CBU’s CAPERS Weekend to Celebrate 50 Years of Athletics and Recreation

Cape Breton University invites the community to CAPERS Weekend, presented by Protocase, a signature event as part of CBU’s 50th Anniversary year-long celebration. Taking place from October 4-6, 2024, this weekend promises to be a celebration of CBU’s rich history in athletics and recreation programs over the past 50 years. The weekend also acknowledges the dedication, triumphs and continued impact of individuals who laid the foundation for the successful athletics and recreation programs the University has today.

“CAPERS Weekend is a tribute to the perseverance and pride of our University and the CBU CAPERS’ past, present and future,” says John Ryan, CBU Director of Athletics and Recreation. “With a mix of exciting events, recreation activities and the induction of new CAPERS Hall of Fame members, we want to express our gratitude to the Island community for your support over the past 50 years and to showcase our spirit of Strong, Fierce and Proud. We invite the community to join in the festivities.”

The weekend features the induction of new members into the Dr. Carl “Bucky” Buchanan CAPERS Hall of Fame: Sarah Drake, Dave MacLean, Dr. Jack Porter and the 2017 CBU CAPERS Men’s Soccer Team. The CAPERS Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Protocase, takes place on Friday, October 4, at 6:00pm at the Boardmore Playhouse. Community members are welcome to attend in person or watch the live stream at www.cbu.ca/capers-weekend

On Saturday, October 5, the CBU CAPERS will take on Holland College at 6:00pm (Women’s) and StFX at 8:00pm (Men’s) at the exhibition basketball games at the Sullivan Fieldhouse. The games also welcome alumni-athletes to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the first AUS Men’s Basketball Championship title (1994) and the 20th Anniversary of the first AUS Women’s Basketball Championships title (2004).

As part of the evening, the inaugural Nancy Dingwall Memorial Award for Impact will be announced. This award honours a student-athlete who excels in sports and demonstrates leadership and commitment to improving the well-being of the University community and the broader Cape Breton communities, aligning with Nancy’s values and legacy.

In addition to the induction and exhibition games, community members are invited to participate in recreation programming on Friday and Saturday. Activities include outdoor lawn games, outdoor yoga, a disc golf scramble, a pickleball jamboree and Try It Cricket, suitable for all ages and skill levels. A cricket exhibition game between the CBU Cricket Club and The Defenders will happen on Saturday, October 5, from 1:00-2:30pm at the Ness Timmons Soccer Field.

The weekend continues with varsity soccer games on Sunday, October 6. Community members can enjoy a full day of soccer action as the CBU CAPERS take on the Acadia Axewomen and Axemen at 1:00pm (Women’s) and 3:15pm (Men’s) at the Ness Timmons Soccer Field. The day’s festivities include family-friendly activities such as a bouncy house, balloon animals, face painting, food vendors and a special Meet and Greet with the CAPERS Hall of Fame inductees and varsity teams. Food vouchers will be distributed to the first 250 attendees from 11:30am-12:30pm. CAPERS fans are invited to the CAPERS Weekend Wrap-Up Party at the Pit Lounge following the games.

All members of the community are invited to join Cape Breton University in celebrating 50 years of excellence at the CAPERS Weekend, presented by Protocase, festivities. For more information and to view the full schedule of events, please visit www.cbu.ca/capers-weekend