VICTORIA – More than 300 members of the Victoria community gathered on Oct. 7th for the 2026 Vikes Championship Breakfast, raising $728,292 in support of student-athlete scholarships and continuing a tradition that has helped shape generations of Vikes student-athletes.

Now in its 19th year, the annual fundraiser brought together alumni, supporters, community leaders and current student-athletes for a morning focused on the enduring impact of varsity sport at the University of Victoria.

"What makes this event so special is that it's about investing in people. The scholarships funded through the Breakfast help student-athletes access an exceptional educational and athletic experience at UVic, while building the skills, relationships and confidence that will serve them long after they leave campus. The generosity of our community continues to make that possible," said Julianne Zussman, associate director, sport compliance and student support. 
 
This year's event put a spotlight on the UVic cross country and track team following a historic 2025 season. The breakfast featured a panel discussion that showcased the program's legacy through three generations of athletes and coaches whose experiences at UVic continue to shape their lives long after competition ended.

Moderated by media personality Mira Laurence, the conversation featured UVic Sports Hall of Fame inductee Trish Fougner, current Vikes head coach and two-time Olympian Hilary Stellingwerff, and recent graduate Gabe Van Hezewijk. Together, they reflected on the relationships, lessons and opportunities that emerged from their time with the Vikes, illustrating how the program's impact extends far beyond the finish line.

The stories shared throughout the morning shone a spotlight on the event's purpose, which is to ensure that future student-athletes have access to the same opportunities to excel academically, athletically and personally.

Since its inception in 2008, the Vikes Championship Breakfast has raised more than $10.5 million for student-athlete scholarships, making it one of the largest university athletics fundraising events in Canada. This year's total pushes that legacy even further, providing critical support that helps UVic attract top student-athletes and remove financial barriers to their success.

The university once again played a significant role in the event's success. Included in this year's fundraising total is the university's $250,000 commitment to student-athlete scholarships, a contribution that reflects its continued investment in varsity athletics and recreation.

A big thank you to this year's sponsors Team Sales Vancouver Island, Minute Maid, Rogers Sports & Media and the University of Victoria.

For the student-athletes who will benefit from these scholarships in the years ahead, the generosity of the Vikes community helps ensure the next chapter is already underway.

VCB THANK YOU VIDEO

WATCH THE VIKES CHAMPIONSHIP BREAKFAST

PREVIOUS KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
2025: Jaclyn Sawicki (women's soccer alumna), Moreno Stefani (men's soccer alumni), Fin Tugwell (men's soccer) and Tracy David (women's soccer coach). Moderated by Jason Pires (men's soccer alumni, Global BC Morning News Anchor).
2024: Carissa Norsten (Women's Rugby) Brittany Waters (Women's Rugby)  Mike Holmes (Men's Rugby)
2023: Adam Donaldson (Men's Rowing)
2022: Kathleen Leahy (Women's Field Hockey)
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)
2017: Ian Hyde-Lay (Men's Basketball)
2016: Nancy Mollenhauer (Women's Field Hockey)
2015: Simon Whitfield (Olympic Triathlete)
2014: Darcy Marquardt (Women's Rowing)
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
2025: $819,012
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