The University of British Columbia has announced the first 16 varsity teams to secure sports funding following stage one of their sport review. The school undertook the review after they announced they could no longer fund all 29 of their varsity programs.
At the end of February following a second stage assessment, a number of other teams are expected to be added. UBC says no team has been excluded after stage one.
“Overall, advisory assessment team members were consistent in their evaluations and we are basing our decision on their findings,” says vice president of students Louise Cowin. “The process has been revealing and is leading us to boost financial support for the teams.”
VARSITY TEAMS CONFIRMED AFTER STAGE ONE
Team sports
Basketball — Men, Women
Field Hockey — Women
Football — Men
Ice Hockey — Women
Rugby — Men
Soccer — Men
Volleyball — Women
Individual sports
Cross Country — Men, Women
Rowing — Men, Women
Swimming — Men, Women
Track and Field — Men, Women
“These 16 teams balance men and women’s, as well as individual and team sports,” says Ashley Howard, managing director of Athletics and Recreation. ”The review showed us their strengths but also provides us with a roadmap to needed improvements.”
The remaining 13 varsity teams and some interested Alma Mater Society sports clubs have been invited to the second stage assessment, to conclude in late February.
“Another month of uncertainty will be difficult for many,” adds Howard. “But we need to keep our eye on the prize: higher achievement for our varsity teams, a top-notch experience for our student athletes and a sustainable future for the UBC Thunderbirds.”
ANNUAL BUDGET INCREASES SUPPORTING VARSITY SPORTS – starting April 2014
- Total additional funding: $800K
- Varsity budget increase: $200K (to $6.4M)
- Millennium Scholarship Breakfast: $300K
- Athletics and Recreation Department budget increase (overall operations and services): $300K
Comments