The Vic Pruden Basketball Bursary Fund has been announced to honour one of Manitoba’s most influential builders in the sport of basketball. Established in 2025, the bursary recognizes two graduating high school student-athletes each year, one male and one female, who intend to continue their basketball careers at Brandon University, the University of Manitoba, or the University of Winnipeg.
The bursary is named in honour of Vic Pruden, whose seven decades of leadership helped shape basketball at every level in Manitoba. As a builder of the sport, he was the founding organizer of the Fort Garry Invitational Tournament and the Golden Boy Invitational – now known as the Wesmen Classic – and was the driving force behind creating both the men’s and women’s basketball programs at the University of Winnipeg. His coaching résumé includes numerous championship teams at Sisler High School, Vincent Massey Collegiate, and the University of Winnipeg, along with significant contributions to provincial and national programs. Testimonials within the brochure further highlight Pruden’s enduring legacy as a mentor and architect of basketball in the province.
From his own experience, Vic understood the financial challenge many student-athletes face while pursuing post-secondary sport. This bursary was created to assist two graduating athletes with financial need as they take their next academic and athletic step.
HOW TO HELP:
Everyone is welcome to contribute to the fund. Gifts to the Vic Pruden Bursary Fund are pooled and invested, with a portion of the annual income distributed directly to recipients. The original contributions remain invested, ensuring long-term support for generations of Manitoba student-athletes.
The bursary fund aims to grow into a fully sustainable endowment. Beginning in the near future, the two annual bursary recipients will be formally recognized as part of the Basketball Manitoba Awards.
Donations can be made by phone, online, or by mailing the completed contribution form. The official giving form administered by The Winnipeg Foundation outlines payment options, recurring gift details, tax receipt information, and mailing instructions.
Donation Options:
By Phone to 204-944-9474 (toll-free 1-877-974-3631)
