Panther Pride Events for UPEI Employees: "Why We Walk" and "Panther Sport Night and Employee Social"
The UPEI departments of Human Resources and Athletics and Recreation are excited to invite staff and faculty to two Panther Pride events— “Why We Walk” on Thursday, February 5, and “Panther Sport Night and Employee Social” on Friday, February 6, 2026.
Why We Walk, hosted by the UPEI Men’s Basketball Panthers
Thursday, February 5, 2026 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Why We Walk is a campus-wide walk created to raise awareness and show unified support in the ongoing fight against breast cancer, bringing athletes, students, and the UPEI community together in a meaningful and visible way. This guided walk will take place around the campus beginning at a central location and ending at a final gathering point. Along the route, participants will stop at three interactive stations, each designed to encourage reflection, expression, and awareness.
Station #1 - Ribbon Tree Station at the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre
Station #2 - Pink Marker Message and Hot Chocolate Station at PAC/New Residence
Station #3 – “Why We Walk” Video Station at AVC lobby
Participants can then walk to Bell Aliant Centre arena entrance and through the lobby toward Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre. All participants can start the walk wherever they choose and do a full circle.
The UPEI Men’s Basketball Panthers want to use their platform to stand with fighters, survivors, families, and loved ones affected by this disease. (This event aligns with the Shoot for the Cure Night on February 6—see below.)
Why?
* To raise awareness for breast cancer and its ongoing impact
* To show solidarity and support as UPEI student-athletes
* To create a shared moment of reflection, connection, and community
* To remind fighters and survivors that they are not alone
Participants will receive complimentary tickets for themselves and their family to the women’s basketball, men’s hockey, and men’s basketball games on Friday, February 6, 2026.
Panther Sport Night and Employee Social
Friday, February 6, 2026
This high-energy night of sport will bring our campus community together to cheer on the UPEI Panthers as they near the finals—while also supporting an important cause.
The UPEI Women’s Basketball Panthers will host Shoot for the Cure, a fundraising initiative in support of breast cancer awareness and research. Dedicated to advancing breast cancer research and awareness, Shoot for the Cure has become a longstanding tradition in Canadian university sport, uniting athletes, coaches, and fans around a common cause.
- Show your Panther Pride—wear your UPEI gear.
- Bring your kids and create cheer posters for our athletes.
- Human Resources invites you to join us for an employee social at 7:30 pm in the Upper Lobby of the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre (#1 on the Campus Map):
- Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies.
- Enter to win UPEI swag and a Panther All Access Pass for the 2026–2027 season.
- Meet Pride the Panther and UPEI student-athletes.
Game Schedule
6:00 pm: The UPEI Women’s Basketball Panthers take on the Cape Breton University Capers.
7:00 pm: The UPEI Men’s Hockey Panthers take on the Acadia University Axemen.
8:00 pm: The UPEI Men’s Basketball Panthers take on the Cape Breton University Capers.
If you’re unable to attend Why We Walk, please show your UPEI ID at the ticket table to receive complimentary tickets. We hope you’ll join us for a night of community, team spirit, and support for an important cause. Let’s pack the stands and cheer on our Panthers!
Go Panthers Go!
