varsity news

Durham Lords/UOIT Ridgebacks News Release
Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Durham Lords/UOIT Ridgebacks in the Community

Oshawa, Ont. - Having established themselves with championship caliber programs and high graduation rates, Durham College and UOIT varsity teams strive to be the best in athletics and academics. The teams have also made a strong commitment to the local community through involvement. The Durham College and UOIT Athletics Department encourages community initiatives, providing a great experience for the athletes by lending a helping hand to the neighbourhood in which they live.

Below is a sample of some recent and upcoming community events in which varsity athletes at Durham College and UOIT are taking part:

SCHOOL TOURS
Varsity student-athletes are traveling around to local schools to talk to students about the importance of education. Athletes describe their experience of playing sports while focusing on education. Topics such as homework, studying, respecting teachers, the importance of physical activity and living a healthy lifestyle are being brought to the student’s attention.

The Lords and Ridgebacks will also get a chance to impress the children with some of their athletic skills, while Hunter the Ridgeback and Lord Durham entertain the classes.

FUNDRAISING EVENTS
Teams are constantly participating in fundraising events in order to raise money for charities. The women’s basketball team recently played in their inaugural Think Pink game in which they raised money to support the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. On February 6, 2009, the UOIT Ridgebacks men’s hockey game will be geared towards raising money to help rebuild the Humane Society of the Durham Region.

SPECIAL COMMUNITY DAYS
The UOIT Ridgebacks and Durham Lords have hosted a number of community days at their regular season home games. Most recently, members of the Oshawa Minor Hockey Association and Oshawa Girls Hockey Association jammed the Campus Ice Centre to watch Ridgebacks hockey in action. Members of the Durham Basketball Association watched the Durham Lords defeat the first place Algonquin Thunder.

Anyone who has attended a home game this year has more than likely seen a minor sports team or choir perform before or during a game. Children get to play and perform in front of the big crowds and even get to meet some of the players.

MINOR PRACTICES
The UOIT Ridgebacks and Durham Lords Women’s Hockey team is helping lead practices throughout the Durham Region. Whether it is club teams or school teams, the Lords and Ridgebacks have been lending tips to coaches and the players.

If you are interested in participating in any of these community initiatives, please contact the Athletic Department at (905) 721-2000 ext. 2784!

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Scott Dennis
Sports Information and Marketing Coordinator
Durham College and UOIT Athletics
905.721.2000 Ext. 2784 (P)
905.721.3117 (F)
scott.dennis@dc-uoit.ca