Pronghorns Athletics has come up with an initiative that not only serves to boost student-athlete scholarship opportunities but your pocketbook as well.

Lux Bucks debuted this month and for $5, any and all supporters of Horns Athletics have the opportunity to take part in a 50/50 draw that creates a win-win situation.

"These things have been going on at various businesses in town for a number of years," says Sandy Slavin, executive director, Sport and Recreation Services. "Ilsa Wong, our women's soccer coach, brought the idea forward and it took us a while to get the approvals set up, both here and with Alberta gaming, but now we're ready to go."

The concept is simple. Each month, persons are able to purchase $5 Lux Bucks tickets, either through a cash sale or by payroll deduction if they are a University employee. At the end of the month a draw is made with half the pot going to the winner and the other half to Horns Athletics.

"Our athletes cross all faculties, and it's a way for everyone on campus to get involved with, be a part of and support all the athletes in their various activities," says Slavin.

So how big do they expect the prizes to reach?

"What we're hearing is that one of the more established local draws is sometimes paying the winners greater than $2,000 a month," says Slavin. "We would love to be able to get the winning pot up to that level eventually but we'll wait and see how it goes. We've had very good response so far from the administrative staff and we'll keep pushing it out there."

The first draw will be held May 10, with all those who purchased tickets by Apr. 8 eligible to win. Tickets can be purchased at any time through the Horns Athletics office (PE209) or you can go online (www.uleth.ca/horns) to set up payroll deduction and be entered in the draw every month.

For a look at the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.