"This is an amazing opportunity, and I'm thrilled to be able to contribute to such an outstanding event, "said Barker. "I'm grateful to join the growing list of Ridgebacks staff and athletes representing the school at FISU events."

The FISU World University Games are hosted bi-annually, alternating between winter and summer sports in different cities, and showcases more than 9,500 of the world's top university athletes. The World University Games date back to 1923 and were founded by university sports leader, Jean Petitjean. This year, the games take place from January 13 to 23 and are returning to their birthplace of Torino, Italy, for the first time since 2007. The World University Games will host over 11 sports, and for the first time, parastudent-athletes will compete in alpine and cross-country skiing.

Barker is the latest Ridgeback to represent Ontario Tech at the international event. In 2021, Natalie Wozney of women's hockey was named to Team Canada prior to the cancelation of the event. In 2019, Kassidy Nauboris of women's hockey and Jack Patterson and Alex Yuill from men's hockey laced their skates for Canada. In 2017, Chris Cameron represented the school as a Communications Officer at the event. In 2015 and 2017, Kylie Bordeleau and Katherine Koehler-Grassau were named members of Team Canada's women's soccer team.

Joining Barker on the mission staff will be Alexandra Roy (U SPORTS) as the Associate Chef de mission, Rich Abney (UNBC) as the Communications Manager, and Andréane Girard (Laval) and Miriam Celebiler (UBC) as Communication Officers.