sport in aurora - vol. 5 issue 1

Volume 5 \\\ Issue 1

SOO-AurOrA lOveS Our vOlunteerS PG.24

MENTORING aThlETEs ThROuGh pOsITIvE sElf-IMaGE PG.07

BIG splash fOR saC sWIMMERs PG.29

PLUS

RUGBY Touch Rugby Great for Off-season Training

HOCKEY 16th annual silver stick Girls International Tournament

GYMNASTICS phillip Carson Named to Team Ontario

AND MUCH MORE

SportS Day FoSterS

Spirit oFCommunity

through athletiCS

DuCKs sWIMMER MaKEs PARA PAn-Am PG.15

DISCOVERTHE COUNTRY

DAY SCHOOL AT OUR NEXT OPEN HOUSE

It could be a pair of track shoes, a theatrical costume, or maybe even a robotics set. If your child has a passion for something, we will harness it and take it to a whole new level. If they have yet to fi nd it, we will dig down deep and explore all the possibilities, and not stop until we unearth that one thing that opens their mind and their eyes as big as humanly possible. It’s an incredible place to discover big, dreamy answers to the question,

WHO WILL YOU BE?cds.on.ca/whowillyoube

Call us

to book your

personal

tour today!

905 833 1220

BASKETBALL • MULTI-SPORT • RUGBY • SOCCER • TENNIS ROBOTICS • DRAMA • LIT www.cds.on.ca/summercamp

The Country Day School offers JK-12 in a co-ed, non-denominational environment located on 100 beautiful acres in King.

13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5T: 905 833 1220 www.cds.on.ca

CDS SUMMER CAMP

CDS_Sport_in_Aurora_Ad_2015-04-03_FINAL.indd 1 4/2/15 11:17 AM

v5i1 / SPORT IN AURORA / 3

CONTENTS

05 Editor’s Letter

06 From the Director of

Parks and Recreation

07 Mentoring Athletes

through Positive

Self-Image

08 Aurora Barbarians –

4 page special

12 Peewee AE Tigers 2014-15

York Simcoe Champions!

13 Evolution Gymnastics

Aurora’s Phillip Carson

Named to Team Ontario

14 Brainwaves is Recruiting

for an Exciting Year Ahead

14 Nominations ‘Window’

Always Open

15 Ducks Swimmer Makes

Para-Pan-Am Team

16 16th Annual Aurora

International Silver Stick

Girls Finals Tournament

17 Why Everest? –

2 page feature

19 Time Management

and the Successful

Student-Athlete

22 This Year Play Pickleball

at the Aurora Community

Tennis Club (ACTC)

22 Aurora and King

Join to Build Better

Minor Baseball!

24 SOO-Aurora Loves

Our Volunteers

25 An Unusual Passion

26 Spectrum Baton Club

27 Varsity Athletics –

It’s a Balancing Act

28 What do

Physiotherapists do?

29 Big Splash for

SAC Swimmers

PIckeRINg cOllegeSports Day Fosters Spirit of Community Through Athletics Photo courtesy of Pickering College

13Volume 5 ||| Issue 1

SOO-AURORA LOVES OUR VOLUNTEERS PG.24MENTORING ATHLETES

THROUGH POSTIVE SELF-IMAGE PG.07

BIG SPLASH FOR SAC SWIMMERS PG.29

PLUS

RUGBYTouch Rugby Great for

Off-Season Training

HOCKEY16th Annual Silver Stick Girls

International Tournament

GYMNASTICSPhillip Carson Named

to Team Ontario

AND MUCH MORE

SPORTS DAY FOSTERS

SPIRIT OFCOMMUNITY

THROUGH ATHLETICS

DUCKS SWIMMER MAKES

PARA PAN-AM PG.15

16 15 25

2430 cOveR STORy

4 \ SPORT IN AURORA \ v5i1

March/April 2015 VOLUME 5, ISSUE 1

PublisherInsport Media & Publications Inc.

editorRon Weese – Sport Aurora e-mail [email protected]

director of salesLaurie MuellerPhone 905.713.5027 e-mail [email protected]

art directorFrank Di Tomasso e-mail [email protected]

editorial contributionSport Aurora Members Chad MaloneTown of Aurora Sarah SmithMayor Geoff Dawe Judy Coultes-MacLeodBrent MacKinnon Naomi CoteNancy Black Cindy VeitchJohn Reich Ryan Phipps Julian Roach Patty Albert Judy Vye Lauren MacDermid Kim Sillcox

contact usInsport Media & Publications412 McCafferey Road Newmarket, Ontario L3X 1T5Phone 905.713.5027 e-mail [email protected]

editorial contributions Submissions are welcome from writers, photographers, athletes, coaches and in-dividuals. Contact Ron Weese, editor. We assume no responsibility for unsolicited material. Contributions are responsible for obtaining all approvals for publication of photos and content prior to submission. All submissions may not be used. We may edit, publish, reproduce, dis-tribute and archive submissions in any form or medium without any compensation. We are not responsible for lost or damaged submissions. Contents copyrighted. All rights reserved. Reproduction or transmission of any arti-cle, photograph or artwork in any form or by any means without permission from the publisher is prohibited. Sport in Aurora Magazine is published six times a year. For detailed circulation information, contact Insport Me-dia & Publications Inc. Insport Media & Publications Inc. is committed to protecting your privacy as our customer. We may collect personal information only if it is required for the proper functioning of our business and only share this information with our business partners. The editors and contributors who write for Insport Media & Publications Inc. attempt to provide accurate and useful information and commentary. However the editors, con-tributors and Insport Media & Publications Inc. cannot and do not guarantee the accuracy of this information. We assume no responsibility for any actions or decisions taken by any readers based on the information provided.

PRINTED IN CANADA


For six months now a group of about 40 people in this Community have been meeting and discussing

ways to help build Canada’s Most Active Community. Sport is not the only group involved; it includes representatives from Town Council, municipal recreation, the school board, early childhood education, public health, the Aurora Seniors Association, Southlake Hospital and Seneca College. The reason is that building and active community can’t be done by sport alone, or by any one sector. It involves us all.

The genesis of this was the Canadian Sport for Life (CS4L) movement www.canadiansportforlife.com and Aurora is one of Canada’s more progressive communities with plans now underway to engage all sectors and help the entire community become healthier and more active.

Recently, after an invitation was made to M.P. Lois Brown by Sport Aurora, the Minister for State (Sport) Bal Gosal, visited our Town to see and hear what progress had been made with the procla-mation of “The Year of Sport in Canada” and a similar one by our Town Council. In a meeting amongst sport leaders from

Sport Aurora, community business leaders, the Mayor and Members of Council; the two Federal representatives were impressed with the development of our “Most Active Community” objective. They also identified opportunities to advance the project and a subsequent meeting with M.P. Lois Brown was very informative and helpful.

But what does it mean to us in Aurora? It means that this Town has a level of cross-sectorial cooperation that is both unique and necessary to build “Canada’s Most Active Community”. There is much work to do, but the CS4L Working Group is committed to making this a great place to live. That doesn’t happen just anywhere, but it is happening here.

This will not happen overnight. For 40 years the benefits of physical activity have been widely promoted in our Country. In that time we have seen rising incidence of childhood obesity, type-2 diabetes and the reduction of play. In 2009, Statistics Canada reported that a child born that year, for the first time in history, will have a shorter lifespan than their parents. That is a call to action. This will take the collective and cooperative will and efforts of many volunteers, some

injection of funds to support the cause and participation by parents, sport and health leaders and educators to get us back on track. Learning about physical literacy, encouraging play of all types is simple, but changing behaviour is not easy. There is no rush because change takes time, but it starts in Aurora in 2015.

You will be hearing more about Aurora becoming “Canada’s Most Active Community”. You will hear more about the development of the Town’s Sport Plan. I encourage you to join in. What a great thing to say, “I live in Canada’s Most Active Community”.

Ron Weese Editor, Sport in Aurora Magazine

The Mission of Sport Aurora is to promote participation in sport and recreation for all citizens of the community we serve. For more information on Sport Aurora, visit our web site at:www.sportaurora.ca

#blackout

footwear . equipment . apparel

38 Wellington St. E Aurora . 905.726.3222

aurora’s original soccer specialists

Check out our new website!www.soccer-nation.ca

BUIldINg cANAdA’S MOST AcTIve cOMMUNITy

EDITOR’S LETTER

www.aurora.ca

In this “Year of Sport,” we continue to move forward with initiatives that will increase our ability to ensure that our future is continuing on a path that responds to our community needs.

