The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) and PacificSport Fraser Valley are joining forces.
The groups officially announced a partnership on Monday.
PacificSport Fraser Valley serves the community to deliver programs and services throughout the full range of sport participation: from the grassroots level through to elite athletes seeking podium appearances.
The partnership with UFV – a leader in kinesiology education and research – will support healthy living and sport in the Fraser Valley by offering students experiential learning opportunities as athletic trainers; in athlete-led leadership programs; and through participation in research involving UFV faculty, students and staff.
UFV and PacificSport will also explore paid cooperative, internship, and volunteer positions in marketing, promotion, fundraising, web design, general office support, and leadership training. Where appropriate, these activities will be recognized by UFV's co-curricular record – a portfolio that validates and endorses students' extra-curricular experiences.
"UFV is very excited to partner with PacificSport in serving not only our students and our student athletes, but the communities across the Fraser Valley," said Jody Gordon, vice president, students and enrolment management for UFV. "This partnership is an excellent opportunity for UFV students to realize experiential learning opportunities in the exciting and growing fields of sports training, athletic performance research, athletic leadership, the business of sport, and much more."
PacificSport will also be the official centre of UFV for the development of athletes, coaches, and athletic performance.
The partnership will offer bursary opportunities for current or former PacificSport athletes to study at UFV.
"UFV is a progressive post-secondary institution that embodies the type of organization we strive to be: collaborative, community-oriented, and a sector leader," said Jared Kope, executive director, PacificSport Fraser Valley.
"We are very excited for the opportunities that will come from this partnership and the beneficiaries – local sport organizations, high-performance athletes and coaches, UFV students and staff. Undoubtedly, we will see great outcomes from this partnership."
Over the course of the agreement, PacificSport and UFV will also collaborate on space-sharing initiatives and on UFV student-led leadership program delivery to athletes in the Fraser Valley.
For more information on the agreement, visit pacificsportfraservalley.com.