General 11/23/2021 6:07:00 AM Department of Athletics & Recreation

GIVING TUESDAY CHALLENGE KICKS OFF TODAY

The McMaster Marauders are kicking off their 'Giving Tuesday' challenge, aiming to raise funds that will enhance the student-athlete experience and foster a culture of growth and development for years to come. On Tuesday, November 30th, for the first time ever the Department of Athletics & Recreation is participating in Giving Tuesday and asking the community to consider giving towards its future with a financial gift by visiting marauders.ca/GivingTuesday.

"Building a culture of sustained success requires the support of many individuals - coaches, athletic trainers, administrative staff, professors, alumni and – of course – our donors" says Shawn Burt, Director of Athletics & Recreation at McMaster. "We are so grateful for the tremendous support of our donor community that has literally fueled the success of our program since its inception, and without the support of our generous donors, none of this is possible."

Financial contributions will help to deliver program enhancements both on a team-by-team basis and also in broad, transformational areas impacting all Marauder programs.

Supporters can choose to invest in a specific team by visiting program-specific giving pages, or can make a difference for all student-athletes by giving to the Marauder EDI Priorities Fund, which will seek to ensure that student-athletes continue to be supported by world class mental health experts as they balance the many competing priorities in their lives.

"These enhancements are critical to the success of all Marauder teams, now more than ever" adds Burt. "I hope Marauders everywhere will consider making a gift that will directly impact the lives of our student-athletes as they strive to achieve their dreams."

Maximizing opportunities for equity deserving groups and increasing the diversity of its student-athletes, staff, and support networks continues to be a top priority of the department. Investigating additional opportunities around nutritional coaching, sleep consulting, leadership development, increasing access to wearable technology, and increased out-of-province and out-of-country competitive experiences will ensure our program puts distance between McMaster programs and their OUA/U SPORTS peers.

For more information and to get involved today, visit marauders.ca/GivingTuesday.

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Learn how your gift will help the Marauders

"I'm proud of how much progress our baseball program has made. We've gone from having a 1-17 record in 2014 to nearly winning the OUA championship in 2021. Our players and coaching staff have always been dedicated to building our program the right way – but we can't do it alone. With the help of donors, we will have greater access to tools like on-campus high-performance strength conditioning, advanced pitching and hitting software, and plyometric balls. Access to these tools are essential to our development, and donor support will help bring an OUA Baseball banner to McMaster!" - Kenny Noguchi, Student-Athlete, Baseball

"I joined the rowing team during my first year at McMaster and fell in love with not only the sport, but also the friends that I made in the process. I was living in a new city and starting at a new university and was extremely grateful for the fast connections I was able to make with my team. We are not just a group of athletes that train together; we are a community that supports each other outside of practice as well. Winter training is a chance for us to get stronger and faster as a team, however, this is difficult when equipment is limited. Currently we do not have enough ergs for the entire team, which means that we cannot have the entire team at practice. Donor support would provide us with the funds to buy more ergs which would allow us to train together as a team, push each other competitively, and continue to build community." - Sarah Orsenik, Student-Athlete, Rowing

"The McMaster Student-Athlete experience provides us priceless opportunities to grow as people, and as athletes. These opportunities shape us into leaders, which we will carry over for the rest of our lives. Without donor support, we would not have the privileges that the Marauder student-athlete life provides us with. On behalf of all athletes, including myself, thank you!" - Jordan Pereira, Student-Athlete, Men's Volleyball

"About 30 years ago, when I was invited to join the fencing beginners class at McMaster, never could I have imagined the impact that decision was going to have on my life. I have travelled and competed and coached across Canada. I have taught, likely, thousands of people about the sport. I have met people that have become dear friends. Most importantly, in my time as a coach, I have seen young people grow and achieve, struggle and overcome, to become some of the best humans on this planet!" - Alan Fein, Head Coach, Fencing

"Rowing has helped me develop and maintain strong sleep, study, and exercise habits, form friendships that exist at and outside of morning practices, and appreciate the opportunity to represent McMaster in competition. Every athlete on the McMaster rowing team would likely describe rowing the same way: it's hard. With the challenges that rowing presents, it develops athletes that have grit, determination, and focus; athletes that can push themselves physically and mentally while maintaining composure and a fine technique. Beyond the talents of each athlete, the McMaster rowing team requires boats, oars, and training equipment to pursue athletic achievement. Donor support would give each athlete an equal opportunity at success and help to provide a fair and fulfilling environment." - Jacob Bresolin, Student-Athlete, Rowing

"As the program has grown and developed over the last seven years, we are continuing to challenge and develop our athletes to be the best student-athletes possible. In order to help continue this trend and promote lasting student-athlete growth, we need your help to support the program." - Adam Strongman, Head Coach, Baseball

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