In addition to proclaiming 2015 The Year of Sport in Aurora, Council has approved two important proposals. The first is the review and update of perhaps the last Parks and Recreation Master Plan, as we approach the completion of our last green field development in the 2C Planning area. This document will not only have to consider our present needs but our future requirements and respond to growth and a changing demographic.

In concert with the Master Plan, Council also approved funding for a Sports Plan. This document will focus specifically on sports and create strategic direction on seven key areas related to sport:

Both documents are anticipated to be completed in late 2015. The success of these two plans relies heavily on the level of input and participation that we will receive from our primary stakeholders – you.

Let’s continue to make this Year of Sport a year to remember!

Town of Aurora 100 John West Way, Aurora, ON L4G 6J1 • 905-727-1375

Upcoming Special Events

Town of AurorA

please note, We reserve the right to cancel, amend or change locations and activities.

Allan DowneyDirector, Parks & recreation Services Town of Aurora

Aurora Art Show and SaleSaturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3Aurora Town HallEach spring, in association with the Society of York Region Artists, The Town of Aurora hosts a juried art show and sale at Aurora Town Hall. For all art enthusiasts, this is a must-see event featuring more than 300 pieces of artwork. Admission is free!

Electronic Waste Recycling EventSaturday, May 23Town of Aurora Works YardDrop off your unwanted or obsolete electronic devices at 9 Scanlon Court and save them from ending up in a landfill.

Pan Am Torch Relay Thursday, June 25Lambert Willson ParkThe torch relay will pass through Aurora, followed by a celebration at Lambert Willson Park.

Celebrate Canada Tuesday, June 30 and Wednesday, July 1Various locations in AuroraThe fun begins on June 30 at Town Park with the popular “Dance in the Park” event. The celebration continues on July 1 with a Canada Day Parade travelling south on Yonge Street, followed by festivities at Lambert Willson Park. The day ends with a spectacular fireworks display!

new skateboard park at the aFlc

1. Sport Leadership

2. Sport for All

3. Sport for Life

4. Celebration and Promotion of Sport

5. Building Capacity of our Sport Systems

6. Sports Tourism

7. Sport Infrastructure

2015 Sport In Aurora April.indd 1 06/04/2015 3:53:17 PM


CDS – The Country Day School

/// By kim Sillcox /// Photos courtesy of Zach lawton

mentoring athleteS through poSitive SelF-image

After fielding a winning Senior Girls’ Rugby team for the past 18 years, including 10 consecutive CISAA championships, The Country Day School launched

a U14 Girls’ team this spring and was rewarded with 35 girls at tryouts; half the female population of the Middle School!

“I’m excited to be working with such an energized group of girls,” said Coach Krista Koekkoek, who coached the Senior Girls for 10 years and 9 championships. “It’s a powerful oppor-tunity to not only teach the Grade 7 and 8 girls a new sport, but empower them through positive self-image with plenty of opportunities to be mentored by the older girls.”

Rather than cutting players, CDS has embraced this outstanding response and will enter two equal teams into the league, most likely a CDS Blue and CDS Green team. Unlike the Senior Girls’ and Boys’ teams or the U14/U16 Boys’ teams, the U14 Girls’ team will play non-contact flag rugby with 7 girls at a time, as opposed to the full 15. They will be competing against other independent schools, including Havergal College, Hillfield Strathallan College and Appleby College.

Some of the girls are disappointed about the non-contact rule, but Coach Koekkoek has assured them they are taking baby steps this first year. “Granted it’s not tackle, but we still get a chance to play a really fun sport,” agreed Brynlyn Rowntree in Grade 8. Brynlyn’s older sister, Jordyn, started playing rugby at CDS in Grade 9 and went on to play for Queen’s University and represent Canada on the winning U20 Nations Cup team in 2013.

Coach Koekkoek believes that it is not only the past success of the Senior Girls’ team, but the strong tradition of nurturing younger players that CDS does so well, that explains the popularity of this sport. “Our plan is to have joint practices with the older girls and then they can each ‘adopt’ a younger girl as a mentor.”

Sheena McKeever, in Grade 8, has already benefited from mentoring by her older sister, Holly, who started playing in Grade 9. “She just loves it and has helped me with skills in the backyard,” said Sheena. “Ever since the U14 Boys got a team, we wondered, when will we get one?”Coaches Koekkoek, Sarah Peters and Brian

Hendry have been working with the girls four days a week since March Break, including early morning

practices, doing ball-handling skills, a lot of fitness (non-contact is an even faster game) and teaching game strategy. “You have to be quick on your feet both athletically and mentally,” says Koekkoek.

“The coaches are really great and they’ve explained the strategy of the game to us using real video clips, as well as showing us on the field,” said Isabella Bousada, a Grade 7 student. “Last year I did track and would watch the older girls play as we ran around Hawksworth Field. I always wanted to learn how to play, and now I really can!”

Members of CDS U14 Girls’ Rugby Team


FOR MORe INFORMATION vISIT: ABRFc.cA

RSvP OR QUeSTIONS? e-MAIl US:[email protected]

TUESDAY, MAY 12Th, 2015 AT 6:00pM ST. MAxiMiliAn KolbE ChS – MAin FiElD278 WEllingTon STrEET EASTAUrorA, on

WhAT TO BRINg?• RUNNINg ShOeS/PlASTIc cleATS• AThleTIc WeAR• WATeR BOTTle

All AgeS WelcOMe!!

FRee!!

TRy

NIghT

LIKE US ON FACEBOOKfacebook.com/AuroraBarbs

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER@AuroraBarbs


RUGBY – Aurora Barbarians Rugby Football Club

minor rugBy in aurora

The transition from player to coach is always challenging; especially when you have been on top of

your game for long time and still feel the thrill of competition. For the 2015 season, the men’s team at the Aurora Barbarians will benefit from the growth of one it’s long time playing stalwarts, Steve Shortly, into a coaching and leadership role.

Barbarians’ President Steve Hall says “Closing the gap between experiencing the modern rugby game as a player to coaching was the critical element in taking the decision to invite Shorts to move from the playing ranks and share his knowledge and appreciation of the game with the highly talented young players moving through our system. There’s no doubt Steve is still a very

effective player at the premiership level but the club needs him to fill a more vital role” he adds.

Director of Senior Men Leighton Chong echoes the same sentiment. “Steve is great athlete and has been a difference maker in so many big games for the Barbarians over the past ten years. He will continue to be inspirational to the young players, now from the sideline.”

For his part, Shortly quips, “I am not done as a player yet. I will pick my mo-ments to step in when it best serves the team. We are transitioning to a new generation of players. I have seen the talent and I look forward to working with them both on and off the field.”

As a player, Steve has experience at the international level representing

Canada at the U19 and U21 levels as well as the Canada ‘A’ senior men. He has also been a member of the Ontario Blues in the Canada Rugby Championship Series. Steve has had success at all levels of competition in Ontario including 3 Ontario University Athletics titles while at McMaster University, and 3 McCormick Cup Championships with the Barbarians. Steve is certified as an NCCP competitive level coach and will be looking to re-ignite the success the Barbarians have experienced over the last decade and establish the club as a top contender in 2015. Along with coaching the Barbs, Steve is a high school teacher and coach in Halton Region and is the founder of the GTA Rugby touch leagues which run throughout the year.

This summer marks the tenth year of minor rugby in Aurora and the Aurora Barbarians are working

hard to ensure that the next ten years are as productive as the past decade. Minor rugby began in the spring of 2005. Aurora was, and still is, a growing community with a large number of families that had a desire to play rugby. The club knew that the way forward was to grow the game from the bottom up and that meant minor rugby.

Minor rugby begins at under 8. At the youngest ages, rugby is a co-ed game with lots of running and passing. Players are stopped when they lose a flag. The field and the balls are both much smaller than those used by older players. Other rules include having a coach on the field and a maximum of six attempts before turning the ball over to the opposition. The emphasis is on fun and fundamental skills. Each practice consists of games like tag or keep-away, as well as running or passing the ball. Many basic movement skills, like evasion or grabbing a flag, can be taught through games like tag.

Each summer the club has one u8 team, one u10 team and up to three u12 teams.

