The bursary asks students and junior athletes to submit a 250-word statement addressing their desire to improve in both sport and education, with a $500 scholarship on offer for the winner.

SUBMIT AN ENTRY: Junior Sports Awards nomination form

Edwards, who died suddenly last year, was a much-loved teacher at Kings Meadows High School and an esteemed sports reporter of 15 years at The Examiner.

The bursary has been welcomed by the Edwards family.

“He’d be proud to think there was something in his honour that could help people,” Edwards’ sister-in-law Heather said.

“He loved all sport and he would be proud and honoured that a scholarship in his name could help someone fulfil their dreams.

“Phil’s parents had eight children so they had to struggle to achieve what they achieved, so for him to be able to help someone else achieve their goals is fantastic.”

The Examiner sports editor Rob Shaw said the bursary would mean “an awful lot” to his former colleague and friend. 

“As a former high school teacher, he was extremely passionate about seeing young sports people given the opportunity to improve themselves,” Shaw said.

“Phil loved helping schoolchildren chase their sporting dreams and he would be proud to put his name to this initiative.”

This year’s bursary will be sponsored by Fontyn Sports Media. 

“Local sport is my passion, and it is a privilege for Fontyn Sports Media to sponsor the inaugural Phil Edwards Bursary,” Rick Fontyn said. 

“Phil was a tremendous journalist who was also passionate about local sport; and this award is a fitting tribute to Phil's contribution over many years to both education as a former teacher, and sport.”