Sport in Aurora Vol. 6 Issue 1

Volume 6 \\\ Issue 1

SAC Student-AthleteS ReCeive nCAA SCholARShipS PG.20

PickerinG colleGe StudentS BrinG Home tHe Gold! pG.22

PLUS

TENNIS How Tennis Helps Kids Learn About Life

SWIMMING Ducks Swimmers Continue to Compete Well!

SPECIAL OLYMPICS Rhythmic Gymnastics comes to Special Olympics in Aurora

AND MUCH MORE

AURORA BARBARiAns Rugby Football Club

PULL-OUT sECTiOn

York SYncHro Swim cluB at reGionalS pG.08

FiS level SkieR MAkeS SwiFt RetuRn AFteR tRAuMAtiC BACk injuRy PG.07

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v6i1 / SPoRt IN auRoRa / 3

CONTENTS

05 Editor’s Letter

06 From the Director of Parks and Recreation

07 FIS Level Skier Makes Swift Return After Traumatic Back Injury

08 York Synchronized Swimming Club “In Sync” at Central Regionals

08 Aurora Diggers Gear Up for the 2016 Season

09 Handling Mistakes: How Tennis Helps Kids Learn About Life

10 Aurora Sports Hall of Fame – Moments in Aurora’s Sports History

10 The Grass is Greening at Aurora Lawn Bowling Club

11 Aurora Barbarians Rugby Football Club – Pull-Out Section!

16 Rhythmic Gymnastics comes to Special Olympics in Aurora

17 Ducks Swimmers Continue to Compete Well!

18 Honsberger Physiotherapy – Concussion Solutions

19 Aurora Barbarians Jack McRogers – Making the Grade

20 SAC Student-Athletes Receive NCAA Scholarships

22 Pickering College Students Bring Home the GOLD!

auRoRa baRbaRIaNS Rugby Football Club Pull-Out Section Photo courtesy of Brock Smith

20

Volume 6 \\\ Issue 1

SAC STUDENT-ATHLETES RECEIVE NCAA SCHOLARSHIPS PG.20

PICKERING COLLEGE STUDENTS BRING HOME

THE GOLD! PG.22

PLUS

TENNISHow Tennis Helps Kids

Learn About Life

SWIMMINGDucks Swimmers Continue

to Compete Well!

SPECIAL OLYMPICSRhythmic Gymnastics comes

to Special Olympics in Aurora

AND MUCH MORE

AURORA BARBARIANS RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB

PULL-OUT SECTION

YORK SYNCHRO SWIM CLUB AT REGIONALS PG.08

FIS LEVEL SKIER MAKES SWIFT

RETURN AFTER TRAUMATIC

BACK INJURY PG.07

07

09 16

1711 CoveR StoRy

4 \ SPoRt IN auRoRa \ v6i1

March/April 2016 VOLUME 6, 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 Kelly HughesTown of Aurora Efan GonsalvesNancy Black Nicolette FlemingJohn Reich Melony Teague Zach Lawton Jackee King Dan Hale Bill Maron

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

editorial contributions Submissions are wel-come from writers, photographers, athletes, coaches and individuals. Contact Ron Weese, editor. We as-sume no responsibility for unsolicited material. Contri-butions are responsible for obtaining all approvals for publication of photos and content prior to submission. All submissions may not be used. We may edit, pub-lish, reproduce, distribute 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 article, 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 Media & Publications Inc. Insport Media & Publications Inc. is committed to protecting your privacy as our customer. We may col-lect 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, contributors and Insport Media & Publications Inc. cannot and do not guarantee the accuracy of this information. We as-sume no responsibility for any actions or decisions tak-en by any readers based on the information provided.

PRINTED IN CANADA


The April 2016 issue features a pull-out section for the Aurora Barbarians Rugby Football Club

(ABRFC) but notice the important message presented. This Club believes in youth development and our cover shot shows this clearly. Rugby for children you may ask??? The ABRFC has a Program that targets the development of physical literacy in children through fun and through the sport of rugby. It follows the Rugby Canada Guidelines for Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) and they are reaping the rewards of this as is seen by their elite status in their sport. Most of our sports groups in Sport Aurora follow their sport guidelines and so parents are advised to ask some questions and select sports who work with kids through their LTAD models.