The large number of minor players has helped Aurora become the fourth

largest rugby club in all of Ontario and top ten in Canada. Club President Steve Hall believes that minor rugby is the key to growing the game in Aurora: “It really is pleasing to see a small community like Aurora support rugby, especially the minor version. After ten years of minor rugby we are now seeing players entering our u16 team or their local

high school with six or seven years of rugby experience. That never happened when I started playing the game. This has made the game faster and much more entertaining.” “[One of the] great things about all the minor festivals, not just ours, is that at the end of the day there are no winners and losers, and no trophies are handed out. The kids enjoy the day, go home and get excited about

the next festival,” says tournament organizer Harvey Libby.

Traditionally, the club hosts the largest minor rugby festival in Ontario on the last weekend of May at Fletcher’s Field.

In addition to the tournament, the club promotes the start of the season with its third annual Try Rugby Day. Once again the club is hosting this event at St. Maximilian Kolbe CHS on Wellington Street East in Aurora, but instead of having it on Saturday like last year, the club is trying something new by having the event on Tuesday May 12th. Director Keith Scott, is optimistic that the new time and date will give families a chance to try the game just as the season is starting, “they can come out for the evening session, learn from the returning players and coaches and then register for the coming season. They will have plenty of practice time before their first festival.” The minor rugby program at ABRFC is enjoying tremendous success because not only does it teach basic rugby, it does so with an emphasis on fun.

For more information on the Minor Rugby program you can contact the club at aurorabarbarians.com E-mail Keith Scott – [email protected]

The PlAyeR’S cOAch \\\ By John Reich, Aurora Barbarians RFc

/// By Sandy Townsend, Aurora Barbarians RFc /// Photo courtesy of leighton chong



AURORA RUgBy A STEPPING STONE IN PLAYER DEVELOPMENT1) AURORA RUgBy hAS OveR 100 PlAyeRS

BeTWeeN The AgeS OF 6-14 yeARS Old

2) AgeS 6-10 PlAy NON-cONTAcT, FlAg RUgBy

3) The BARBARIANS hAve MORe ThAN 10 PlAyeRS UNdeR cONSIdeRATION TO RePReSeNT cANAdA

4) The BARBARIANS hAve MORe ThAN 20 PlAyeRS vyINg TO RePReSeNT ONTARIO

5) The BARBARIANS hAve MORe ThAN 15 PlAyeRS cOMPeTINg TO RePReSeNT TORONTO RUgBy

TySON BeUkeBOOM 2014 Women’s World Cup Aurora Barbarians since 2009

PAUl cIUlINI2015 U-20 CanadaAurora Barbarians since 2006

WheN dId yOU START PlAyINg RUgBy?I started in 2006 playing U12 with the Aurora Barbarians

WhAT level OF RUgBy hAve yOU SINce PlAyed?I’ve represented Ontario at the U16 and U18(x2), U19(x2) and Ontario Senior Blues levels as well as U18 Blues 7s, And for Canada at the U17/U18/U20 levels. And I have played for Aurora my entire career.

WhAT ARe SOMe hIghlIghTS AlONg The WAy?With Aurora we won championships at the U12 in 2006 and U18 in 2013, For Ontario we won U18 and U19 National Championship in 2013 and 2014

hOW WOUld yOU deScRIBe PlAyINg FOR The AURORA BARBARIANS?I like the sense of community that the Aurora Barbarians Club has given me. To understand that people are following my rugby journey is truly a great feeling. I would not be here if it was not for the coaches and players I’ve met along the way.

WhAT FeedBAck WOUld yOU gIve TO A NeW PlAyeR OR SOMeONe cONSIdeRINg TO PlAy FOR AURORA?The advice I’d give to players starting off is just have fun. The more fun you have the more you’ll want to play and the better you will get because of it.

ANdReW QUATTRIN2014 U-18 CanadaAurora Barbarians since 2010

NAdIA POPOv2015 Women’s 7’s- Maple LeafAurora Barbarians since 2008

JAcey MURPhy2014 Women’s World CupAurora Barbarians since 2007


RUGBY – Aurora Barbarians Rugby Football Club

The Best 80 minutes you’ll have in a week.

2015 REGISTRATION AVAILABLE ONLINE

Teams Fee Year Practice Times Game Times

U8 Coed Flag $250 2007-2010 Tues + Thurs 6-7pm Saturday

U10 Coed Flag $250 2005-2006 Tues + Thurs 6-7pm Saturday

U12 Coed Contact $250 2003-2004 Tues + Thurs 6-7pm Saturday

U14 Boys $300 2001-2002 Tues + Thurs 6-7pm Saturday

U15 Boys $300 2000 Tues + Thurs 7-8pm Saturday

U16 Boys $300 1999 Tues + Thurs 7-8pm Saturday

U16 Girls $300 1999-2000 Tues + Thurs 7-8pm Wednesday

U18 Boys $300 1997-1998 Tues + Thurs 8-9pm Wed or Thurs

U18 Girls $300 1997-1998 Tues + Thurs 7-8pm Wednesday

Senior Women Student $325 1996 + older Tues + Thurs Saturday

Senior Men Student $325 1996 + older Tues + Thurs Saturday

Senior Women $365 1996 + older Tues + Thurs Saturday

Senior Men $450 1996 + older Tues + Thurs Saturday

Practices and Home Games are either at St. Max of Kolbe CHS or Fletcher’s Fields

AURORA BARBARIANS RUgBy2015 RegISTRATION AvAIlABle ONlINe

www.aurorabarbarians.com


HOCKEY – Aurora Tigers

YORK SIMCOE MINOR FOOTBALL ASSOCIATIONYORK SIMCOE MINOR FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

For more information and to register visit:

www.bucsfootball.ca

SPRING HOUSE LEAGUE: MARCH – JULYMite (6-8 yrs.) / Atom (9 & 10 yrs.) / Peewee (11 &12 yrs.)

House League focuses on the introduction of football and on player development. Registration fees include; all equipment, game & practice jerseys, photo (all equipment is loaned,except cleats).

SUMMER REP (OVFL): MAY – AUGUSTBantam ( 2000-2001) / Junior Varsity (1998-1999) / Varsity (1995-1997)

The Ontario Varsity Football League allows the York Simcoe Bucs to play at a competitive AAA level.

• NCCP-accredited coaches for all divisions• Proud members of OFA, Football Canada and OVFL

REGISTER NOWfor BUCS

FOOTBALL!

Y O R K S I M C O E

F O O T B A L L

Y O R K S I M C O E

F O O T B A L L

Y O R K S I M C O EY O R K S I M C O E

F O O T B A L L

A premier organization delivering football programs to York and Simcoe Regions Respect • Honesty • Integrity • Fair Play • Discipline • Perseverance

Follow us

5383_YSMFA_BUCS_AD_5x5.71.indd 1 14-01-13 2:11 PM

On March 24, 2015 the Peewee AE Tigers won the York Simcoe Championship to

sweep the Newmarket Redmen three games to none. It was a solid effort from the whole team that lead to Aurora outscoring Newmarket 12-2 over the three game series. The coaches – Rob Wilson, Keith Scott, Dave Hilgendorff and Stewart Ritchie were proud of the team and their strong, disciplined play. It was an exciting finish for the team and of course for their biggest supporters – the parents! Thanks for a great 2014-15 season, Tigers and coaches.

peewee ae tigerS 2014-15 YORK SIMCOE ChampionS!\\\ By Judy coultes-Macleod \\\ Photo courtesy of

Aurora Peewee Ae Tigers


evOlUTION gyMNASTIcS AURORA’S

PhIllIP cARSONNAMed TO TeAM ONTARIO/// By Sarah Smith, evolution gymnastics Aurora/// Photos courtesy of evolution gymnastics

EVOLUTION GYMNASTICS

There were a number of things that needed to be done to prepare for this opportunity. Phillip’s routines had to be carefully scrutinized, to ensure he met all the requirements of a program that was different than that used here in Ontario. Phillip had to mentally prepare to be travelling, rooming, and competing with, athletes and coaches that, to this point, had only been acquaintances, in a loca-tion that he was unfamiliar with. To help him acclimatize for this, Phillip attended a training session in Kitchener a week before the trip, where he became more familiar with his teammates and their coach. He says he “had a blast with them!”

