VICTORIA – For the third straight year, University of Victoria student-athletes are coming together to raise money for brain tumour research in honour of former men's soccer captain Mackenzie Rigg, who lost his battle with glioblastoma in March of 2022.

Rigg passed away on March 11, 19 months after being diagnosed with a brain tumour. Rigg was best known to the community for his dedication to the sport of soccer. A leader on the field, the team captain and two-time All-Canadian was not only talented, but he was a role model.

Continuing to honour Rigg's legacy, the Vikes Kick Cancer event will support brain tumour research through the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada.

 The third annual event takes place on Sunday, October 16th. Once again, the men's and women's soccer teams and the rest of the UVic varsity teams will collectively run 270km to represent the 27 Canadians diagnosed with brain tumours each day.

For Rigg's then-girlfriend Trinity Kettyls and former teammates who founded the annual fundraiser, it's essential to continue to raise awareness about the disease and make an impact on funding brain tumour research.  

"Creating this fundraiser was the only thing I felt like I could control during a time when everything felt so uncontrollable with Mackenzie's health. It was important to me that he felt supported during his battle with cancer," said Kettyls.

"I'm certainly struggling to know that he's not on the receiving end of all the support this year; this was all for him; however, I think it's important to continue this fundraiser as he deserves to have his name known and story shared. It's important to us that we carry on his legacy."
 

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Through various Vikes Kick Cancer fundraising events and tribute gifts honouring Rigg, the total money raised so far is $136.015.79. The goal for this year's event, which has already been met, is $10,000.

This year, Rigg's parents are matching all donations up to $25,000 in their son's memory. 

Those who want to get more involved can join in a virtual run on October 16th. Participants can post a photo or video of a 5km walk, run or bike on their Instagram story, tagging @vikeskickcancer and challenging three friends. Those who participate will be entered to win prizes, including gift cards to local restaurants. 

"This fundraiser is so important because we need more awareness and funding to make a difference with this disease. Currently, there is no cure for glioblastoma. Our mission is to impact that survival rate so that other promising young individuals aren't ripped away from their friends and family like Mackenzie was," said Kettyls.

All funds go towards brain tumour research, new treatment options, and improving the quality of life for those affected.

Visit braintumour.ca/events/vikes-kick-cancer to donate.