VICTORIA – The 17^th annual Vikes Championship Breakfast (VCB) will take place on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, unveiling an exciting new format. This year, the traditional keynote speech will be replaced by a special video presentation featuring a dynamic panel of three esteemed guests, each of whom has made significant contributions to the University of Victoria Department of Athletics and Recreation.

The video will showcase the stories and insights of three remarkable individuals, highlighting what's truly possible with community support.

• Carissa Norsten: 2024 Paris Olympic silver medalist and current member of the UVic women's rugby team, Norsten brings a fresh perspective as a student-athlete excelling at the highest level of international sport. Her meteoric rise through the ranks is a testament to the varsity high-performance pathway and the critical role of scholarships and student resources.
   
• Mike Holmes: A UVic alumnus, builder, and UVic Sports Hall of Famer, Holmes has been an instrumental supporter of Vikes athletics, embodying the spirit of giving back to the community that shaped him.
   
• Brittany Waters: Head coach of the UVic women's rugby team, a former Canadian national team player and a Rugby Canada Hall of Famer, Waters will share her journey from the playing field to the coaching sidelines and the lessons she's learned along the way.

The video format is designed to capture the diverse voices and experiences of those who represent the heart of the Vikes community, offering a broader view of the impact Vikes athletics has had over the years. Attendees can look forward to an engaging and inspiring presentation, celebrating the achievements and contributions of these three influential figures.

"We're excited to bring a new format to this year's event, allowing us to highlight the stories of multiple outstanding individuals who have been crucial to our success," said Director of Varsity Performance Sport, Dr. Nick Clarke.

"The Vikes Championship Breakfast is more than just a fundraiser; it's an opportunity to come together as a community, create connections, celebrate our student-athletes, and showcase the support system that allows them to thrive," he continued.

Since its inception, the Vikes Championship Breakfast has raised nearly $9 million for student-athlete scholarships, with over $1.8 million being fully endowed. This event remains the main pillar of Vikes fundraising, supporting both the recruitment and retention of athletes and allowing them to compete at the highest levels while excelling academically.

Join us on October 8th, 2024, for an inspiring morning of celebration, community, and support for Vikes student-athletes. All proceeds from the event will go towards student-athlete scholarships, with the university providing $250,000 to help amplify all donations.

Register now.
 
PREVIOUS KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
2023: Adam Donaldson (Men's rowing)
2022: Kathleen Leahy (Women's Field Hockey Alumna)
2021: Nathan Hirayama (Men's Rugby Alumni)
2020: Debbie Yeboah (Women's Basketball Alumni)
2019: Chris Hindmarch-Watson (swimming), Joann Malhotra (nee Nash - women's soccer) and Lindsey Bergen (nee Jennerich - rowing)
2018: Gareth Rees (Men's Rugby Alumni)
2017: Ian Hyde-Lay (Men's Basketball Alumni)
2016: Nancy Mollenhauer (Women's Field Hockey Alumna)
2015: Simon Whitfield (Olympic Triathlete)
2014: Darcy Marquardt (Women's Rowing Alumna)
2013: Dr. Paul E. Zehr (UVic Professor and author)
2012: Pierre Lafontaine (Former Swimming Canada CEO)
2011: Adam Kreek (Men's Rowing Alumni)
2010: Stephanie Dixon (Women's Swimming Alumna)
2009: Bob Lenarduzzi (President, Vancouver Whitecaps FC)
2008: Chris Hebb (Men's Basketball Alumni)
 
BREAKFAST FUNDS RAISED
2023: $746,823
2022: $807,256
2021: $707,590
2020: $630,000
2019: $550,000
2018: $604,000
2017: $595,050
2016: $503,909
2015: $466,756
2014: $482,640
2013: $492,086
2012: $426,606
2011: $424,685
2010: $377,405
2009: $338,196
2008: $330,961