Silva named 2025 recipient of the CCAA Torchbearer Scholarship Presented by Hudl
Keyano College student-athlete Athus Silva has been named a 2025 recipient of the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association's (CCAA) Torchbearer Scholarship Presented by Hudl, recognizing his outstanding commitment to community leadership and service beyond sport.
A fifth-year Keyano Huskies Men’s Volleyball team member and a Social Work student, Silva embodies the Torchbearer spirit's essence—giving back, building bridges, and championing change across the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. Originally from Brazil, he has overcome language and cultural barriers while emerging as both an All-Canadian volleyball player and a dedicated community builder.
Silva led the New Hope Clothing Campaign, an initiative aimed at collecting and distributing essential items to individuals experiencing homelessness through the Center of Hope. He organized donation drives, coordinated logistics, and engaged a team of volunteers—ensuring the campaign delivered real impact during the coldest months of the year.
But Silva’s contributions didn’t stop there. During his practicum and subsequent summer employment with the Fort McKay Youth Centre, he designed and delivered sports, wellness, and mental health programming for Indigenous youth. His culturally respectful, trauma-informed approach fostered strong relationships within the community—so much so that he continued volunteering long after his practicum ended.
“Athus has profoundly impacted all those who met him during his time in Fort McKay,” said Sarah Callin, Youth Centre Manager. “He brings a light-hearted, kind, and vibrant energy to his work, and his programs were dynamic, engaging, and profoundly meaningful for the youth.”
He also coached Fort McKay’s first-ever beach volleyball team, led the squad at the Alberta Indigenous Games, and organized multi-sport events that connected Huskies athletes with Fort McKay youth. His presence has inspired many community members to attend Keyano home games to cheer him on—bridging cultures and creating lasting bonds through sport.
“Athus has shown tremendous growth on and off the court,” added Keyano Head Coach Keegan Kuhr. “He leads with integrity, passion, and humility—and volunteers his time freely, whether it’s with youth, the food bank, or community events. He truly lives the values this scholarship stands for.”
The CCAA Torchbearer Scholarship, Presented by Hudl, awards six student-athletes annually with a $1,000 scholarship, recognizing their off-the-field leadership and civic engagement. Launched in 2021, the initiative reflects the evolving partnership between Hudl and the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association, highlighting the value of sport as a force for social good.
Athus Silva’s story is one of resilience, compassion, and purpose. Through his leadership, he has strengthened connections between Keyano College, the Fort McKay First Nation, and the broader Wood Buffalo community—leaving a lasting legacy built on athletic excellence, empathy, and service.