VICTORIA – The 18th annual Vikes Championship Breakfast, which is the Department of Athletics and Recreation's largest annual fundraiser for student-athlete scholarships, returns to CARSA on Wednesday, October 8, featuring a soccer-themed panel moderated by Global News Morning anchor and University of Victoria men's soccer alumnus Jason Pires.

A familiar face to B.C. viewers for more than two decades, Pires is a multiple award-winning journalist who launched his career in Victoria before joining CTV Vancouver Island and later Global BC.

In recognition of UVic hosting the 2026 U SPORTS Men's Soccer Championship, the panel will feature four esteemed guests, including women's soccer alumna Jaclyn Sawicki of the Northern Super League's Calgary Wild, men's soccer alumnus and 2024 UVic Sports Hall of Fame inductee Moreno Stefani, men's soccer captain Fin Tugwell and women's soccer head coach and Canada Soccer Hall of Famer, Tracy David.

Jaclyn Sawicki
A UVic women's soccer alumna, Sawicki is currently playing professionally with the Calgary Wild in the Northern Super League, Canada's new women's professional league launched in 2025. With a prolific professional resume, Sawicki has played overseas, and has also represented both Canada and the Philippines internationally, including at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Moreno Stefani
A former Vikes men's soccer player and 2024 UVic Sports Hall of Fame inductee, Stefani has been a builder and advocate for the program for nearly two decades. As co-owner of Team Sales Vancouver Island Ltd., Stefani remains one of the department's most steadfast champions, consistently supporting the Vikes community by sponsoring teams, events, and providing uniforms and gear for varsity programs.

Tracy David
David is in her 24th season as head coach of the UVic women's soccer program and was inducted into the Canada Soccer Hall of Fame in 2003. A former national team player, David not only helped spearhead the Canada West soccer league in 1983 but has guided UVic to national prominence and is one of the most respected university coaches in the country.

Fin Tugwell
Current captain of the UVic men's soccer team, Tugwell is coming off a busy summer, having earned a U SPORTS contract with Pacific FC of the Canadian Premier League, where he gained invaluable experience as a professional athlete. The reigning Canada West Defensive Player of the Year and a 2024 U SPORTS and Canada West First Team All-Star, Tugwell is back this season to anchor UVic's back line.

Over the last 17 years, the Vikes Championship Breakfast has raised over $9 million for student-athlete scholarships, with more than $2 million fully endowed from the proceeds. The support generated by the event helps with both recruitment and retention, allowing Vikes varsity student-athletes the opportunity to compete at the highest level and excel in their studies.

Join us on October 8, 2025, 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.

The deadline for purchasing in-person tickets is Friday, October 3, 2025, and the deadline for all donations is Wednesday, October 15, 2025.

Register now
 
PREVIOUS KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
2024: Mike Holmes (men's rugby alumnus), Carissa Norsten (women's rugby), Brittany Waters (women's rugby alumna)
2023: Adam Donaldson (men's rowing alumnus)
2022: Kathleen Leahy (women's field hockey alumna)
2021: Nathan Hirayama (men's rugby alumnus)
2020: Debbie Yeboah (women's basketball alumna)
2019: Chris Hindmarch-Watson (swimming alumnus), Joann Malhotra (nee Nash - women's soccer alumna) and Lindsey Bergen (nee Jennerich – rowing alumna)
2018: Gareth Rees (men's rugby alumnus)
2017: Ian Hyde-Lay (men's basketball alumnus)
2016: Nancy Mollenhauer (women's field hockey alumna)
2015: Simon Whitfield (Olympic triathlete, UVic alumnus)
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 alumnus)
2010: Stephanie Dixon (women's swimming alumna)
2009: Bob Lenarduzzi (President, Vancouver Whitecaps FC)
2008: Chris Hebb (men's basketball alumnus)

BREAKFAST FUNDS RAISED
2024: $821,727.
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