Phillip’s family had planned to spend March Break in Florida, but he and his mom stayed back while the rest of the family flew south to enjoy the sunshine. Leading up to the event, Phillip had to balance the demands of school and family obligations, while training studiously for the competition.

Phillip acknowledges and appreciates his wide circle of supporters, which include his family, classmates and teachers, as well as his teammates, coaches and support staff at Evolution Gymnastics, Aurora .(EGA)

Despite the time change (which actually worked to his benefit), butterflies and some extra adrenaline, Phillip had a great performance in Calgary. Team Ontario was the strongest overall, nabbing the top 5 all-around spots, and 18 medals. Phillip came home with silver medals on Floor Exercise and Parallel Bars, and finished 4th overall.

Phillip’s mom, Vanessa, credits this opportunity, and sport participation in general, as helping her son develop quali-ties that “will influence and shape him as

an adult”. These qualities include good sportsmanship, responsibility, persever-ance, and the ability to adapt to change.

Vanessa says the boys’ pride and camaraderie, as members of Team Ontario, was evident from the stands, and we are all so proud of all of Phillip’s accomplishments thus far!

Next up for Phillip (and his EGA teammates), Ontario Championships in Windsor, April 9th to 12th!

Monday Feb. 9th, 2015 is a day that 11 year old Phillip Carson will not soon forget. It was the day he learned that he had been selected (based on his competition results from the recent 2nd Ontario Cup) to represent

Ontario, as a member of the Level 3, under 13 years Team, at the University of Calgary International Cup meet at the end of March.



This is a big year for dragon boat racing – all of the competitive Canadian clubs will be working

hard to get their points at the sanctioned races in preparation for the Canadian National Competition in Welland. Teams that qualify will travel to Adelaide, Australia in 2016.

In addition, many team members from across the country have been working hard to gain their seat in the Canadian National boats for the World Competition, also being held in Welland this year.

And, if that isn’t enough, dragon boat-ing will be showcased as a demonstration sport at the Pan-Am Games, in Welland.

Brainwaves is a great way to get into the sport. It’s a sport that is totally dependent on the strength of the team – twenty paddles piercing the water simultaneously, making one sound, moving the boat forward. Meeting on the dock for practise; the chatter, good spirits

and camaraderie that comes with being a part of a team.

Race day is a special time where hard work and fun with the team comes together. It’s also a fair sport. Race day starts with each team racing twice. The times from those two races are used to set the afternoon finals – all the boats are matched for that last race. So an all-women team like Brainwaves can race against a mixed boat with equal men to women, and have fun doing it. And they can beat that boat, thanks to the quality training they have received.

Brainwaves practise every Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Richmond Hill Canoe Club on Lake Wilcox (Bayview Avenue just south of Bloomington) as soon as the ice is gone. No previous experience is required, age is no barrier and the first time is free. The club supplies life jackets and paddles and comfortable clothes and water shoes are suggested – be prepared to get a little wet.

DRAGON BOAT – Brainwaves

BrainwaveS iS reCruiting For an exCiting year aheaD

\\\ By Judy vye \\\ Photos courtesy of Brainwaves dragon Boat club

nominationS ‘winDow’ alwayS open\\\ By Nancy Black

Project Manager, AShoF

It is an exciting time for the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame. The nomination period for the 2015

slate of Inductees to the Hall ended on March 31.

Following an extensive evaluation by an anonymous selection panel and approval by the Board of Governors, the announcement of those deemed worthy to be inducted to the Hall will be made this June in Aurora Town Council Chambers.

As for future nominations, at a recent Board of Governors’ meeting, an amendment was made to the Nomination ‘window’ so that individuals or organizations can submit nomi-nations at any time of year. This change will allow more time for the Nominations Committee to assist members of the public with the prepa-ration of Nomination submissions.

Nominators are usually individuals or members of an organization who know of and who would like to see someone they know – athlete, coach or builder/contributor – receive the highest honour that can be bestowed upon them related to sport in Aurora: that of induction into the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame.

This November, that will become a reality for as many as 5 new inductees. Stay tuned!

For more information about the Nomination Process, or for information about the Hall, please contact [email protected] or check out www.aurorashof.ca

Sonia and Nancy of Aurora

Email: [email protected] or call 905-713-3774 so we know you’re coming.


SWIMMING – Ducks Swimming

DuCkS Swimmer makeS

para-pan-am team/// Story and Photos courtesy of ducks Swimming

This past weekend Nydia Langill competed at the Para-Can-Am Championships in Toronto. She placed third in the 100 Breaststroke and was the fastest Canadian. Her

time qualified her for the Para-Pan-Am Games this summer in Toronto and qualified her to swim for Canada at the Para-IPC World Swimming Championships in Glasgow July 13, 2015.

Nydia Langill is one strong athlete, currently swimming at Calvin College in the US where on any given day; you will be able to see her churning out laps for hours on end. She is a para-athlete with a unique perspective on life and swimming that is inspiring to those who surround her.

Nydia was born nine weeks premature and was diagnosed at 18 months with a mild form of cerebral palsy. She has been swimming as long as she can remember. As a young child, her orthopedic surgeon suggested that she try swimming as a positive first step towards recovery. She learned to walk in the water, and has been hooked ever since. She first took part in competitive swimming when she was nine, and has experienced some great achievements in her swimming career.

Nydia is coached by Craig Mortimer and with Nydia at college; he has had to send weekly training via email, leaving most of the day-to-day training to Nydia. “It’s definitely difficult to maintain training long-distance, but I’m glad I have such a great coach. Most able bodied coaches don’t bother to coach disabled swimmers.”

Also representing Ducks Swimming is former Para-Olympian Gold Medalist Summer Mortimer who has qualified to swim at the Para-IPC World Swimming Championship in Glasgow. Summer who is now a Dutch citizen will be swimming for the Netherlands.

President and High Performance Coach Reg Chappell is excited about the efforts of the swimmers and the coaching staff, but he wants to see this para-swim program run in Aurora; to do this we need a 50 meter pool. If we get the pool then he believes we could have a Regional Para-Swimming program, right here in Aurora.


SILVER STICK GIRLS FINALS TOURNAMENT

cONgRATUlATIONS gO TO The 2015 AURORA INTeRNATIONAl gIRlS SIlveR STIck FINAlS TOURNAMeNT chAMPIONS:

ATOM AA – OAkvIlle hORNeTS ATOM A – MARkhAM STOUFFvIlle STARS ATOM BB – AURORA PANTheRS BANTAM AA – NORTh hAlTON TWISTeRS BANTAM A – cleARvIeW IcecATS BANTAM BB – MISSISSAUgA chIeFS

16th annual aurora international Silver StiCk girlS FinalS tournament\\\ By Patty Albert, central york girls hockey Association\\\ Photos courtesy of snap’d Aurora


Central York Girls Hockey Association

On the weekend of February 13-15th, 2015, the Central York Girls Hockey Association hosted the 16th Annual

Aurora International Silver Stick Girls Finals Tournament.

The Silver Stick Tournament Association is fifty six years old and made up of 19 United States Regional’s, 26 Canadian Regional’s, and 13 Finals which encompass’ 8 Boys, 3 Girls divisions along with a Sledge Hockey division. Over 65,000 youth hockey players participate in the Regional and Final tournaments across North America working to earn the right to be called a Silver Stick® Champion. Girls Hockey became a part of Silver Stick in 1997

The Aurora tournament was made up of 56 teams in 6 divisions. Bantam AA (age 13/14), Bantam A, Bantam BB, Atom AA (age 9/10), Atom A and Atom BB. Teams came from across Ontario – North Bay, Ottawa, Cambridge, and the United States – Colorado, to name a few. Each team was guaranteed 3 games for a tournament total of 106 games played at the Aurora Community Centre and the Aurora Stronach Recreation Complex. The winners of the tournament receive the prestigious Silver

Stick Trophy and have their team name placed on the Silver Stick Plaque which resides at the Hockey Hall Of Fame, in Toronto, Ontario

The success of the tournament is due to the large number of dedicated volunteers, who donated their expertise, effort and time. The organizing committee put in countless hours of preparation and the many volunteers – time keepers, registration desk, marshals, performed their tasks very professionally. Without the volunteers, there would not be a tournament. We also cannot forget the Town of Aurora rink staff who rounded out our committed tournament team.

