News Release
UOIT Ridgebacks Media Release
Thursday, June 19, 2008

THE VOTES ARE IN: UOIT BECOMES THE 52ND MEMBER OF THE CIS

OTTAWA --­ Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) accepted the University of Ontario Institute of Technology’s (UOIT) application for membership at the CIS annual general meeting in Ottawa, Ontario, as UOIT has been approved as the 52nd member institution of the national association.

"Today was a momentous and historic day for UOIT," Ken Babcock, Athletic Director said immediately after the CIS delegates voted unanimously to accept UOIT. "The Ridgebacks are now able to compete at the national level and we look forward to challenging with the best of the best that Canadian Universities have to offer."

The CIS Board of Directors presented their recommendation to accept UOIT¹s membership application before the CIS membership at the AGM of all Canadian Universities. The delegates accepted the motion to accept UOIT as the 52nd member of the CIS unanimously with vote count 84-0.

UOIT’s bid application, which was the culmination of two years of planning and preparing, was extremely well received by the CIS membership. The CIS Board also conducted a site visit of UOIT as part of the lengthy process. They were very impressed with the campus as a whole, athletic facilities, residences and the programs that the University has to offer.

"I am very proud and pleased with our successful membership approval after all of the time and hard-work that was put into making this all come together," Babcock added. "This successful outcome now provides UOIT student-athletes with tremendous opportunities at the National level."

UOIT entered Ontario University Athletics (OUA) competition in 2006, participating in tennis and rowing during their inaugural season. Men’s and women’s hockey was introduced last season (2007-08), making a big splash on the UOIT campus and in the community. There are many long range plans of additional sports to be added to the Ridgebacks lineup. New sports will be determined by student input and the availability/expansion of facilities in the years to come.

With some of the Canada’s top athletics facilities on campus, Babcock noted; “Our goal will be to continue to attract the best staff, coaches and students to UOIT who strive for the common goal of excellence. Our long-term vision includes our campus as being Canada’s leader in athletics, recreation and wellness programs, combined with top athletic facilities, all of which will enhance the overall post-secondary experience for our students.”

The CIS is the national governing body of university sport in Canada. Its membership is comprised of 52 Universities with 10,000 student-athletes and 550 coaches competing for 21 national championships in 12 different sports.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
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