Waves of support for CARSA to boost UVic students, athletics

UVic’s Centre for Athletics, Recreation and Special Abilities (CARSA) has had an overwhelming amount of recreation usage and community support since it opened in May 2015. Barely one month into 2016, Vikes Athletics and Recreation are pleased to announce three partnerships in the new naming of CARSA’s RBC Blue and Gold Room, the UVic Alumni Association Spirit Section and the Ian and Gillian Stewart Varsity Weight Room.

Long-time Victoria residents and community leaders, Ian and Gillian Stewart announced their support on Feb. 4 to name the varsity-dedicated section of the weight room in CARSA. Ian Stewart was a member and chair of the university’s Board of Governors for 12 years and helped set the course for Vikes Athletics and Recreation. In 1991 the Ian H. Stewart Complex opened and was the hub of campus recreation until the opening of CARSA.

“The qualities we develop while training, such as perseverance, teamwork and determination, extend far beyond the confines of this weight room,” said James Pitblado, Vikes men’s rugby captain, who spoke at the unveiling event. “They make us better athletes, students but more importantly, better people. With the contribution of the Stewart family, we are able to continue building our athletic program into one of the best in the country.”

On Jan. 29, the UVic Alumni Association announced a $100,000 donation to support scholarships, bursaries and athletics, including a new alumni-supported cheering zone in the CARSA performance gym. The new Student Spirit section was unveiled on a night that saw a capacity crowd in pink to show support for the 9th Annual Shoot for the Cure. The UVic Alumni Association’s gift included $75,000 for bursaries and scholarships and $25,000 for CARSA—with the ceremony kicking off the start of this year’s Alumni Week.

“The history and accomplishments of student-athletes are sources of incredible pride at UVic,” said Lesley Patten, UVic Alumni Association President. “The link between active, healthy lifestyles and education has always been important at UVic. This donation reflects and enhances that connection even more.”

In early January the Vikes also celebrated the naming of the official RBC Blue and Gold Room, the special box suite that overlooks the performance gym. Representatives from the Royal Bank of Canada were on site on Jan. 8 to celebrate the newly named space that was sold out for all 20 regular season Vikes men’s and women’s basketball games.

These newly-minted parts of CARSA follow other community partners in supporting the CARSA building. The Peninsula Co-op Climbing Centre and the Lynda and Murray Farmer Walk of Excellence are also iconic parts of the 190,000-square-foot athletics and recreation facility.