It’s an unparalleled honor to represent Team Canada, a sentiment echoed by countless athletes who have had the chance to don the national colors. This year, as the FISU World University Games approach, the experience promises to be no different. However, a significant shift is occurring: each of the 50 athletes selected for the team is required to fund their own trip, amounting to an astounding CA$5,400 each.
For many athletes, this will be their inaugural experience in the iconic Team Canada singlet, and for some, it represents their only guaranteed chance to perform on the global stage. The FISU Games stand as the second-largest multi-sport event after the Olympics, offering young Canadian athletes a unique opportunity to gain invaluable experience. Given the high costs associated with attending, it’s clear why these athletes are fiercely determined to participate.
A few months prior to the Games, U Sports made it clear to athletes that they would be responsible for their own funding. They provided an estimate of the costs, which encompass travel, accommodation, food, uniforms, and other essentials. While past FISU Games have sometimes required financial contributions, this year’s costs are the highest on record.
### Covering the Costs
Given that these athletes were university students during the 2024-2025 academic year, many find themselves juggling part-time jobs alongside their studies, if they can secure employment at all. With typical student expenses like tuition, rent, and varsity fees, many athletes have resorted to fundraising efforts, such as creating crowdfunding pages, to help cover their participation costs. The steep fee has even led some elite athletes to decline the opportunity altogether.
Alec Purnell, a middle-distance runner from McMaster University, expressed both excitement and pride in representing Team Canada for the first time. “I’ve been running competitively since elementary school,” he explained. “But the one thing that’s always been missing was making a national team and getting the chance to represent Canada on the world stage.” Nonetheless, Purnell voiced concerns about the financial implications. As a full-time student who trains 12–15 hours a week while also working part-time, he acknowledged the trip would impose a significant financial burden. Fortunately, McMaster and Hamilton’s Harbour Track Club have agreed to help subsidize costs, and Purnell plans to launch a GoFundMe campaign to gather support from family and friends.
Tyra Boug, a hurdler and sprinter for Western University, will also experience her second stint on a national team after participating in the 2019 Pan Am U20 Championships. Initially deterred by the self-funding requirement, Boug discussed her options with coaches before committing to pursue her dream of making the FISU team. “It’s always been one of my goals for my entire university career,” she noted.
However, not every athlete finds a way to make participation feasible. Max Davies, a multi-time U Sports champion and record holder from the University of Guelph, decided against attending due to the exorbitant costs. “It’s especially tough for university students to manage,” he said. “But I understand why people are willing to spend the money—it’s an incredible opportunity.”
The deadline for payment submissions is approaching, with the first half of fees due on June 6 and the remainder by July 4.
### What’s Changed?
This raises a critical question: why is Athletics Canada (AC), the national governing body for track and field, not overseeing funding for this trip? According to AC, they have two primary focuses this year: the National Track and Field Championships later in the summer and the Junior Pan Am Games. “While the age categories for FISU and Junior Pan Ams aren’t identical, the developmental objectives are similar,” explained AC.
U Sports has taken the initiative to organize the athletics team for the World University Games, which they believe provides another valuable competition opportunity for Canadian athletes. Nevertheless, this has raised concerns as to why national teams are lesser supported than those in other athletics competitions. Historically, U Sports has also managed teams for sports like hockey and basketball, employing a similar pay-for-play model.
### The Bigger Problem
The real concern arises when athletes cannot afford the costs associated with international representation. What happens if an athlete’s university lacks the financial support to assist with these expenses? Furthermore, we must consider the implications of top athletes choosing to compete in the NCAA for better financial backing, only to be sidelined for national teams altogether. Shouldn’t there be standardized regulations ensuring equitable support is provided across universities?
The current roster for Team Canada boasts 50 athletes—more than those selected for the Paris Olympics. Could a more streamlined team make fundraising and financial management more straightforward for participants?
Canadian Olympian John Gay aptly noted that FISU presents “the best preparation for an Olympic Games,” prompting questions about why there isn’t more effort within the Canadian athletics community to ensure the best athletes can attend.
In conclusion, while representing Canada is undoubtedly a distinction worthy of pride, the financial barriers currently facing our athletes present a significant challenge. When passion meets financial hardships, we must reflect on the systems in place to support our emerging sports talents. Ensuring all athletes have the opportunity to represent their country without financial limitations should be a priority for Canadian sports organizations.
Source link