In fact, the Canadian Sport for Life Society (CS4L) (www.canadiansport-forlife.ca) encourages not only age-ap-propriate sport participation, but it also encourages multi-sport development for children under the age of 12. Having kids learn multi-sport skills is a sure way to develop a variety of motor skills as well as balance and object manipulation ability. So consider putting your child in a variety of activity with any of our sport

organizations and help your child meet the standard of 60 minutes of physical activity daily!

Inside you will also see the accomplish-ments of many local sport groups. It is an impressive list. These organizations stay current with sport development and build their Programs to benefit their athletes. Look at what York Synchronized Swimming has done on page 8 and the Ducks who have perennially been competitors in Ontario and Canada (page 17). While it just missed the deadline for publication this month, Reg Chappell, Head Coach and founder of the Ducks reports that Nydia Langill qualified for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio this August in the Paralympic 100 M Breaststroke. More on that in coming issues.

The Special Olympics Ontario-Aurora Program continues to thrive and grow (page 16) and represents another of the important concepts of CS4L; Sport for All. Through their volunteer efforts, people with special needs are enjoying the many benefits of physical activity and sport.

We welcome back Honsberger Physiotherapy with their insightful article on Concussion Solutions on page 18.

Honsberger will be working with our Sport Aurora groups to help them with concussion policies and prevention/ management strategies over the next year and we thank them for their continued contribution and their commitment to safe sport.

There is too much to point to in the limited space I have, so please read every story and also review the advertising. These advertisers support this publication and without them we couldn’t bring you these interesting stories and features

See you on the fields, gyms, rinks and by the pools!

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

ATHLETE DEvELOPMENT AND SPORT SUCCESS

EDITOR’S LETTER

www.aurora.caTown of Aurora 100 John West Way, Aurora, ON L4G 6J1 • 905-727-1375

Upcoming Special Events

TOWN OF AURORA

*Weather-permitting PLEASE NOTE, WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CANCEL, AMEND OR CHANGE LOCATIONS AND ACTIVITIES.

Allan DowneyDirector, Parks & Recreation Services Town of Aurora

54th Annual Juried Art Show and SaleSaturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 1 Aurora Town Hall, 100 John West WayFor all art enthusiasts, this is a must-see event featuring more than 300 pieces of artwork. Artists will be displaying their original two and three-dimensional artwork created in any medium. The Aurora Art Show & Sale is presented in partnership with the Society of York Region Artists.

Run or Walk for SouthlakeSunday, May 1 Stronach Aurora Recreation ComplexShake off those winter blues and join the community at the 2016 Run or Walk for Southlake. On Sunday May 1, thousands will gather at the Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex to run, or walk, in support of Southlake Regional Health Centre. Join “Team Aurora,” or create your own team at www.runforsouthlake.ca. The Run or Walk for Southlake is presented by the Southlake Regional Health Centre Foundation.

Aurora Chamber Street FestivalSunday, June 5 Yonge StreetThe Aurora Chamber Street Festival takes place on Sunday, June 5 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Yonge Street between Wellington Street and Murray Drive. The festival is family-friendly and for all ages. Admission is free! Check out the Town of Aurora’s booth; staff will be available to discuss Town programs, initiatives and answer your questions. The Aurora Chamber Street Festival is organized and presented by the Aurora Chamber of Commerce.

To learn more about these and other Town of Aurora events, please call 905-726-4762 or visit www.aurora.ca

Welcome to the Spring season! With the “Year of Sport” now complete, the Parks and Recreation Master Plan update and the Town’s first Sport Plan is also coming to fruition. Both Plans have been approved by Aurora Town Council.

The implementation of the Sport Plan recommendations have also been presented and approved by Council. I am happy to report that we have engaged the services of Sport Aurora for a period of one-year, to implement the short-term tasks identified in the Plan and to secure funding to enable Sport Aurora to continue the work they do to promote and recognize the importance of sport in our community in support of the Sport Plan.

The Implementation Plan for the Parks and Recreation Master Plan will be presented to Council for approval soon. Many of the short-term tasks will be identified and funding requested in the upcoming 2017 Capital Budget.

