Corporate
Willis, Chancy, Kepke, Drover honoured by U SPORTS
(Montebello, QC) – The Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC) has been accepted as the 57th U SPORTS member during the national sport organization’s annual conference and meeting in Montebello, Que.
UQAC is a member of the Université du Québec education network and rejoins U SPORTS after a 38-year absence, having last competed in men’s hockey in the 1985-86 season. The Inuk will join U SPORTS as a probationary member in men’s and women’s cross country, women’s volleyball and men’s track and field.
As per U SPORTS policies, UQAC will be a two-year probationary member. This period ensures the university’s commitment to athletics and that the institution conforms to the values and ethics of U SPORTS. A vote for full UQAC membership will come at the Annual Meeting in June 2025.
“After having concluded a site visit last month and meetings with UQAC leadership and athletic department staff, we are ecstatic to confirm the Inuk will be joining U SPORTS for the 2023-24 season,” said U SPORTS CEO Pierre Arsenault. “UQAC is a leader in the Saguenay region for academics and sport and has a tradition of a holistic approach to supporting students. They are a perfect fit for membership in U SPORTS, and we look forward to seeing Inuk student-athletes competing at U SPORTS competitions for many years to come!”
Recognized for its connection to the regional as well as for its national and international influence, the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi focuses on developing intellectual and professional autonomy because of the relevance of the programs, the diversity of research and creation, as well as its investment in sustainable development. As an inclusive university, it recognizes the contribution of all members of its community and partners. UQAC is the university for anyone who aspires to excellence.
“As President of Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, I am deeply invested in the development of university athletics and in promoting the values of excellence, rigour, and solidarity that these programs represent,” said Dr. Ghislain Samson, President of UQAC. “Our membership to U SPORTS strengthens our university’s commitment to supporting its students and student-athletes and ensuring their success. On behalf of myself, our Inuk and the UQAC community, I want to say how proud we are to be joining the U SPORTS family and of our new place in Canadian university athletics.”
About the Inuk name
The term Inuk translates, in English, to human beings or man. UQAC’s university athletics program offers a unique, local experience like its home institution. The personalized, human approach favoured by the Inuk emphasizes commitment, motivation and teamwork and allows for a positive experience, promoting wellness and excellence.
UQAC’s athletics program will unveil its new branding later this year: an elevated visual representation of the land where its athletes compete. The program’s entrance into U SPORTS is an excellent opportunity to rethink its branding so that the Inuk program may enter this new chapter in its history with a bang.
