Athletics is the heartbeat of UBC, where student-athletes can shine and create community spirit.

This is exemplified by Back the ‘Birds, a 24-hour fundraising event launched last September, as a new way to bring support to student-athletes.

“We wanted to create an opportunity for student-athletes and their community to come together,” says Kavie Toor, Managing Director of Athletics and Recreation. “These funds ensure student-athletes can stay on campus, live in residence, have a meal plan, and support their academic course loads.”

Donations also enhance team excellence by funding top-tier exhibition matches, equipment, and additional coaching. “We won nine national championships and 14 conference championships this past year,” Kavie proudly notes.

UBC Thunderbirds brought their competitive edge to Back the ‘Birds—where teams strived to unlock matching gift opportunities, ensuring every dollar raised delivers maximum impact.

“Those same competitive desires that fuel success on the field of play also drive success in fundraising,” says Kavie.

For Laurier Primeau, head coach of the Thunderbirds Cross Country & Track and Field teams, that competitive spirit bolstered his teams’ fundraising—making them the leading recipients of over $58,000 during Back the ‘Birds.

“We used one of our strengths—which is we have 80 athletes on our team,” says Laurier. “And each of those 80 athletes has their own relationships they can count on. The idea we’d be competing against other teams, was very motivating.”

Jesse Symons, head coach for Thunderbirds Women’s Soccer, describes exactly how important donor support is to the UBC teams.

“It’s transformed our program to let us do more trips against competition in the USA,” says Jesse. “It’s also allowed us to support them academically with tutoring services. It’s really allowed us to be a holistic program by adding value to an already very talented group of individuals.”

UBC’s Olympic legacy is another testament to its commitment to fostering elite athletes. “We sent nearly 20 Olympians to Paris, on top of the over 220 Olympians UBC has produced in its history,” says Kavie.

Thunderbirds Track and Field athlete Olivia Lundman is grateful for the opportunity to compete in this year’s Paris Olympics in the race walk mixed relay event.

“The support from my friends, family, and the entire Thunderbirds community has been instrumental in my journey to the Olympics,” says Olivia.

The roots of UBC’s Olympic success trace back to Ned Pratt, who clinched UBC’s first medal at the 1932 Los Angeles Games. Since then, UBC athletes have amassed an impressive tally of 66 medals, 19 of them gold, with over 250 Olympians representing the university in both Winter and Summer Games.

“No other university in Canada comes close to these numbers,” says Kavie.

For Kavie, the ‘Birds mission has always extended far beyond the field.

“You’re representing your fellow students, your community, and the Thunderbird brand—which carries great significance.”