NR-10-2013-03
October 24, 2013
News Release
Inaugural Shad Valley University of Saskatchewan
Team Wins Top Prize at National Entrepreneurship
Competition
WATERLOO, Ont. – Tonight, a nationwide team of nine bright high school students from Shad Valley’s
inaugural program at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) received the prestigious Best Overall award,
and other top honours, in an annual competition that tests entrepreneurial prowess, innovative spirit and
leadership skills. In the first Shad Valley Entrepreneurship Cup since the University of Saskatchewan joined
Shad Valley’s roster of top host university campuses, Shad Valley’s Saskatchewan team clearly demonstrated
how the program unleashes the entrepreneurial and innovative potential of exceptional youth.
15 teams from 11 host university campuses from coast to coast unveiled their inventions to help increase the
efficiency and safety of year-round human-powered transportation in Canada. Shad Valley U of S’ top prize
winning team, VISIBL, developed a new jacket that improves road visibility for cyclists. Featuring LED turn
signals operated by convenient switches at the cyclist’s fingertips, VISIBL aims to increase cyclists’ safety by
providing motorists with clear indications of the cyclist’s direction of travel and most importantly, alert them
of their presence on the road.
“The Shad Valley Entrepreneurship Cup is a visible manifestation of our mission in action – unleashing the
entrepreneurial and innovative potential of exceptional youth,” said Barry Bisson, President of Shad Valley
International. “Shad Valley instills self-confidence that empowers our students to develop the attributes
needed for success in entrepreneurship - qualities such as passion, vision, resilience and determination. This
entrepreneurial process, from idea to execution, enables youth to witness a transformation in themselves
and their team.”
In total, VISIBL placed in five of the seven categories at tonight’s event, four of which were first place awards:
1st - Best Overall
1st - Best Marketing Plan
1st - Best Business Plan
1st - Best Application of Theme
3rd - Best Application of Scientific Principles
The Shad Valley Entrepreneurship Cup is an extension of Shad Valley’s annual four-week enrichment
program. A platform for students to learn to lead among leaders and use their creativity and knowledge of
science, technology, engineering and mathematics to develop solutions to real world problems, the Shad
program offers workshops, lectures and team-building activities run by industry and academic leaders.
With this distinguished conclusion to Shad Valley 2013, the application process is now open for 2014, and
submissions will be accepted until December 12. High school students with high academic achievement
as well as exceptional drive, initiative and creativity are encouraged to investigate the opportunity. To
learn more, please visit www.shad.ca.
-30For Further Information or to set up an interview, please contact:
Katie Kocher, Media & Public Relations Coordinator
E. [email protected]
T: (519) 884-8844 ext 234
8 Young St. East
Waterloo, Ontario
N2J 2L3
T: (519) 884-8844
www.SHAD.ca