Close to 1,000 players plus just as many family and friends descended upon Aurora over the weekend, bringing welcomed busi-ness to local restaurants and stores. There were also local vendors at each of the rinks displaying and selling their wares.

A great weekend of hockey was enjoyed by players and spectators alike. The competition was fierce, but friendly, keeping in line with the Silver Stick Motto – “Citizenship and International Goodwill through Silver Stick hockey”.

Front – Jalyn St. Louis, Beatrice Nicholls Middle 1 – Avery Dempsey, Jackie Yoshida, Kalista Kurtes, Abby Lunney, Mikayla Natale, Kyra Lou, Kathryn Lou, Makenna Roest Middle 2 – Alison MacDonald, Meg Dempsey, Colleen Myers, Jordan Rooney, Mikayla Cranney, Shayne Desjardins Back – Dara St. Louis, Pete Desjardins, Tony Cranney, Doug Lunney


At Everest Academy, we are dedicated to the excellence and the achievement of our student athletes. Our customized hockey program empowers and encourages students to excel and strive to move beyond their personal best both on and off the ice. Everest Academy students are encouraged to follow their passion for hockey in a challenging, yet supportive and nurturing environment. With this support our students become focused, attentive and engaged, performing better in everything they do.

The Everest Academy Hockey and Goaltending Program helps develop a complete hockey player with instinctive habits and skills versatility. Through an in-depth hockey curriculum, that includes customized fitness programs, students learn and practice fundamental hockey skills, develop a love for the game, and a willingness to study and master all of its aspects. The daily commitment to practice reinforces the Everest Academy core values of dedication, focus, integrity, and hard work. Each student is challenged to focus on their effort and to build confidence and self-esteem through doing, achieving, and triumphing over previous personal thresholds.

Our customized program focuses on: X Power Skating, Over Speed Skating, Edge Work (Forward & Backwards) [4,800 minutes on ice] X Stick Handling, Puck Control & Passing [4,500 minutes on ice] X Shooting, Pull and Snap, Wrist Shot, Slapshot, One Timers, Backhand [3,400 minutes on ice] X Game Situations, Strategies and Video Analysis [2,200 minutes on ice] X Goalie Training [5,200 minutes on ice]

We are proud of our talented athletes who’s hard work is ultimately rewarded with top prospect game opportunities, and post-secondary achievements in Canada and the United States. Scholarships are regularly awarded to many Everest Academy students in recognition of their potential and dedication. These achievements continue to inspire so many Everest Academy hockey players working towards their goals.

Contact us to find out more: 905.881.3335 | everestacademies.com

WHY EVEREST?ExcEllEncE HappEnS EVERY daY.

Everest Academy is accredited by Hockey Canada.


otHEr stAffMikhail AlexandrovichPower Skating Instructor

X Has worked with the Russian National team

Dave ChevrierPrep Team GM and Head Coach

X Eastern Canada and New England Scout for Brooks Bandits AJHL and North American Screaming Eagles

InTERESTEd In joInIng TEam EVEREST? Everest Academy is always looking for exceptional individuals who enjoy helping our student-athletes reach their maximum potential.

Visit www.everestacademies.com/careers for more details and open positions.

Duncan DalmaoHead Defence Instructor

X 11 years of pro hockey experience X OHL and ECHL defensemen of the year

Bujar AmidovskiGoalie Instructor

X OHL First Team All-Star and Player of the Year 1997/98

X Has mentored numerous goalies to the Pro and Junior A level

Jeff WattsAssistant Coach

X Strength and Conditioning Coach X Academic Advisor

ryan Barnes X Former Detroit Red Wing X 15 years in teaching, coaching

and mentoring young players X NHL Agent

Jim thomsonHockey Director

X 6 NHL Teams X 10 Years Pro Hockey Experience

John WinstanleyAthletic Director

X GTHL Coach of the year X Former OHL player

Dave D’Ammizio Head Hockey Instructor

X 14 years in coaching experience X Has helped numerous players get

to the next level

Daniel sisca Head Hockey Instructor

X Former OHL and pro hockey player X Has coach and mentored many

young players to the next level

Dave DoleckiHead Goaltending Instructor

X Former OHL London Knight X Has mentored numerous goalies

to the Pro and Junior A level

TEam EVERESTThe reason we are #1

Jeremiah Addison X Ottawa 67s

Anthony Duclair X Arizona Coyotes

Jonathan Drouin X Tampa Bay Lightning

Dylan sadowy X San Jose Sharks

Nikita Korostelev X Sarnia Sting

Jake smith X Rosenheim Starbulls

Connor Graham X Ottawa 67s

Adrian Carbonara X Barrie Colts

Zach Wilkie X Niagara Ice Dogs

James thomson X Soo Greyhounds Draft Pick

Carmine Alberga X Georgetown Raiders

Nathan Colitto X Toronto Jr “A” Canadians

Michael tropea X Kanata Lasers

Cora Constantinou X McGill Womens Hockey

Adam Giacomin X Orangeville Flyers

Izzy Benigno X Kitchener Rangers Draft Pick

EVEREST acadEmY

IT’S all You nEEd.

ouR alumnI

joIn THE EVEREST acadEmY TEam! REgISTER TodaY foR ouR u18 TEam TRYouTS aT EVERESTacadEmIES.com/TRYouTS


TiME MAnAgEMEnT AnD ThE SUCCESSFUl STUDEnT-AThlETE\\\ By chad Malone, vice Principal/guidance counselor, everest Academy

Accordingly, when I am coaching student-athletes on the issue of time management – the skillset I

identify as most important to long term success – I ask students a poignant, yet heavy question: what would they want most if they were at the end of their careers? We talk for a while about life’s joys, but ultimately arrive at the most common and important answer – more time.

And yet despite time’s precious, finite nature, most people, particularly young student-athletes, are reckless with it. Even the most successful people would agree that the normal demands of the day make hours, days, even weeks disappear too quickly, leaving us scratching our heads and asking “where did the time go?” As a result, I stress to student-athletes how critical it is to their success that they take ownership over their most valuable resource – the 24 hours in their daily cycle.

Poor time management is the great-est barrier prohibiting a student-athlete from transforming academic or athletic potential into meaningful results.

My emphasis on time management stems from my own struggles with efficiency as a student-athlete. Like

many of the students I work with today, my academic classes and athletic demands dictated my daily routine and the time in between those pillar-like commitments was haphazardly spent on whatever seemed wildly important to me in that moment. I did nothing strategically to manage my time.

Until I adopted a systematic strategy for how I spent my time, I had multiple anxiety-ridden moments when I was confounded by the workload and my inability to meet expectations. Out of desperation, I would use unhealthy and unbalanced time management tactics (e.g. staying up late). Nonetheless, out-wardly, I was successful athletically and academically, but I knew, deep down where it matters, that I simply managed to get by. I shudder to think about what I could have learned or experienced if I had even a basic time management strategy to govern my days during high school and then at Middlebury College

The feeling of having missed an opportunity, or not reaching potential or leaving goals unfulfilled, causes me anxiety even today as it no doubt does many of the student-athletes at Everest. My solution for managing those anxieties came from employing a time

management strategy that attacked each day as an individual project. While I am realistic about life’s ability to derail the best-laid plans, I take comfort in making sure I have a plan for each day and know the days when I performed at a high level and the days when I did not.

ANd SO heRe IS My AdvIce TO STUdeNT AThleTeS:

If you currently let the events of the day blow you around like a feather, then start small. On Sunday, make a to do list of all the things you want/need to accomplish for the week so that by Friday, at the very least, you know what you haven’t done and must do with a sense of urgency.

If you already make to do lists, then learn to prioritize the tasks, and plot out your week, day by day, hour by hour, allotting time in 45 to 90 minute blocks to specific items on your master to do list, placing greater weight on the tasks at the top of the list.

If you are already doing all of that and still can’t find enough time, then take a look at your focus levels within those blocks and maybe you are trying to do too much, and you need work on prioritizing your efforts or maybe some

Time is a person’s most valuable possession


EVEREST Academy

things are taking longer than they should, so more time is available than you realize.

Either way, there are so many ways to enter into time management, but you must manage your time if your intent is to make the most out of the life you been given.

