UVic basketball teams launch partnership with CFB Esquimalt

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The University of Victoria (UVic) Vikes basketball teams will welcome Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members to center court in their inaugural Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Appreciation Night on Feb. 2. 

The UVic women’s and men’s varsity teams will play a doubleheader against the Brandon Bobcats at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. at UVic’s Centre for Athletics Recreation and Special Abilities.

Matt Carlson, Base Public Affairs Projects Officer, confirmed the Vikes’ CAF Appreciation Night represents the start of a new partnership between the University and the Base.

“Many UVic students have chosen CFB Esquimalt as meaningful work placements for their Co-Operative Education program and we are pleased to build on our existing partnership with the University of Victoria through their sports program,” said Carlson. “This event will strengthen our continued collaboration and community engagement with the University of Victoria.” 

Captain (Navy) Kevin Whiteside, Base Commander, and Chief Petty Officer First Class Susan Frisby, Base Chief, will partake in the opening ceremonies. The Naden Band will perform the national anthem, and Esquimalt’s Canada West champion men’s basketball team members will also be introduced.

Acting Sub-Lieutenant (A/SLt) Brent Martindale of HMCS Winnipeg, a Centre on the Tritons basketball team, says he and his teammates look forward to attending the game.

“Many on the civilian side are unaware of the athletic programs and opportunities available to our CAF and CFB Esquimalt personnel,” said A/SLt Martindale. “Growing that awareness and fostering a community around the city would be great.”

Last year, he and his teammates captured the CAF Canada West Regional title and won silver at CAF Nationals as part of a banner 2023 season for Base sports teams. The Naval Warfare Officer says the CAF Appreciation Night at UVic is a great opportunity for the Royal Canadian Navy to showcase what it can offer professionally, academically, and athletically. 

Another representative from the Base will include HMCS Malahat, a Naval Reserve Unit.

Military personnel and civilian employees of the Department of National Defence can purchase half-price tickets by visiting GoVikes.Com/Tickets and entering the code MilitaryBBall23.