VICTORIA - On Tuesday morning, the 3rd annual Vikes Championship Breakfast broke the million-dollar mark in monies raised for athletic financial awards. Seven hundred guests filled McKinnon Gym to show their support for UVic Vikes student-athletes.

"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.

With over a thousand tickets sold, corporate sponsorship contributions from Dole, and the University of Victoria executive's commitment to match the first $150,000 in profit, this year's Champion Breakfast raised $355,000 for athletic financial awards. The three-year total stands at $1,030,00, with all monies raised going directly towards supporting student-athletes.

"The victories in competition and in the classroom, are largely attributable to the success of this event," said Vikes Director of athletics and recreation Clint Hamilton. "By being more competitive in providing athletic financial awards, we have demonstrated an ability to attract and retain the best and brightest student-athletes."

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 65 Canadian University championships, have added 293 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 Stephanie Dixon. Dixon, a three-time Paralympian and winner of 19 Paralympic medals, competed for the Vikes swim team, oftentimes against able-bodied athletes. She is the only female swimmer to ever break a world record at the CIS Championship.

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