STU Athletics and Recreation Celebrates Sport for All Weekend with a Perfect 9-0 Record

Fredericton, NB – St. Thomas University Athletics and Recreation proudly celebrated Sport for All Weekend, an initiative dedicated to promoting inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility in sports. Through various game events and partnerships, Tommies student-athletes reinforced the belief that sport can unite communities and create opportunities for everyone, regardless of background, ability, or identity.

Adding to the celebration, the Tommies delivered a perfect weekend on the scoreboard, going 9-for-9 in competition to cap off a meaningful stretch for STU Tommies.

“St. Thomas Athletics and Recreation believes that sport is a driving force in creating welcoming and inclusive spaces”, said Meaghan Donahue Wies, Director of Athletics and Recreation. “We believe that there is a place for everyone within sport and recreation, and the efforts of our student-athletes this past weekend, and throughout the year, demonstrate that value.”

Each Tommies team took part in initiatives that highlighted the importance of representation and inclusion in sport:

• Women’s Hockey supported the LGBTQ+ community by recognizing Pride, reinforcing the message that hockey is for everyone. Olivia Stock emphasized the importance of representation in women’s sports, noting that a Pride game helps create a space where all individuals feel accepted in hockey. "I think it’s so important that we have a pride game because representation matters, especially in women’s sports. It matters for people who may not be able to be themselves or haven’t in the past and lets them know that hockey is a place where everyone is accepted. I’m proud to be part of a team that is so supportive and accepting of all its players and community members alike." 

• Basketball teams partnered with Unified Basketball Fredericton, fostering an environment where athletes of all abilities could come together to share their passion for the game. Alyssa Jeffrey commented on the importance of inclusivity: “Basketball is more than just a game—it’s a community. Events like Unified Basketball show the power of inclusivity, bringing athletes of all abilities together to share the love of the sport. We’re proud to support and celebrate the spirit of teamwork, respect, and opportunity for all.” 

• Volleyball engaged in supporting the Special Olympics, highlighting the importance of removing barriers and creating opportunities for all individuals to participate in sport. Julia Campbell reflected on her experience as a Special Olympics volunteer, expressing how meaningful it is to help create opportunities for everyone to experience the joy of sport. "Sports have added so much joy to my life, and I want others to be able to experience that as well. I always leave volunteering with a big smile on my face. The athletes are amazing, and I love the organization’s ability to foster inclusion and embrace diversity. When I approached our team about doing a bake sale to raise money for this organization, they were all eager to help!”

Though not currently in season, our field sports delivered on the same messaging with some key initiatives back in the fall.

• Soccer embraced the global nature of the sport, supporting international students and newcomers to Canada by hosting STU Soccer’s first International Night back in October. Aidan Lavery shared that the event was a highlight of the season, as it put different cultures in the spotlight and celebrated diversity through sport: "As a diverse team, having an international night for sport for all was a highlight of the season for us. To see multiple cultures in the spotlight surrounding a sporting event was amazing to be a part of , and we hope is a tradition that continues.”

• Women's Rugby hosted a game during their season honoring Indigenous communities; they celebrated indigenous culture and emphasized the importance of truth and reconciliation. 

"We are proud of our student athletes for taking the lead on these important initiatives. It is imperative to express our values as a department, and that starts with student athletes believing in them and wanting to make an impact," said Emily Oleksuk, Marketing/Events Coordinator for STU Athletics and Recreation. 

STU Athletics and Recreation is committed to removing barriers and increasing sports participation rates for equity-owed groups by creating welcoming and accessible opportunities for everyone. Through initiatives like Sport for All Weekend, the Tommies continue to spread awareness and advocate for a more inclusive sports culture.

By Martin Carvajal, SM/SIO