Purpose 

The purpose of the David Branch Leadership Scholarship is to honor the legacy of David Branch, who served as Commissioner of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) for 45 seasons. Under his leadership, the OHL grew significantly and became a leader in player development, education, and safety. This scholarship recognizes outstanding Special Olympics Ontario Unified Champion School students who demonstrate leadership, commitment, and community impact, supporting their pursuit of post-secondary education. It reflects Dave Branch’s lifelong dedication to fostering education, inclusion, and personal growth both on and off the ice, continuing his vision of empowering young people through sport and learning. 

What is Unified Champion Schools? 

The Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® program promotes social inclusion through intentionally designed activities that drive systemic change in K–12 schools. Built on the foundation of sports, its three-component model combines impactful strategies that empower students with the tools and training to foster inclusive environments in sports, classrooms, and across the entire school. The result is a school climate where students with disabilities feel welcomed, actively included, and meaningfully engaged in all activities, opportunities, and functions. 

Who is a Unified Champion School Student? 

Students who are part of their school’s Unified Champion School program as either an athlete or Unified Partner.  

Key Details 

• Application Deadline: July 25, 2025 11:59 pm 

• Number of Scholarships:  4 awards available annually 

• Value: $5,000 per successful applicant  

• Term agreement: 5 years (an individual can win only once) 

• Payment: Paid directly to the recipient’s school or, in special cases the payment can be made to the recipient. 

Eligibility Criteria 

• Must be a Special Olympics Ontario Unified Champion School student 

• Must be pursuing post-secondary education (college, university, or recognized training program) 

• Applicant must be in their last year of high school in an Ontario Institution or currently attending post-secondary with future education to still be completed in future years  

• Can only receive the scholarship once 

Application Requirements 

• Completed Application Form

• Reference Letter: At least one reference (Reference 1) who can speak to the applicant’s involvement and impact as a Unified partner or an outstanding member  

• Resume: Detailing education, volunteer experience, and extracurricular activities 

• Personal Statement/Essay: (Recommended 500 words) 

• Describe your role and impact as a Unified partner 

• Explain how Special Olympics Ontario has influenced your personal growth and future goals 

• State how this scholarship will help you achieve your educational objectives 

Selection Criteria 

• Demonstrated commitment and impact as a Unified partner  

• Leadership, teamwork, and community involvement 

• Clarity of educational and career goals 

• Quality of reference and resume 

Award Administration 

• Notification: Recipients will be notified by email and announced publicly 

• Disbursement: Funds paid directly to the post-secondary education school ideally but if not, in special cases the payment can be made to the recipient. 

• Recognition from the OHL via Digital, Social and recognized at an OHL home game. 

Scholarship Details 

• Value: $5,000 (4 awards available) 

• Application Deadline: July 25, 2025 11:59pm 

• Eligibility: Open to active Special Olympics Ontario Unified Champion School students (one-time award per recipient) 

• Must be a Special Olympics Ontario Unified Champion School student 

• Must be pursuing post-secondary education (college, university, or recognized training program) 

• Applicant must be in their last year of high school in an Ontario Institution or currently attending post-secondary with future education to still be completed in future years