From McGill's earliest days, athletics have been a vital part of university life. McGill was home to the first intercollegiate hockey, football, swimming and basketball teams in
Canada, and it was here that the foundations of North American collegiate sports were established.
Athletics and recreation activities remain an exciting and essential part of the student experience. McGill's varsity athletics program is among the largest in the country. In addition to its 30 intercollegiate teams and clubs, some 5,000 students participate on over 500 intramural teams per semester, and an extensive recreational program offers more than 125 fitness and recreation courses that attract 5,500+ participants. All in all, there are more than 8,000 Fitness Centre users.
Given its dedication to fostering excellence, it is perhaps not surprising that, over its more than 170 years of athletics history, McGill has seen 125 students and graduates compete at the Olympic Games, where they have won a combined 31 Olympic medals, nine of them gold. The University can also boast having had 55 McGilliansplay in the CFL, nine in the NHL, and three in the NFL.
Fueled by a renewed vision for excellence in athletics, recreation and wellness, McGill has ambitious plans to enhance its Athletics and Recreation installations and elevate its training, coaching and wellness programs to new heights of excellence.
