The Vikes athletics program takes pride in being regarded as one of the best in Canada. The Vikes began interuniversity competition in 1969, but athletic teams at Victoria College date back to the 1930s.
The Vikes are members of three university sports organizations -
Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS),
Canada West University Athletic Association (CWUAA), and
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
The Vikes also compete in the BC Premier rugby and field hockey leagues, and compete annually in the Canadian University Rowing championship and RCGA Golf championship.
UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA
The University of Victoria, one of Canada’s leading universities, provides both students and faculty with a unique learning environment. UVic has earned a reputation for commitment to research, scholarship and co-op education. The university is widely recognized for its innovative and responsive programs, interdisciplinary and international initiatives, and a diverse and welcoming learning community. Maclean’s Magazine has ranked UVic as one of the top three comprehensive universities in the nation for three consecutive years.
EXPLORE UVIC
ATHLETE ELIGIBILITY
Specific eligibility requirements vary between CIS and NAIA sports, but at a minimum Vikes student-athletes must be enrolled in a minimum 4.5 units per term and maintain full-time status throughout the year. However, each student- athlete’s situation in unique. Detailed eligibility rules can be found on the each governing body’s website, or you can talk to your coach.
CIS ELIGIBILITY,
NAIA ELIGIBILITY
SCHOLARSHIPS
Vikes athletes are eligible for a variety of sport-specific and general awards that are handed out based upon athletic, academic and leadership criteria. Funds for these awards are provided through the generosity of department and university sponsors, the provincial government, and department fundraising initiatives. Each team is allocated a certain amount of funding for athletic awards and the maximum award that a student may receive is the equivalent of tuition plus mandatory fees.
ATHLETIC AWARDS,
UVIC GENERAL AWARDS
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Over the past few decades, Vikes athletes have used athletics to create awareness for important community causes and issues. The Vikes are honoured to be involved with many non-profit and charitable groups, including Times Colonist Raise-A-Reader, Right to Play, Rock Solid Foundation, Mustard Seed, Golf for Kids, and Kid Sport. In addition, every summer, thousands of youth in the Victoria area participate in Vikes Summer Camps.
MEDIA COVERAGE
Competing in a market with only one professional sports team (ECHL’s Salmon Kings), the Vikes attract considerable coverage from Victoria’s expansive media market and across the province. The Vikes also have marketing arrangement with ‘A” TV, Times-Colonist newspaper, and radio station Ocean FM to advertise and promote upcoming games.
FACILITY USEAGE
Each UVic student is granted a Vikes Recreation membership with a valid student card. Membership includes use of all Athletics and Recreation facilities during scheduled recreational hours, participation in Instructional, Intramural, or Club programs at reduced rates, rental of equipment from Outdoor Recreation Resource Centre at reduced rates. Varsity athletes also receive access privileges to the Fitness and Weight Centre.
ATHLETIC THERAPY & PHYSIOTHERAPY
The Athletic Therapy Centre is located in the lower level of McKinnon Building and a certified athletic therapist is available to all varsity athletes for consultation and treatment. UVic Physiotherapy, located in the Stewart Complex, offers treatment of muscular-skeletal injuries, guidance for strength and conditioning programs, digital muscular evaluations, and development of rehabilitation programs.