VICTORIA - On Tuesday morning 700 guests packed UVic's McKinnon Gymnasium to take part in the 2nd annual Vikes Championship Breakfast, which raised $330,000 for athletic scholarships.




"This outpouring of support is crucial to the sustained success of our varsity sports and student-athletes," said UVic President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. David Turpin in his address to the crowd.

With nearly 1,000 tickets sold, corporate sponsorship contributions from Sun-Rype and Grand & Toy, and the University of Victoria executive's commitment to match the first $150,000 in profit, the Championship Breakfast ensured another significant contribution to athletic scholarships. Combined with last year's inaugural event, the Championship Breakfast has now raised $660,000.

"We sold out last year's inaugural event, and our supporters delivered again for us this year," said James Keogh, Athletics Manager. "Looking ahead to 2010, the challenge is to break $1 million raised in three years."

The Vikes are one of Canada's most successful athletic programs. Since interuniversity competition began in the 1960s, the Vikes have won a total of 64 Canadian University championships, have added 288 medals at CIS running and swimming championships, and 156 Vikes athletes, coaches, and alumni have represented Canada at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

This year's keynote speaker was Bob Lenarduzzi, President of the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, who encouraged the community to continue to support the event. "The funds raised are necessary to recruit the best athletes and to continue the type of success the Vikes athletics program has enjoyed."

Vikes staff, coaches, and student-athletes extend thanks to the supporters of the Vikes Championship Breakfast.