Aurora Council has also recently approved the provision of an indoor tennis bubble in Stewart Burnett Park adjacent to the Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex (SARC). This is a private venture with a 20-year lease for the construction and operation of the facility. With the closing of Timberlane, this is a welcome addition to the Town. The facility will maintain a service level that tennis enthusiasts have enjoyed in Aurora for many years. The facility is scheduled to be open in 2016 for winter operations.

With the warmer weather now here, please enjoy Aurora’s many outdoor parks and trails.

Sincerely,

2016 Sport In Aurora April.indd 1 31/03/2016 11:27:34 AM


DOWNHILL SKIING – The Country Day School

/// by Zach lawton

/// Photos courtesy of alpine ontario

Fis LEvEL skiER MAkEs swiFT RETURn AFTER TRAUMATiC BACk injURy

Country Day School student Iain Quayle is a competitive skier who has enjoyed a great deal of suc-

cess on the U16 and Can-Am ski tours. After a broken back cut his 2014-2015 season short, the Grade 11 Shanty Bay resident underwent an incredibly quick recovery through determination and intensive training, and is once again on the slopes competing in his first year at the FIS (Fédération Internationale de Ski) level.

Iain stepped into his first set of ski bindings on a neighbour’s driveway when he was three years old. His mother is a skier and his stepfather a ski instructor, so skiing was destined to play a big part of his childhood.

From that modest driveway hill, Iain started skiing recreationally at Horseshoe Valley in Barrie. It didn’t take long before he graduated to the larger Mount St. Louis Moonstone, the ski hill where he first started racing competitively with the Glacier Racing program at the age of seven.

Iain is a downhill skier who competes in Slalom, Giant Slalom, Super G and

Downhill. “My strongest events are Slalom, but I really love doing Giant Slalom. They are both similar and considered technical racing because of the necessity for more finesse and power. Super G and Downhill are more about speed and going very fast.”

He continued to compete with Glacier in these events until he finished their U12 program. Thereafter, he joined the Georgian Peaks Club, which he competed with until he moved up to FIS level this season.

His success on his previous teams opened up a great opportunity to join the Southern Ontario Division (SOD) ski team for his first year on the FIS circuit. His new team helps coordinate schedules and guide training for the week’s upcom-ing races. Although teammates are scat-tered across southern Ontario, there is constant communication between skiers and coaches.

Iain’s dedication and commitment to skiing have resulted in some incredible competitive results so far in his young career. Two years’ ago, he finished 5th overall in North America at the year-end U14 (K1) Can-Am ski event held at

Mont-Tremblant, and prior to injuring his back last season, he had qualified for every Can-Am for which he was eligible.

Skiing is a dangerous sport and Iain had a high-speed crash during training on December 28, 2014 where he broke three vertebrae - one crushed and two shattered. He was air-lifted to SickKids where the neurosurgeons found he narrowly missed quadriplegia by a mere one millimeter.

“Fortunately, I never hurt my spinal cord, so it was a very fast recovery. I was out for a few months and missed most of the races and training.” Coming back from that injury meant Iain couldn’t move anything, especially his back, for several months. Once he began to heal, he gradually returned to the hill. “I went back just for free skiing, only for fun. I also went to the gym quite a bit to regain my strength. I then started some actual ski training until I progressed back to my normal level.”

Iain has rebounded beautifully and is excited to be back on track with his skiing career. He’s still considering his future in skiing, and has his sights set on getting as far as he can in the sport.


AURORA DiggERs gEAR UP FOR ThE 2016 sEAsOn

Girls softball is alive and well in Aurora. The sport continues to grow and for 2016 we expect to have a full slate of house league teams plus a select under 12

team. On the rep. travel team side we will be fielding teams in the under 10, under 14, and under 16 age groups.

Indoor training for the select and rep. teams is in full swing at a number of area gyms. On Monday nights, pitchers and catchers attend a clinic to help improve their skills. The rest of the teams practice one or two nights a week, depending on their schedules.

The House-League season starts in May and operates two nights per week. For the younger players, the first half of the evening is a practice and in the second half involves game play. In the older divisions we also play against other towns such

as Richmond Hill and Newmarket and perhaps Stouffville this year. This gives the girls the opportunity to play against other area teams to improve their skills. Also by staying in the local area, games are within a 15 to 30 minute drive.

