The RRC Polytech Students’ Association announced today a return of the Varsity Athletics program as a student-led initiative and has been accepted to compete in the Manitoba Colleges Athletic Conference (MCAC) beginning in the 2026/2027 academic year. 

The Students’ Association will be the first student-led organization in MCAC history to organize, manage, fund, and oversee a Varsity Athletics program in partnership with a post-secondary organization.  

“RRC Polytech commends the Students’ Association on their leadership and commitment to revive the varsity athletics program and seek full membership in the Manitoba Colleges Athletic Conference. We recognize Varsity Athletics can play an important role in enriching student life, strengthening community connections, and enhancing the overall post-secondary experience,” said Dr. Christine Watson, Vice President Academic at RRC Polytech. 

Beginning this fall, Varsity Athletics will participate in Women’s and Men’s Basketball, Women’s and Men’s Volleyball and Cross-Country Running.  

While the Varsity Athletics program will be led by the Students’ Association, RRC Polytech will support the program through access to facilities, such as gymnasiums and changing rooms, and ongoing collaboration to ensure student enrollment and eligibility. 

“It is exciting to be part of bringing Varsity Athletics back to RRC Polytech. There is a kind of energy and sense of pride that Varsity Athletics brings that has been missing on campus, and this achievement would not have been possible without the overwhelming support from students, the broader community, and our collaboration with RRC Polytech. The Students’ Association is eager to build on this momentum heading into the MCAC 2026–27 season,” said Jasmine Lucero, President, RRC Polytech Students’ Association. 

The return of Varsity Athletics complements RRC Polytech’s Campus Well-Being unit, which provides programs, services and resources to support the holistic health of students, staff and faculty, including popular intramural and fitness activities. Campus Well-Being has primary responsibility for RRC Polytech’s college-wide mental health strategy while operating two fitness facilities, two gymnasiums, intramurals and a variety of virtual and in-person activities that promote health and wellness.  

For more information about the return of Varsity Athletics, please visit the RRC Polytech Students’ Association’s website.