Mr. Malone is a dedicated educator with over 10 years of experience in public and private education in the United States and Canada. As a teacher, counselor, and administrator, Chad’s focus is on providing students the personal skills and strategies that enable them to lead more focused, successful, and

balanced lives. At Everest, he works closely with the student-athletes and their families towards the development of strategic academic plans that prepare them for academic and athletic opportunities in the NCAA and CIS. Additionally, he coordinates the SAT and ACT exam preparation programs and the development of the Advanced Placement (AP) program and the Springboard Pre-AP program.

Chad graduated with honors from Middlebury College and served as captain of his NCAA basketball team. He completed his master’s degree in education at Clark University.

August 8-14, 15-21, 22-28$1,500/week, all inclusive!

Register at - www.everestacademies.com/muskokawoods

• Daily on-ice hockey training

• Daily dry-land/outdoor fitness training

• All meals, snacks, transportation, room and accomodations included

Daily choice of MW camp activities:

Archery, Badminton, Ball Hockey, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Canoeing, Fitness, Flag Football, Free Swim, Golf, Kayaking, Kraken Racer, Leisure Sports, Long Boarding, Low Ropes Course, Mountain Biking, Ropes Courses, Sailing, Skateboarding, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Tennis, ... more

UNIQUE SUMMER HOCKEY CAMPSUNIQUE SUMMER HOCKEY CAMPS


Two good baseball Associations in York Region just became better by cooperating and joining forces.

The minor Baseball Associations of Aurora and King did their homework in the off-season and did what few minor sports organizations have accomplished; they amalgamated. All too often amateur sport organization executives hold on to their roles very tightly; not wanting to share their positions of authority or their revenues. It often results in high prices for parents and fewer opportunities for

players. Aurora and King found a way to put the players and parents first and there is now the Aurora King Baseball Association.

Dave Giroux, the Aurora president for many years, summed it up in terms of benefits: “King players now have access to Rep. Programs and the playing loop is finalized interlocking now with Newmarket/Georgina and Vaughan” he said. He also noted that there are savings for both Organizations because of increased buying power and better

pricing. “Both Organizations also benefit from a larger volunteer base and this also breathes in new interest and relationships that will no doubt flourish”, he added. “I am very eager to see this work. I know the Executives from King are great baseball people and together we are confident we can make this new organization better for parents and players” he concluded.

For more information on the Aurora King Baseball Association please go to: www.akba.ca

The ACTC Board successfully applied for a Federal Government grant to launch a Pickleball

program in Aurora. The ACTC received invaluable letters of support in their application from the Town of Aurora, the Aurora Seniors Association and Sport Aurora.

The money for this new program comes from the New Horizon’s for Seniors Program (Government of Canada). The Federal program provides grants to non-profit organizations to enable seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experiences with others. The ACTC Board is honoured to receive this grant.

Pickleball is a fun sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong. It’s a game for all skill levels and ages. Seniors especially enjoy the social aspects and the opportunity to stay active. ACTC is providing space for up to four Pickleball courts on one tennis court in the afternoon, three times per week

The burgeoning community of pickle ball players in Aurora will be able to enjoy matches in a scenic surrounding at McMahon Park. They will have access to our clubhouse facilities and enjoy relaxing social times with other Pickleball players. Playing on our cushioned courts will reduce the possibility of injury. Currently Pickleball is played on wooden gym floors

and hard asphalt courts which often contribute to injuries. In addition there is court side parking, clean and wheelchair accessible washrooms, free Wi-Fi and a new defibrillator (AED) device used for emergencies. ACTC will provide paddle bats, instruction, equipment storage and support a Volunteer Committee to further develop the program.

Please visit the ACTC website – auroratennis.ca – for more information.

AURORA ANd kINg JOIN TO BUIld BeTTeR MINOR

BASeBAll!

This year Play Pickleball at the Aurora community Tennis club (AcTc) \\\ By Brent Mackinnon


LOCATED AT HISTORIC MCMAHON PARK(MAPLE & FLEURY ST.)

ORGANIZED TENNIS PROGRAMS FOR BEGINNER TO ADVANCED LEVELS:• House Leagues • Intercounty Teams • Tournaments • Socials

QUALIFIED CLUB PROFESSIONAL PROVIDES:• Private Lessons • Instruction Clinics • Children’s Programs

FEES:• Adult: $80 • Couple: $130 • Family: $145 • Junior: $35

SEASON OPEN FROM APRIL TO SEPTEMBER

FACILITY FEATURES:• 3 lighted courts with cushioned surface • Renovated club house with deck and shade awning• Rebound Wall • Ball Machine

LOCATED AT HISTORIC MCMAHON PARK(MAPLE & FLEURY ST.)

PROVIDED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE TOWN OF AURORA, ACTC IS A SELF-SUSTAINING, NON-PROFIT COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION DEDICATED TO AFFORDABLE TENNIS PROGRAMS TO PEOPLE OF ALL AGES AND ABILITIES.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER ONLINE, VISIT www.auroratennis.ca

BLASTBALL | T-Ball | HOUSE LEAGUE | SELECT | REPAURORA KING BASEBALL ASSOCIATIONEnjoy the great game of baseball!

FEES

Online registration visit akba.ca

Blue Jays ClinicSUN. JUNE 21

3PM-7PM

8-14 years old

DIVISION AGE YEAR FEE NIGHTSBlastBall 4 2011 $75 TuesdayT-Ball 5 2010 $125 MondayJr. Rookie 6-7 2008-2009 $230 Tues/ThursSr. Rookie 8-9 2006-2007 $250 Mon/WedMosiquito 10-11 2004-2005 $260 Tues/ThursPeewee 12-13 2002-2003 $275 Mon/WedBantam 14-15 2000-2001 $285 Tues/ThursMidget 16-19 1996-1999 $300 Sun/Mon

REGISTRATION INCLUDES:• Uniform (hat & shirt)*• Team & individual photos• Year-end trophy• Exclusive Events *Additional $20 for baseball pants where applicable.

CLINICS – Weekend & weeknight Instructional Clinics for all divisions

regiStering now!SPORT IN AURORA


Special Olympics Ontario – Aurora

Q: Why dId yOU decIde TO cOAch BASkeTBAll FOR SOO-AURORA?

A: One of the coaches with the Master Ducks asked if anyone ever played or coached basketball, and since I played basket-ball in college, I volunteered. I also used to work with Special Olympic Athletes when I played professional football and enjoyed it. Coaching Special Olympians seems more about fun and less about competition.

Q: WhAT dO yOU hOPe yOUR AThleTeS leARN FROM PlAyINg BASkeTBAll?

A: I hope they to improve their basketball skills, to teach them to be part of a team, and help them make the connection between discipline and continuous improvement

Q: WhAT hAS BeeN yOUR FAvOURITe MOMeNT cOAchINg?

A: I worked with our tallest athlete, Isaac, on how to jump in order to dunk a basketball. We started working on dunking techniques with a tennis ball. Our most exciting evening last year was when the Bill Crothers Secondary School high school basketball team invited our athletes to practice and play with them. That evening was the highlight of our season. At the end of the session, several of the high school athletes put on a dunking contest. I asked the Bill Crothers coach if he could find me a tennis ball and I pulled Isaac aside and talked to him

about trying to dunk the tennis ball to show the high school team what our Special Olympians could do. Isaac missed on the first attempt and the whole gym started getting loud and encouraging him on. He made a second attempt and although it was close, he missed his second attempt. The gym got louder and I pulled Isaac aside to remind him of the techniques that we worked on. On his third attempt, Isaac dunked the tennis ball as he had done several times before in practice. The gym went crazy. I was so very proud of him and everyone ran up to Isaac to congratulate him. It was a cool moment.

SOO-AURORA lOveS OUR vOlUNTeeRS \\\ By lauren Macdermid \\\ Photos courtesy of Special Olympics Ontario-Aurora

Special Olympics Ontario-Aurora cannot accomplish what we do without the help of our amazing volunteers and coaches. With Canada’s National

Volunteer Appreciation week April 12-18, 2015, SOO-Aurora wanted to recognize all of our hardworking volunteers. From coaches to executive members to occasional volunteers, we sincerely thank you.

athlete Spotlight

Q: WhAT IS yOUR FAvOURITe ThINg ABOUT PlAyINg BASkeTBAll?A: “My favourite thing is dribbling and shooting.” - Ruby LappinA: “I like to shoot the basket-ball, and I love running.” - Adam Brookes

volunteer Spotlight

NAMe: LUBO ZIZAKOVIC SPORT: BASKETBALL (AURORA DUNKS) POSITION TITle: ASSISTANT COACh cOAchINg NIghT: WEDNESDAY NIGhTS


Mackenzie Reid has always been interested and active in sports! As soon as he could walk he was

swinging a golf club. He thoroughly enjoyed his years playing soccer in the Town of Aurora and improving his skating and hockey skills on the Town’s indoor and outdoor arenas. He was a valued member of numerous school sports teams at Toronto Montessori School (TMS), including soccer, volleyball, basketball, curling, badminton, ball hockey, track and field and golf.

