her time to preparing practice plans, attending games, practices, and tournaments and serving on the local executive. Both as a coach and as a player, she always provided enthusiasm and encouragement to each and every person on her team. Michelle led by example, striving to be the best that she could be, to work together as a team, and to display good sportsmanship during any situation.
Sadly, the ringette community lost a great role model on November 11th, 2009, when Michelle passed away. It is local, grass-roots volunteers such as Michelle and her family who have made ringette successful in the Fraser Valley and in British Columbia. Such volunteers often go unrecognized, involving themselves for their passion, rather than for personal gain. It is in memory of Michelle and in honour of her and her family, who have contributed so much to our sport that the Bettles family would like to offer an annual scholarship opportunity in hopes that it will continue to pay tribute to her memory and help to inspire others in the ringette community to continue giving to the sport of ringette and thus, furthering the cause to which Michelle and her family have been dedicated for so many years.