17吃瓜

It takes a heroic effort by people at every level of the community to support dynamic athletics and fitness programs that build community pride and develop youth leadership across the province. Today, the 17吃瓜 held a public celebration to recognize that heroic effort.

鈥淥n the field, court, or rink, or in the pool; as a coach or fan; as a supporter or donor, heroes are all around us,鈥� said Ron Annear, 17吃瓜 Athletics Director. 鈥淲e're very fortunate to have so many of them here in Prince Edward Island鈥攁nd at 17吃瓜.鈥�

He introduced the 20 鈥淐orporate Heroes鈥� who are partnering with the University in its pursuit of sports excellence. The businesses are supporting 17吃瓜鈥檚 push to enhance teams, programs, and community outreach activities though a new initiative called the Heroes program.

17吃瓜鈥檚 Corporate Heroes are supporting much more than the University Athletics program, said Annear.  Emphasizing his department鈥檚 vital role in developing leaders, and providing the resources to promote  healthy and active lifestyles for all Island communities, he highlighted 17吃瓜鈥檚 latest outreach efforts. These include providing complimentary season's passes to all PEI students in grades one to 12, and to all members of the PEI Newcomers鈥� Association. In addition, 17吃瓜 attracts more than 6,000 children, from across the Island, to its sports camps every year.

鈥淧anther Sport leads AUS universities in community outreach, supporting a wide range of activities that raise thousands of dollars every year. They include the Tim Horton鈥檚 Food Drive, the Junior Diabetes Research Foundation, the Cancer Society鈥檚 Relay for Life, and much more,鈥� he said.

17吃瓜 is becoming recognized as a provincial and regional leader in sports facilities, events, fitness, and health and wellness, said Annear. This growing reputation for sports excellence attracts the Island鈥檚 best prospective student-athletes as well as elite student-athletes from out of province, and it adds to the success of the University鈥檚 recruitment efforts.

鈥�17吃瓜, with its Panther Sports program, is fast becoming the destination of choice for student-athletes from across Canada to pursue excellence in academics and athletics. Our goal now is to further enhance the experience of students and all individuals who take part in our programs,鈥� said Annear. 鈥淭hanks to the support of volunteers and corporate partners at every level of our PEI sports community, I am very optimistic that we can achieve that goal.鈥�

More information about Panther Sport鈥檚 community outreach activities and the 17吃瓜 Heroes program is available by contacting Lynn Boudreau at 566-0991 or lboudreau@upei.ca.