When he was 7 years old, his grand-father introduced him to a sport that was dear to his heart – curling. As with all sports, Mackenzie learned the skills necessary to be successful quickly. He continued to curl every Sunday at York Curling Club and occasionally in local bonspiels. It was wonderful to curl with his father and grandfather and win tournaments. When he was 12 years old, a competitive team from Richmond Hill Curling Club was looking for a new player and Mackenzie was invited to play

with them. This team was successful on the Bantam Boy’s Tour with zone and tournament wins. This team disbanded in 2012 and the hunt began for a new team to curl with for the next season. A new team was configured with players from Kitchener Waterloo (Matthew Hall), Markham (Phil Malvar), Ajax (Cody McGhee) and Aurora (Mackenzie Reid). Their coach, Dan Veitch, is from Stroud. This team has remained together for 3 years and during this time, they have achieved many of their goals; for example, winner Bantam Boys Provincials 2013, runner up Bantam Boys Provincials 2014, Top 4 Junior Boys Provincials 2014, Ontario Winter Games Gold Medal 2014, Top 8 Junior Boys Provincials 2015, etc. After moving schools in 2012, Mackenzie joined the school curling team in 2013, and along with competitive curler Jeffrey Wanless; they won the Bronze medal at OFSSA while proudly representing St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic High School.

This February, Mackenzie and his competitive team travelled to British

Columbia to compete in the Canada Winter Games. He represented the Province of Ontario. Their goal was to win gold! To achieve this goal, many hours were spent throwing rocks, analyzing game strategy and exercising at the gym. The image of curling has changed over the years. We now watch players like Olympic Gold Medalists Team Jacobs and strive to be as healthy, fit and successful as them. The goal was not achieved this time and Mackenzie and his team earned the silver medal, which is still a fantastic accomplishment!

The Canada Winter Games medals have a wolf footprint to signify how wolves work as a team within their pack. The words of the local Lheidli T’enneh tribe state that “each athlete relies on their team of family, peers, coaches and fans to succeed”. Mackenzie looks forward to sharing this medal with his 87 year old grandfather, Howard Cook, who is still an active curler and Mackenzie’s biggest supporter!

/// By carolyn Reid /// Photos courtesy of kevin daly and carolyn Reid

an unuSual paSSion

CURLING – Athlete Profile


BATON – Spectrum Baton Club

SpeCtrum Baton CluB

\\\ Story and Photos courtesy of Spectrum Baton club

Natalie and Amanda Pair practice

Teija RomColthoff

Spring has arrived and for the athletes and coaches of the Spectrum Baton

Club that means one thing – competition season!

Last fall saw the club swing back into action following summer break, with 13 competitive athletes ready for action. Additionally, the club has a RECORD number of new Learn to Twirl Athletes, many of whom became interested in the club by seeing the per-formances done at the Town of Aurora Concerts in the Park, and Ribfest, all including Fire Baton!

“We were so excited to have the opportunity to perform at these wonderful town events, and to show the spectators what our sport and club is about,” said Jen Meron, the club’s president and technical director. “We really appreciate the town, and especially Shelley Ware for giving us that chance.”

Other fall activities included attending the Ontario-wide baton clinic in November, 2 Santa Parades, and of course the clubs annual Christmas Show and Party.

Now the 2015 work begins with the first competition on April 11th, an open competition being hosted by Spectrum at Newmarket High. “Eight competitive clubs from all over southern Ontario will be in attendance, and it’s very exciting as it will be the debut for all the new competitive programs,” explained Meron. Athletes will compete in Teams, standard individuals, and freestyle and pair events. There is also a precompetitive showcase. Following that, the club will participate in several local competitions leading up to Provincial Championships in Oshawa in May, where they will hopefully qualify for Canadians in July.

Additionally, two of the clubs elite athletes, Natalie Seguin and Teija RomColthoff will be travelling to Winnipeg in May to try to qualify to represent Canada at the World Baton Twirling International Cup competition which is being held at home in Canada, in Abbotsford BC in August. “It’s going to be a very tough qualifier, since there are only six spots open in every division (with up to 75 competitors trying out), but Teija and Natalie aren’t just talented, they are working incredibly hard to achieve this goal” said Meron, who is obviously very proud of these young women. If they qualify, it will be RomColthoff’s second World Cup, and Seguin’s debut.

While the competitive athletes are working hard for their upcoming competitive season, the club boasts 25 new Learn- To-Twirl athletes, who train Thursday evenings at Lester B. Pearson School in Aurora. “These kids are a really talented and fun bunch! There’s a lot of them, but we’ve divided them up amongst 4 coaches to ensure everyone is getting lots of attention,” said Meron. We really aim to balance learning with fun at that level”



/// By Ryan Phipps /// Photos courtesy of Seneca Sting

varSity athletiCSIT’S A BALANCING ACT

The alarm goes off. It’s 6:00 AM. I wildly slap the night stand, missing three times before finally making

contact with the snooze button.It is still dark out. Well below freezing.The idea runs through my head to

roll over and go back to sleep, but the constant message blares louder than the ringing of the alarm clock.

“if you don’t go to school, if you don’t get the grades… you will not play.”

And with that, I’m up and off for another sixteen hour journey in my ultimate quest towards Convocation.

This is a typical day for a member of the Seneca Sting; a student first and athlete second.

It takes a special individual to strive to succeed in both the classroom and in competition (not to mention the commu-nity). Every year, 200 students-athletes compete in tryouts for the privilege to put on the Sting uniform and represent their school and student body.

The typical day for a student-athlete includes a full-time academic schedule, practice or games, homework and studying. A routine they take on as many as six days a week for up to six months.

With this dedication come benefits. Student-athletes at Seneca are outfitted in branded clothing, access to a varsity only team room, athletic therapy on campus as well as a food allowance when traveling for competition.

Those who embody and excel in all aspects of a student-athlete’s life can earn scholarships and bursaries to help offset the costs of a post- secondary education.

This year, over 50 student-athletes attained honours successfully balancing academics and athletics while over 100 student-athletes received scholarships.

Academic and athletic success at Seneca College really is a balancing act.

W W W . S E N E C A S T I N G . C A

YOUR FUTURE STARTS HEREYOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE

Come join Ontario’s most decorated College with over 460 medals since 1967. Student-athletes enjoy the bene�t of free on-site athletic therapy, a complete varsity apparel package, meal money for road games and a varsity team room.

Students can earn scholarships up to $1250 per semester of competition while also receiving bursaries for academic success.

Hilda Chmait was a 2014-15 Academic All-Canadian

Suzy Yan and Yan Zhou won a National Championship and also earned 2014-15 Academic All-Canadian recognition


In past issues I have written articles on rotator cuff injuries, concussion and plantar fasciitis; popular subjects in

health and wellness writing. However, what physiotherapists actually do and the basis for why we treat as we do is not often presented. Why should you spend your hard earned health dollars seeing us?

I am a Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist (MSK PT). After graduation, MSK PT’s like me complete specialist courses and work with clients with acute and chronic injuries to their bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, tendons and nerves. These injuries may be suffered during sports, work or in everyday life with slips, falls and shovelling the snow.

During our training as MSK PT’s we research, are taught and learn the science behind how the body heals and how long this process takes for the different tissues, e.g. ligaments tend to heal more quickly than tendons because of ligaments’ better blood supply. Part of this training is to understand the very complex topic of pain and its various types. We can certainly agree ‘pain’ is the primary reason you come to see us.

Another component to our training is learning to analyse the biomechanics of normal movement during sports & daily activities. Thus, when an injury occurs we

are better able to work out what went wrong and why. We take a comprehen-sive history of the injury to understand the issue. We use our assessment tests to investigate if the injury was caused by a lack of strength, endurance, poor technique, bad luck, or some other medical problem. We also incorporate information from MRI’s, X-rays or ultrasound scans reports.