Our goal is for the girls to have fun and make friends while learning to improve their softball skills. We continue to see overall improvement in their skills each year and we are fielding teams that get better year-after-year. Out-of-town parents are so impressed with our coaching and team skills they have begun calling to see if they can get their daughters into our Programs but we are here for the Aurora girls first.

York Synchronized Swim Club – SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMING

Synchronized swimming is a hybrid sport that requires grace, core strength, flexibility, breath control, split- second timing and endurance. Athletes train up to

5 times a week with practices that are 3 to 5 hours in length. Their mental strength, high level of athletic ability and their will to win helps them become the best kind of athletes. A lot of these athletes call York Synchronized Swim Club (York Synchro) “home”.

On the weekend of March 5th and 6th, York Synchro competed at Central Regional Synchronized Swimming Championships (Central Regionals) and claimed many of the top spots at the meet. The club took home 14 medals, including 4 Gold. 10-year-old Amy Williams said she was very excited and proud they came first. Williams contributed to the Gold medal earned in 11-12 Team event and she placed 6th in 11-12 Figures and earned a Bronze medal in the 11-12 Duet event with partner Syarra Defreitas who added, “No matter what happens, it is an awesome experience to compete.”

This is a Provincial level meet and a qualifier for Solos and Duets to compete at Ontario Open Age Group Synchronized Swimming Championships (Age Groups) that will be held in May later this year. Samantha Oi Man Cheung earned her spot and struck Gold in the 16-20 Solo event. The 17-year-old said her favourite moment of the competition was when she realized she had won and added, “hard work does pay off.”

All of York Synchro’s Duet routines qualified to Age Groups. Sydney Barr said “I had the best swims for both of my routines at this event and was proud of our swim.” 14-year-old Barr with Duet partner Abigail Gravill captured the Bronze medal in 13-15 Duet event and they both contributed to the Gold medal awarded in Combo event. This competition was also the debut of York

Synchro Masters. The 18 and over team compet-ed their prison-break theme for the first time and

they respectfully earned the Silver medal in Masters Team event. Julia Maclean said, “We had one of our best swims and it was awe-some” and “we were very proud of our performance.” The York Synchro Masters were only 0.3 behind first place and 24-year-old Maclean said, “We will continue to train our routine with enthusi-asm and with our goal in mind of having the perfect performance.”

Synchronized swimming is a difficult and complex sport. An athlete needs to have strength, an artistic side, flexibility, agility, speed and precision plus a positive attitude, determination and enjoy competing. Emily Faingold placed 6th with her team in the age 11-12 category and said the most important thing to her when competing is to always do her best. York Synchro’s ath-letes have a will to win but it is their desire to do their best that makes them great athletes and have success in the pool.

Congratulations to all the swimmers, coaches and members of York Synchro on your huge success at Central Regionals. Good luck at Age Groups.

\\\ by Jackee King, york Synchronized Swim Club \\\ Photo courtesy of york Synchronized Swim Club

yORk synChROnizED swiMMing CLUB “in synC” AT CEnTRAL REgiOnALs


\\\ by Dan Hale, Chairman, aurora Diggers girls Softball association \\\ Photo courtesy of aurora Diggers girls Softball Club


TENNIS – Total Tennis

After working with young tennis players for over 20 years, I have found that much of my energy and communication was focused on mental support.

It is common for young people to fear making mistakes and to have emotional reactions that influence their ability to focus and ‘try again’.

When we watch our tennis heroes on television (Milos Raonic, Novak Djokovic or Genie Bouchard), we might not be fully aware that approximately one third of their points end with an ‘unforced error’. If the best players in the world are making many mistakes each time they compete, we can only imagine how many unsuccessful attempts occur during junior lessons.

