Photo courtesy of Trent University.
Alumni, sponsors, community partners and friends came together to raise a record $101,000 at the 20th annual President’s Excalibur Golf Tournament on June 25.
The event was in support of the Green & White Athletic Financial Awards, which provides financial assistance to student-athletes who demonstrate excellence in sport, achievement in the classroom and leadership within the Trent community.
“At Trent, athletics is about much more than competition. It’s about developing leaders; students who build resilience, confidence, discipline and teamwork,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “The record-breaking support shows our student-athletes that they have supporters rooting for them, that their efforts are recognized and valued. The Green & White Athletic Financial Awards give students the chance to be and become, embracing who they are and fully realizing their potential without financial barriers getting in the way.”
During the 2025-26 varsity season, more than 70 student-athletes received a Green & White Athletic Financial Award, bringing the total number of recipients supported through the program to over 450.
“No journey to success comes without challenges,” said Aly Saydam, men’s volleyball student-athlete from Ottawa. “Being a student-athlete is very challenging. You’re expected to train like a professional athlete, while still excelling at a full-time university education. A major part of my success is due to generous donors like those here today. Receiving a Green & White Athletic Financial Award during each year of study has allowed me to focus more of my time and energy towards volleyball and my studies.”
Saydam credits the Green & White Athletic Financial Awards with helping him maintain an academic average above 80 per cent throughout his undergraduate degree, earning him recognition as a USPORT Academic All-Canadian. This year he also earned a place on the President’s Honour Roll for graduating with a 90 per cent or higher average and earned two of Trent Athletics’ highest honours: the Bonnie M. Patterson Award and the Arthur Cup.
A record 24 teams participated in this year’s tournament, enjoying a day of golf, community connection and fundraising in support of Excalibur student-athletes. Tournament participants also had the opportunity to meet current student-athletes and learn more about their experiences balancing varsity athletics and academics at Trent.
(Written by: Felicia Massey)
