UBC Athletics and Recreation, in partnership with the Centre for Community Engaged Learning, provides a unique program that brings students from Vancouver elementary schools to the UBC Campus. Varsity student athletes and coaches have an opportunity to take the lead in hosting these elementary school kids and showing them what is possible at University.
A Day in the Life of Our Student Athletes:
The "I'm Going to UBC" program includes a mini campus tour, where athletes can show the kids around the campus pointing out highlights from their own university experience and interesting facts. This is followed by a skills clinic run by our very own varsity basketball and volleyball coaches to teach the kids in new skills for sport. The night then finishes off by going on and cheering for our fellow Thunderbird athletes at War Memorial Gym at a Basketball or Volleyball game!
Why You Should be Interested:
Hundreds of student-athletes have been involved with the I'm Going to UBC program, many of whom returned multiple times to continue to participate, as well as some continuing to help out as alumni. Many of find the experience to be incredibly rewarding and a very positive aspect of their time at UBC! Here's some testimony from previous student athletes involved with the program about the impact it had on them or skills they learned:
"Interacting with the kids was my highlight. They were always so engaged and energetic. They really made you feel like you making a difference in their lives and always smiling."
"Being told by a kid that they want all my dreams to come true, that was a definite highlight."
"I've had to take a leadership role with the kids, be good at problem solving, ability to be flexible with plans and time frames, as being able to encourage the kids to get involved and have fun."
"Many people questioned why I would give up my Friday nights to hang out with elementary school kids, but I happily tell them spending time with these kids and athletes was the highlight of the week."
How to get Involved:
Being a student athlete is very demanding, and leaves very little time for giving back to the community or even having fun. This program gives you the opportunity to check off both those boxes. With a very flexible orientation schedule and small time commitment for the events, this opportunity is something to take advantage of. Come participate, network with your fellow athletes and make a difference! If you would like further information or are interested in getting involved with the program, please contact guest.services@ubc.ca.