‘Mistake Management’ is a becoming a popular phrase in modern day sports. An athlete’s expectation can help or in some cases hinder their ability to compete and be successful. How many of us begin a tennis match or a golf round with the hope that this will be one of our best days ever? This hope or expectation is understandable but also problematic. It is very rare for any athlete to play ‘in the zone’ almost feeling like the game seems simpler than usual. If a player at any level accepts and even expects to make many mistakes in their lesson or match and is prepared to evaluate and work through them, they are giving themselves a plan for tennis and also a plan for life.

alexaNDeR SINClaIR: oN HIS Way uP

When Alexander Sinclair first picked up a tennis racquet at the age of four, his parents had no idea how much a part of their lives tennis would become. After playing casually with balloons and then ‘starter’ balls for a few years Alexander’s mother Ailsa registered him in Total Tennis group lessons at the age of eight. “From his first lesson Alexander demonstrated a great natural competitiveness” according to Coach Jordan Master. It wasn’t long before Alexander would tell Coach Jordan “I want to be an elite tennis player one day”. Alexander’s work ethic and desire to understand his game from a technical standpoint and also the tactical and mental elements of competition have taken him from a beginner with interest to the successful tournament player he is today.

Alexander further developed his fundamentals at Timberlane up until it closed down, working with Jordan and a few other coaches. Now ten years old, Alexander is training 12 to 14 hours per week in an elite National program and competing on the O.T.A. Future Stars tour throughout Ontario. He has six tournament titles thus far playing in the under-10 and under-12 age groups.

Alexander attends the Country Day School in King City where “he is well supported in balancing his academics with fairly rigorous junior tennis training” according to Ailsa. This young tennis player is not satisfied with his development to this point and he continues to work and steadily improve. Alexander credits his first Coach Jordan with instilling the love of the game and reinforcing his desire to focus and work hard every time on court.

AURORAN REFERENCEWEEK OF MARCH 24, 2016

PROOF MARCH 24, 2016 issue of � e Auroran Community Newspaper � e Auroran is published weekly every � ursday.

� e deadline for any and all ad materials is 10 days prior to publication date Classi� ed deadline is Monday at 11 a.m.

Any alterations to display ads to be approved by Friday 4 p.m., otherwise the ad will run as is. � e Auroran Community Newspaper will not be responsible for ad changes received a� er Friday at 4 p.m.

� ank you for your co-operation. Please contact your sales representative at 905-727-3300, Fax: 9045-727-2620 or email correspondence.

15

Total Tennis programs offer

professional tennis instruction

with a motivational approach

(ages 3 and over)

New This Year – Tots Tennis for 3 to 4

year olds – maximum 4 per class &

Free small racquet

per player

Free Racquet for each Jr.

Player who registers for two

lessons per week

(full session & not including

‘Tots’ lesson)

Director Bill MaronBill has coached & directed tennis and camp programs for over 20 years in the Greater Toronto Area. He was the Tennis Director at Timberlane Athletic Club in Aurora from 2007 until it closed its doors at the end 2015. Bill is certified by the Tennis Canada and the Ontario Tennis Association as a coach and an instructor and he is a member of the Tennis Professionals Association. All Total Tennis coaches are certified by Tennis Canada. For program questions contact Bill: [email protected] or cell (416) 565-8774.

www.totaltennis.ca

Register with the Town of Aurora in one of the following ways:E-PLAY is On Line Registration at www.aurora.caF or Info (check availability) (905) 841-

7529 ext. 0 or (905) 726-4770 ext 0. In Person at Aurora Family Leisure Complex or Stronach Aurora Recreation ComplexAll programs are at Fleury Park Courts (The park behind and south of the Aurora Community Centre)See detailed information in the Leisure Guide

CELEBRATING OUR 15TH YEAR WITH THE

TOWN OF AURORA

CELEBRATING OUR 15TH YEAR

Total Tennis programs offer

Coaches

Vitaly & Jordan

are looking forward to

another great year!

HandlIng MIstakes: HOW TENNIS HELPS KIDS LEARN ABOUT

lIFe!/// by bill Maron, total tennis /// Photo courtesy of alisa Sinclair


”

“Cal Bouchard Trophy Lacrosse

\\\ by Nancy black, Project Manager, aurora Sports Hall of Fame \\\ Photos and Sport Heritage material courtesy of aurora Museum and archives

MOMEnTs in AURORA’s sPORTs

hisTORy

auRoRa SPoRtS Hall oF FaMe aND auRoRa MuSeuM aND aRCHIveS Have CollaboRateD to ReCReate MoMeNtS IN auRoRa’S SPoRtS HIStoRy

ThE gRAss is gREEning AT AURORA LAwn BOwLing CLUBAU

RO

RA

LAWN BOWLING

CLU

B

est. 1914

The Aurora Lawn Bowling Club is anxiously awaiting the start of this year’s bowling season, due to begin May (weather permitting). It is a

game which is enjoyed by men and women of all ages. The Club operates evenings and weekends; Monday and Thursday at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m.

