ºìÐÓÊÓƵ

Matthew Thompson was a member of the UVic lightweight Varsity Rowing team from 2019 to 2023 and received his BA in Geography and Environmental Studies. During that time he won Canadian University Rowing Championship medals in the double and quad, helping UVic capture a national championship in 2021. Matthew was a member of the 8 that captured the Campbell Dowd trophy and a member of the UVic 4 that won a gold medal at Canadian Henley. In addition, Matthew was selected by his teammates as the recipient of the Tony Zasada Award, UVic men’s rowing's most prestigious honor.

This award recognizes the qualities of consistency, personal character, and embraces the training program demonstrating leadership, vision and adding energy to the sport. Some of Matthew’s fondest memories were of the spring training camp at Strathcona where training was intense, but more importantly lifelong friendships were created.

As team captain, Matthew believed in helping others reach their goals through hard work, perseverance and finding joy in the sport and in companionship. 

Matthew has helped to establish this award so that aspiring oarsmen may have the opportunity to grow as individuals, demonstrate their leadership on and off the water and value the importance of excellence, team and community.