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Queen’s student-athletes had an outstanding year in 2017-18 claiming championships, banners, and medals. However, perhaps their greatest triumph was raising nearly $40,000 for charitable causes and inspiring the next generation of Gaels.

The Queen’s Varsity Leadership Council (VLC) aims to promote a positive image of ����ֱ�� Athletics and build relations with the university and Kingston communities through volunteer opportunities and outreach programs.

This year there were outstanding achievements from the group who supported programs such as Shoot for the Cure, Cuts for Cancer, Run for the Cure, Martha’s Table, Motionball, and a clothing donation drive. The VLC donated to the Kingston Food Bank and helped to raise awareness for mental health by supporting Jack.org and Bell Let's Talk with feature events.

In total, the VLC and Gaels athletes helped to raise nearly $40,000, 540 pounds of food, donate 12 ponytails, and keep the conversation going on mental health.

“Overall, VLC had an incredible year. We built on our core initiatives like Run for the Cure, Martha’s Table, jack.org, and Bell Let's Talk,” says co-president and member of the women’s basketball team Andrea Priamo. “This year, we were also fortunate enough to partner with two new programs: the Autism Mentorship Program and Pathways to Education. Having the opportunity to work with these programs and get involved in this capacity allowed participation from many athletes at Queen’s.”

The VLC continued to lead the way in their support of new initiatives. They organized an event with the Autism Mentorship Program around a varsity basketball game, inviting all program participants to a post-game meet-and-greet with the players.

Finally, a new partnership was formed with Pathways to Education, a national, charitable organization working to breaking the cycle of poverty through education. The partnership sees the VLC host a group of Pathways students at Queen’s for a day to participate in activities, have lunch, and talk about what university and life as a student-athlete are like. Also, one male and one female Pathways student is recognized with the Gaels Academic All-Star Awards for success both in the classroom and on the field of play.

“I feel so fortunate to have been part of such a phenomenal group of student-athletes this year, and I look forward to seeing the Varsity Leadership Council excel in years to come,” Priamo says.