Ontario University Athletics (OUA) is, by all definitions, ELITE.

Behind the scenes, on the sidelines, and certainly, on the playing field, this recognition is well-deserved for the talented individuals that make up the conference, as is witnessed year in and year out.

The notion that the hard-working student-athletes, who have long strived toward the goal of competing at the post-secondary level and proudly representing one of the OUA’s 20 member institutions in the sport they love, aren’t considered elite by the Government of Ontario is a disservice to the dedication, commitment, and talent that they continue to show on a day-to-day basis.

Not only have these individuals – in addition to their efforts academically and in the community – proven their athletic ability at the provincial level against some of their sport’s best, but several have also gone on and continue to make their mark in their sport on even grander scales. From representing their country at the Olympic Games, much like 37 current and former OUA athletes did this past summer at Tokyo 2020; to finding success across national and international competitions; and signing professional contracts in high-performance leagues around the world, the elite nature of OUA student-athletes has been demonstrated time and time again.

It is the goal of numerous young athletes to play in the OUA. It is the privilege of thousands to compete at the university level each year. It is the joy of many to turn their post-secondary experiences into continued athletic success beyond their years at school. And it is the right of all of these past, present, and future OUA student-athletes to be given the recognition and the respect they deserve.

Source: OUA