Whistler Olympic Park Opens Applications for the 2026 John Heilig Bursary
WHISTLER, BC - Whistler Sport Legacies (WSL) and Whistler Olympic Park are pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 John Heilig Bursary. Two bursaries of $2,500 each will be awarded to deserving Nordic development athletes from the Sea to Sky region, continuing the annual program established in 2023 to honour the late John Heilig's lifelong commitment to Nordic sport.
The 2026 application window runs from May 15 to August 30, 2026. Recipients will be announced in October 2026.
Bursary in Action
The bursary's impact is already being felt on the world stage. Jasper Fleming, a 2025 recipient, made his Olympic debut in biathlon at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games this past February, competing in four events and becoming one of the youngest Canadians ever to race at the Olympic level in the sport. Originally from Edmonton and raised in Squamish, Fleming debuted on the senior IBU Biathlon World Cup circuit at just 19 years old before earning his place on Canada's Olympic team.
"This past season I became one of the youngest Canadians to ever debut on the Biathlon World Cup, further igniting my passion for this already incredible sport."
Jasper Fleming, 2025 John Heilig Bursary Recipient and Olympian
Eligibility
To be eligible, applicants must be Canadian citizens between the ages of 16 and 25, based in the Sea to Sky corridor (North Vancouver to Pemberton), and recognized as a development athlete by a Provincial or National Sport Organization in one of the following Nordic disciplines: Cross-Country Skiing, Biathlon, Ski Jumping, Nordic Combined, Para Nordic Skiing, or Para Biathlon. Athletes must also be registered in good standing with their respective National Sport Organization and committed to training and competing for at least the next year.
How to Apply
Interested athletes can download the 2026 John Heilig Bursary Athlete Application Form at whistlerolympicpark.com/sport/john-heilig-bursary. Completed forms, along with any supporting documents, should be submitted by email to jheiligbursary@whistlersportlegacies.com.
Application deadline: August 30, 2026 | Recipients announced: October 2026
About the John Heilig Bursary
The John Heilig Bursary was established in 2023 by Whistler Sport Legacies to honour the memory of the late John Heilig, a globally respected Nordic sport advocate, devoted coach, and beloved member of the Sea to Sky community. John passed away unexpectedly in the spring of 2021 while on assignment preparing Beijing's Nordic venues for the 2022 Olympic Winter Games.
A central figure in the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, John served as Sport Manager at Whistler Olympic Park after the Games, dedicating his energy to growing participation in all Nordic disciplines and nurturing the next generation of Olympians and Paralympians. Two $2,500 bursaries are awarded annually to assist athletes on their journey toward high-performance competition representing Canada.
About Whistler Sport Legacies
Whistler Sport Legacies (WSL) is a not-for-profit organization that honours the spirit of sport from the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. WSL is responsible for operating the Whistler Sliding Centre, Whistler Olympic Park, and the Whistler Athletes' Centre, providing active, accessible, and safe sport opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. Whistler Sport Legacies is grateful to operate on the unceded, shared territory of the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Nation and the Lil̓wat7úl (Lil'wat) Nation.
Media Contact
Catherine Aird - Marketing Manager, Whistler Olympic Park
Whistler Olympic Park | 1500 Callaghan Valley Rd, Whistler, BC V0N 1B0
T: 604-906-0166 | E: caird@whistlersportlegacies.com | whistlerolympicpark.com