SCARBOROUGH, ONTARIO - Centennial College proudly unveils the Jolyon Thompson Invitational as a tribute to the late badminton coach, Jolyon Thompson, renaming the annual Centennial Badminton Invitational. This change pays homage to Thompson's remarkable contributions to the Colts Badminton program since his arrival at the college in 2016.

His leadership propelled the team to Nationals in 2016 and 2018, netting several medals and setting a standard of excellence for the program. After winning the Men's Badminton Provincial title with Coach Jolyon, the Colts would have to compete at Nationals without their beloved coach, where they would eventually win the 2023 Men's Singles National Title. 

Darcy Brioux, Manager of Athletics and Recreation at Centennial College, reflects on Thompson's legacy, "Jolyon's influence on Colts Athletics and the broader badminton community in Ontario and Canada is immeasurable. To honour his ever-lasting commitment to Centennial and the sport of badminton, we established the Jolyon Thompson Scholarship Fund, ensuring his legacy continues to inspire future generations of athletes."

The scholarship fund will act as a testament to Thompson's dedication to athlete development and will provide financial support to deserving student-athletes within the Colts Badminton program. 

The Jolyon Thompson Invitational will stand not only as a celebration of Thompson's impact but also as a platform to advance the aspirations of future student-athletes. As the Colts Badminton program continues to thrive, the scholarship fund ensures that Jolyon Thompson's spirit of excellence endures through the success and achievements of those who follow in his footsteps.

In the words of Jolyon's mentee and current Colts Badminton Head Coach, Phil Tungate, "The Jolyon Thompson Scholarship Fund embodies the enduring legacy of a coach who dedicated his life to the betterment of our athletes. We invite the community to join us in preserving this legacy and supporting the dreams of future student-athletes."

For those interested in donating or learning more about the scholarship fund, please kindly contact Darcy Brioux, Manager of Athletics and Recreation at Centennial College.

Media Contact

Ryan Miller

437-229-1252
rmiller@centennialcollege.ca