The University of Guelph offers students an excellent opportunity to combine academic pursuits with an athletics program of their choice. A quality athletics program is available to complement any student's leisure hours.

For skilled and competitive student athletes, dedicated to the pursuit of excellence, men's and women's intercollegiate programs are offered. The men's and women's teams compete in 17 team and individual sports in the OUA (Ontario University Athletics). The Gryphons also compete nationally in CIS (Canadian Interuniversity Sport) competition. Prospective Intercollegiate athletes are urged to telephone the Department of Athletics, University of Guelph, Extension 56134 or visit the department web site at <http://www.uoguelph.ca\athletics> for more information.

The Department of Athletics offers a multitude of on campus recreational opportunities to all members of the University community. These on campus programs cover four general areas: competitive intramurals, interest classes, sports clubs, and free time recreation. They are geared to all levels of skill and interest.

The competitive intramural programs encourage groups of students: men, women and co-ed to "get together" in an enjoyable competitive setting at their own skill level. Popular men's leagues are softball, soccer, touch football, hockey, basketball and volleyball. Current women's programs offer soccer, touch football, basketball, volleyball and ice hockey. Co-ed leagues which have shown the greatest expansion in recent years include: slow pitch, soccer, softball, volleyball, basketball, ice hockey, ultimate frisbee and inner tube water polo. Several one day tournament activities are also offered.

More than forty different activities are offered in the interest class framework. Most of these programs are introductory in nature, providing participants with a foundation to continue these activities in future years. Dance programs, fitness, and racquet sports are very popular areas of the instructional program.

Some of the twenty plus sports clubs fostered and encouraged by the Athletics Department are: karate, ballroom dance, skating, squash, and climbing.

A great number of opportunities are available for individuals to schedule their personal recreational interests. Swimming, skating, squash, tennis and gymnasium activities are popular daily pursuits, while many take advantage of available fitness, jogging and weight training programs.

All On-Campus programs are scheduled and begin early each semester. Students should consult the "RecreAction" brochure, or the Department of Athletics, at the beginning of the semester for further information.

Indoor facilities include the Twin Pad Arena, 3 gymnasiums, 5 squash courts, 2 weight rooms, 1 circuit room, 2 dance/fitness studios, a climbing wall and 2 pools. In 2001, the Gryphon Dome was opened with 2 turf fields and a 200m running track.

Outdoor facilities include beach volleyball coursts, ball diamonds and six playing fields, four of which are lighted.