Eleven years after the Algoma University Thunderbirds created their Varsity Athletics program, and four years after becoming an independent degree-granting institution, Algoma University has been accepted by Ontario University Athletics (OUA), to begin competition in the 2013-2014 school year.

Dr. Richard Myers, the University's President, says "Varsity athletics is a key element of student life and a critical link between any university and its home community. Our student-athletes will be thrilled to bring the highest level of provincial sport to the people of Sault Ste. Marie and to the members of the Algoma community."

In addition to Basketball, Soccer, and Curling, the three already existing Varsity sports at Algoma, the University is adding Cross-Country Running, Nordic Skiing, and Wrestling programs for both men and women. Coaches have been hired and will be announced over the coming weeks.

Algoma University has a proud sporting tradition, led by the institution's first Athletic Director, George Leach. The campus' Fitness and Recreation Centre that bears his name was built in 1992, and since that time the University has hosted several Provincial-level events. The Thunderbirds joined the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) in 2001, and since that time have won multiple medals in both Basketball and Curling. The University hosted the 2011 OCAA Basketball Championships here in Sault Ste. Marie in 2011, and has c-ohosted Curling Championships as well as the OCAA Annual General Meeting.

Members of the OUA were in Sault Ste. Marie for a site visit in April, before putting forward the motion to have Algoma U join the organisation at their Annual General Meeting in May.

"Competing in the OUA will be a terrific experience for our Student-Athletes and Coaches," said Mark Kontulainen, Athletic Director at Algoma Universty. "Playing at the premier level of university sport in Ontario will be a tremendous opportunity for them to grow and excel. Both our new and existing programs have been busy preparing for their inaugural seasons in the OUA, and I have been impressed with their motivation to assemble competitive teams. Our staff, faculty, students, and the greater community look forward to seeing our teams compete at this level."