Amateur Athletic Association
Name: Amateur Athletic Association
Previous/other names: UNB Athletic Club, Athletic Association
Prominent date(s) of activity: 1877 -
Role/purpose: The original object of the Athletic Club was the preservation of health and the development of its members, as well as an annual exhibition of athletic prowess.
History: Though existing in some organized capacity since 1877, the earliest records of the University Athletic Club date to 1880. The committee procured and awarded prizes for athletic achievements. The club held an annual meeting at the beginning of each academic year and a day of sport during the spring term. The Davis Cup—donated by Mr. Geo. H. Davis of Fredericton—was awarded to the winner of the one hundred yard race. A sample of first prizes offered in 1882 included:
- Hurdle Race: a gold ring
- Three Standing Jumps: a nautical telescope
- Throwing Ball: a revolver
- Potato Race: a stereoscope with views
- Standing Broad Jump: 3 vols. Irving's works, presented by the class of 1882
- Vaulting with Pole: a morocco writing desk
Note(s): Reportedly in 1881 over two thousand spectators came to observe the exhibition.
Source(s):
- University Monthly, vol. 2, no. 3, May 1883, p. 35-36.
- University Monthly, vol. 1, no. 1, March 1882, p. 1.
© UNB Archives & Special Collections, 2014