University of Ottawa receives funding from Ontario Sport Hosting Program ahead of 2024 Canadian University Men’s Rugby Championship

OTTAWA, ON – University of Ottawa Recreation and Varsity Sports is proud to have been selected by the Government of Ontario's Sport Hosting Program to receive $45,000 in funding to support the 2024 Raymond James Canadian University Men's Rugby Championship presented by Lougheed Wealth Management (CUMRC) that will be hosted at uOttawa's Matt Anthony Field from November 13-17.

"We are incredibly grateful to the Province of Ontario and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport for their outstanding support of the CUMRC," said Sue Hylland, Senior Director of Recreation and Varsity Sport.

"Our goal is to make this event as special as possible for teams and supporters coming from across the country. This support will help us put on the best event possible to showcase and grow rugby and university sport as a whole in Ottawa and the National Capital Region."

Ontario's Sport Hosting Program provides project-based funding to applicants delivering major sport events in the province. One of the program's key goals is to foster a culture of sport and physical activity in communities by enhancing community spirit and involvement in sport.

A cornerstone of the Gee-Gees' application is to operate community and sport development projects using the 2024 CUMRC as a centrepiece. Through the championship and efforts associated to it, rugby in the region will benefit from additional support for growth and development of the sport, its coaches, and officials.

"Our government is proud to support the 2024 Canadian University Men's Rugby Championship and the opportunities that it will create for some of our top collegiate rugby athletes to take to the pitch and showcase their elite skills and abilities," said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. "I am confident that their example will inspire the next generation of rugby athletes to pursue their passion for the sport, while encouraging rugby fans from all over the country to travel to Ottawa to experience the best that the National Capital Region has to offer."

The CUMRC was founded in 2017 to provide a high-level national championship competition for men's rugby programs representing institutions from coast-to-coast. The 2024 Championship will feature eight teams from across the nation contending for the Spence McTavish Trophy. As hosts, the Gee-Gees men's rugby program will gain automatic entry.