For the past seven years at 5 am you would have found a young man running at the Camille Henry Memorial School grounds, making his way to Vigie Beach. The 20-year-old athlete, Nicholas LeBrune has been facing new challenges, managing his demanding school curriculum while pursuing his athletic aspirations. His single- parent mother was determined to have the best for her son’s growing aspirations. This week, Axcel Finance came to their support.
LeBrune, his mother, and his coach from the Rockets Athletic Club came into Axcel Finance for the purposes of applying for a student loan, only to find out, to their surprise, that Nicholas was selected to be the recipient of a partial scholarship and an educational gift.
LeBrune will be receiving a partial scholarship to Monroe College to pursue his Bachelors in Business Administration and a new set of track shoes and suit to enable him to continue running and achieving greatness on behalf of Saint Lucia. He is a stellar student and a gold medallist sprinter.
Dyke Francis, a client relationship officer at Axcel Finance, spoke about his personal story of combining a challenging job while still taking up football as part of the Castries league. “I can appreciate Nicholas’ ambitions as a young athlete and aspiring professional,” he said. “I am certain that our company’s involvement will propel him to greatness.”
LeBrune’s mum was very emotional during the presentation and as a mother who wishes to see her child succeed, thanked Axcel and said: “It is with great appreciation I express my utmost thanks to Axcel Finance for giving my son the financial support in continuing his dream both academically and as an athlete, especially in the sport he loves, which is track and field. Words cannot express how gratified both Nicholas and I are. With this assistance he pledges to continue working hard, setting his sights high and achieving his goals. As a single mom this is indeed a proud moment.”
Business development manager of Axcel Finance, D’Anthony Charles, was proud of this initiative. He said: “It embodies Axcel’s values of excellence and community involvement. As a student, Nicholas is determined. As an athlete, he is has won numerous medals. This initiative is part of our commitment to the development of our community’s social and economic mobility.”
President of Rockets Athlete Club, Martina Charlery said: “I was so surprised and happy when I heard the news of the track scholarship from Axcel Finance for one of our star athletes.”
LeBrune concluded: “I have overcome many challenges in my life and feared I would not be able to support myself during my studies. Axcel Finance is making the statement today that it believes in developing young Saint Lucian talent and for that, I am deeply grateful.”
