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ronan barsy bursary

About

2025 Ronan Barsy Bursary Recipient

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Jaz Buchanan

Central Cheer

Jaz Buchanan (they/them) is the kind of athlete who quietly but powerfully changes the spaces they’re part of. Through their leadership, compassion, and unwavering authenticity, Jaz has become a pillar in our cheer community — someone who uplifts others, fosters inclusivity, and leads with both heart and purpose. They don’t just participate in the sport — they help shape it into something better for everyone.

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Over the past several years, Jaz has been a fierce advocate for trans and non-binary athletes, championing inclusive language, expanding uniform options beyond the traditional binary, and creating space for athletes to feel safe, seen, and celebrated. Their efforts have helped foster a more welcoming and affirming environment not just within their own program, but across the community. Beyond advocacy, Jaz is the kind of teammate who always makes others feel seen — whether it’s by welcoming new athletes, acting as a bridge between coaches and athletes, or simply being the loudest supporter in the room. They give endlessly to the people around them, asking for nothing in return.

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As the recipient of the Ronan Bursary, Jaz is being recognized for everything they already are: a role model, a changemaker, and a deeply kind human being. Their dedication to building a more inclusive and supportive cheer community continues to make a lasting impact, and this award is a reflection of the values they live every day. We are proud to celebrate Jaz and the powerful difference they make in our sport.

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About

2024 Ronan Barsy Bursary Recipient

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Sam Wach

Cheer Integrity Athletics

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Ronan Barsy was a cheer athlete for only a short few years but over that period of time, Ronan became a huge supporter of the Cheer Manitoba community by always lending a hand, assisting financially when it was needed and just being a quiet supporter of our sport. Ronan never expected anything in return and certainly did not want to be praised for his contributions. He just wanted to see the sport thrive in Manitoba.

 

Ronan was a transgender athlete – the first in our sport in Manitoba. His transition really started when his Central Cheer family gave him the choice to wear a male uniform or a female uniform. According to his friends, this was one of the first acts of acceptance he received as he began his journey towards revealing his true authentic self and it gave him the courage to continue on with his transition.

 

In 2022, Ronan was diagnosed with cancer and, after a short 3 month battle, died of this terrible disease. As a way to honour his love of cheerleading and his contributions to the cheer community in Manitoba, Ronan’s friends, in partnership with Cheer Manitoba, have decided to start the Ronan Barsy Bursary. This bursary will be handed out to a deserving athlete each year to help pay for their cheerleading fees for the next season.

The $500 bursary will be handed out annually to a deserving athlete to help pay for their cheerleading fees for the following season.

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Nomination Criteria:

  1. We are looking for nominees that embody the light and kindness that Ronan brought to the sport locally. The nominee is someone who gives of their time to impact the cheer community. They display kindness and acceptance of athletes from their own program and other programs. They go above and beyond to help make the community a better place for all athletes, coaches and families. They are humble and contribute out of pure love for the sport without looking for praise or recognition.

  2. The athlete must be nominated by a coach, fellow athlete or community member that is not a direct family member. 

  3. This athlete must be a registered athlete with Cheer Manitoba.

  4. The athlete can be an all star or scholastic athlete.

  5. The athlete must be continuing in cheerleading the following season in order to accept the bursary as the funds are going to be used specifically towards cheerleading fees.

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Nominations will open in February and the bursary will be handed out at Provincials.

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