Giving Day embodies the spirit of UBC athletics. Thunderbird and Heat fans cheering on their favourite team, donors issuing challenges to encourage more giving and spectators waiting to see who will win the title of most funds raised! Whether you’re cheering on the Thunderbirds or Heat on Giving Day, donors have had an enormous impact on the success of our student-athletes.

At UBC Okanagan, Giving Day funded the entire Women’s Basketball team to travel to Nisga’a nation to play in the inaugural “Clash of the Clans” tournament, bringing high-level basketball to remote communities. Four years in the making, the tournament is a partnership between Wild Camps, a basketball and life skills camp for Indigenous athletes, the Nisga’a Nation, and four Canada West Women’s Basketball Programs including the UBC Okanagan Heat.

“It’s a great event to share culture and build leadership through a common connection in the game of basketball,” said Alan Nutini, director of Wild Camps.

At UBC Vancouver, athletic teams are front and centre on Giving Day! Thanks to the generous support of donors, the Thunderbird Excellence fund gives student athletes the resources they need to excel. Also, the Blue & Gold Women’s Varsity Endowment Fund helps close the funding gap between male and female athletes, ensuring equal opportunities and recognition for female athletes. Additionally, the Varsity Weight Room provide scholarships for student coaches and graduate assistant coaches.

Together, these initiatives highlight the crucial role of sport in the lives of students, fostering leadership skills, teamwork and personal and academic growth. The generous support of our donors reflects the significant impact of Giving Day on our UBC athletic community.

View our gratitude in motion—thank you Thunderbird and Heat donors!