Finally, we arrive at your treatment: education about healing times, the treatment protocol, pain management, a graded, therapeutic exercise program to recover strength, joint range of move-ment and return to sport and previous activities. We do this for all age groups, from children to seniors.

So when your back aches, your neck hurts, your knees complain during running or sports, MSK Physiotherapists like us are well placed to get you back to your best.

What do Physiotherapists do?\\\ By Julian Roach, Registered Physiotherapist

SERVICES WE OFFERPhysiotherapy • Massage Therapy

Naturopathy • Chiropody • Acupuncture

COMMON CONDITIONS WE TREATBack & Neck Pain • Sports InjuriesPost-Surgical Rehab • Knee Pain

Children/Adolescent Musculoskeletal PainPlantar Fasciitis • Tennis Elbow

Headaches • Achilles Tendon Pain

B A Y V I E W Physiotherapy & Sports Medicine Clinic

AURORA Wellington Business Centre • 244 Wellington St E, Suite 200 • Aurora L4G 1J5 • 905.713.1209 Fax 905.713.6581

TORONTO Bayview Medical Centre • 586 Eglinton Ave E, Suite 312 • Toronto M4P 1P2 • 416.519.9122 Fax 416.546.9880

Bayview Physiotherapy @BayviewPhysio www.bayviewphysio.caAffiliated with

Postcard5x7_2014REV:Postcard5x7.qxd 4/16/14 11:04 AM Page 2

2012

20031999/2000

199219891987

1979 - Impact Copy Centres Limited

1 9 7 9 - 2 0 0 2 2 0 0 3 - 2 0 1 2 2 0 1 3 +

Times, they are a -changin’

D I G I TA L / / M A I L I N G / / M A R K E T I N G / / P RO M O / / S I G N S / / D E S I G N / / P R I N T

Say hello to KKP.Along with our traditional products and services, here are some additional areas of our expertise...

... Marketing Collateral, Design, Print, Direct Mail, Promotional Items/Merchandise, Banners, Signage, Catalogues, Posters, Canvas Printing, Brochures, Vehicle Wraps... you get the idea. Hopefully you already know that we offer these services and more, but don’t forget that we can still supply your business cards and stationery.

So with the new name and new logo, collectively they better reflect the products & services we offer in this ever changing business environment.

KKP can produce everything you need to run your business. Call us today. The answer to your question will likely be:

Yes, we can do that.

[email protected]

305 Industrial Parkway S.Unit 21, Aurora, ON L4G 6X7

HEALTH AND WELLNESS


St. Andrew’s College Swim teams made history at OFSAA (Ontario Federation of School Athletic

Associations) a competition for top athletes from the public, separate, and independent school boards across Ontario.

Both the Senior and Open teams placed first in the CISAA (Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association) league championships, and together with the U16 team, earned a total of 23 gold and silver medals. The boys met the time standards to qualify

to compete at OFSAA, an event that took place over two days in March at the Etobicoke Olympium.

SAC’s Senior Men’s team were crowned overall winners, marking a first ever win in this division. The OFSAA championship banner is now proudly hanging in the School’s Walden Pool.

Incredibly, the swimmers broke three long-standing OFSAA records during the meet. The first in Men’s 15 and Over 4x50 m freestyle senior relay; the second in Senior Men’s 200 m medley relay; and the third in Junior Boys’ 100 m freestyle.

seneca

Big SplaSh FOR SAC SWIMMERS

/// By cindy veitch, St. Andrew’s college

/// Photos courtesy of Paul Mosey and Alan chan

Breaking a 25-year-old record in Men’s 15 and Over 4X50 m freestyle relay finals were (l-r) Justin McNamara (24.24s), Mark Chan (24.65s), James Stevenson (24.32s), and Brian Wang (24.89s), pictured with alternate Ryan Cheung, Assistant Coach Matthew Trevisan, and Head Coach Christine McCue. The team’s combined time of 1:38.10s broke the 1990 record of 1:40.57s set by Oakwood Collegiate Institute.

A record was broken in the Senior Men’s 200 m medley relay. Pictured in back, (l-r), are Assistant Coach Matthew Trevisan, Aidan Bertolas (32.06s, breaststroke), James Stevenson (24.05s, freestyle), Justin McNamara (29.35s, backstroke), Brian Wang (26.99s, butterfly), and Head Coach Christine McCue. Their time of 1:55.20s broke a 23-year-old record set by Kennedy High School in 1992. Standing in front are Ryan Cheung (relay alternate), and David Xu, with the gold medal he won in the Open 100 m breaststroke.

Alejandro Madrazo Murillo, grade 9, broke a record in the Junior Boys’ 100 m freestyle with a time of 57:25s. His parents arrived from Mexico in time to watch the competition and were thrilled to witness their son’s achievement. The former record of 57.69s was set in 2012.


Pickering College

SportS Day FoSterS Spirit oF Community through athletiCS\\\ By Naomi coté \\\ Photos courtesy of Pickering college

Springtime heralds the arrival of a time-honoured tradition at Pickering College. Sports Day,

which began in 1929, is a day when the entire school comes together to celebrate the joy of effort in athletics as well as some friendly competition.

As Canada’s only Quaker-founded school, Pickering College focuses on developing the whole child – mind, body and spirit. Dr. C. Reginald (Blackie) Blackstock was a significant presence at Pickering College from 1928 to 1959, becoming the first person in Canada to hold the position of Director of Physical Education, starting the Quaker Relays,

as well as coaching many sports and championship teams. It was during his tenure that Sports Day began as a way to chal-lenge students physically through track and field events including sprinting, high jump and the grand finale of a relay race.

The tradition continues today with Pickering College students, JK to Grade 12, competing on four House Teams – Red, Blue, Gold and Silver. With a mixture of ages divided into each House, Sports Day truly brings out the spirit of community as older students compete and help their younger House-mates with events geared to their age group, including games, potato sack and running races.

“The best part of the day is partici-pating in the group activities with the primary students,” says Jacob Hagias, Grade 12, from Aurora. “They always have a big smile on their face when they are doing a relay race with you, and you are cheering them on!”

The excitement of the final relay races is huge, with parents, staff, alumni and students gathered at the end of the day to cheer on the best of their House athletes!

“Sports Day is a celebration that is fun filled, spirited and enjoyable,”

says Cristy Drake, Co-curricular Director. “Each person is competing to accumulate points for their House Team in hopes of winning the prestigious banner at the end of the day.”

Many Pickering College alumni maintain strong ties to the school and celebrate the victories of their old House Team, both at Sports Day and through social media.

“My graduating year, Blue House (my House) won which was an awesome feeling to end my six years at Pickering College,” says PC alumnus Ryan McCluskey ‘06. “Even if you are not an athlete, the camaraderie you develop cheering and competing for your House is something special, bringing an already small school closer together.”

Sports Day will take place this year on May 22.

For further information about Pickering College, please visit their website at www.pickeringcollege.on.ca


LEARNING FOR LIFE.CREATING THE FUTURE.

LOOKING FOR A FRESH START?Consider Pickering College in Newmarket

Independent Co-educational Day and Boarding School Since 1842 • JK to University Preparatory

16945 Bayview Avenue, Newmarket, ON Visit us at www.pickeringcollege.on.ca

Our students, faculty and staff live the values that have guided Pickering College since 1842 in a stimulating collegial environment. Our dedicated teachers focus on the whole child, so students develop confidence, social conscience and acquire the skills and knowledge for success.

SPEND-A-HALF DAY

Experience a morning at Pickering College! Your child can attend class, meet our teachers, join us for lunch! Registration is required.

Friday, May 8 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE! To register for Spend-a-Half Day or to book your personal tour, please contact our Admission Office at 905-895-1700 ext. 259 or [email protected]

BOOK YOUR PERSONAL TOUR

Meet our students, faculty and staff. Learn more about our specialized programming and go on a personal tour of our historic campus.

Contact us to book your tour905-895-1700 ext. 259

Your son. Our mission.

When he opens the door to St. Andrew’s College, he opens his mind to a world of possibilities. Since 1899 we have provided enriched academics, unparalleled athletics, and dynamic arts programs resulting in strong, independent and intelligent young men.

Currently o�ering an enrolment incentive of $5,000 for grades 5 & 6and $2.3 million annually in scholarship and bursary assistance.

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

sport in aurora - vol. 5 issue 1

Documents