For more information please visit www.trybowls.ca or contact Raymond Noble (905) 727-6784 or email: [email protected]


“I received this honor my senior year in high school and I am very proud of it because we had a lot of great athletes at Aurora High. However, I do believe our women’s basketball team had done something really special in going to the Ontario playoffs for the first time in many years. I was also really proud to be both co-valedictorian and Athlete of the Year that year.”

– 2013 ASHoF Member Cal Bouchard Aurora High School Athlete of the Year 1995-1996

This lacrosse stick (part of the Aurora Collection) was used in Aurora in the early 1900’s by D.J. Webster while play-ing on an Aurora Lacrosse team. While it is well know that Lacrosse is one of Canada’s oldest sports (and its official summer sport), the history of Lacrosse in Aurora will be researched as part of the sport legacy Project undertaken by the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame, Aurora Museum and Archives and partners.

– Aurora Museum & Archives

We NeeD youR StoRIeS: Please contact either organization so that all of the important Moments in Aurora’s Sports History are shared. In addition to receiving input from the public, the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame and Aurora Museum and Archives, in collaboration with Sport Aurora, will reach out to sport organizations to help document local sport histories. These stories are valuable pieces of the Town’s cultural narrative. Don’t forget: their legacy. Our Future.

auRoRa SPoRtS Hall oF FaMe www.aurorashof.ca

[email protected]

auRoRa MuSeuM & [email protected]

905-505-1190

WItH tHe gRaSS gettINg gReeNeR, tHe laWN boWlINg SeaSoN IS JuSt aRouND tHe CoRNeR

Bowling Green

OvER 20 TEAMs FOR ALL skiLL LEvELs • Flag Rugby FOR ages 5-10

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What is Rookie Rugby?Rookie Rugby is Rugby Canada’s mass participation program that is a non-contact, safe introduction to the game for boys and girls of all ages. The program is complete with a full rugby curriculum that is easy to implement and focuses on having fun and learning the basics of the game.

thursday May 26th

thursday June 2nd

6:00pm-7:00pm

Ages 5-14 years old

Location: St. Maximilian Kolbe CHS278 Wellington Street EastAurora, ON

Questions: [email protected]

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auRoRa baRbaRIaNS Rugby2016 SuMMeR RegIStRatIoN SIgN uP oNlINe

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U10 Co-Ed Flag $250 2006-2007 Tues + Thurs 6-7pm Tournament Schedule

U12 Co-Ed Modified Contact $250 2004-2005 Tues + Thurs 6-7pm Tournament Schedule

U14 Boys $300 2002-2003 Tues + Thurs 6-7pm Saturday

U14 Girls $300 2002-2003 Tues + Thurs 7-8pm Tournament Schedule

U16 Boys $300 2000-2001 Tues + Thurs 8-9pm Thursday or Saturday

U16 Girls $300 2000-2001 Tues + Thurs 7-8pm Wednesday

U18 Boys $300 1998-1999 Tues + Thurs 7-8pm Wednesday or Thursday

U18 Girls $300 1998-1999 Tues + Thurs 7-8pm Wednesday

Senior Women Student $325 1997 + older Tues + Thurs Saturday

Senior Men Student $325 1997 + older Tues + Thurs Saturday

Senior Women $365 1997 + older Tues + Thurs Saturday

Senior Men $450 1997 + older Tues + Thurs Saturday

Paul Ciulini aged 21 earned

his first of four caps for

the Canadian Senior

Men’s Team in 2016 during

the Americans Rugby

Championship. He scored

his first international try vs.

Brazil in February 2016. Paul

started playing rugby with

Aurora at the age of 12.

by tHe NuMbeRS

Paul CIulINIPaul CIulINIPaul CIulINI

4

15

24

Provincial Championships won by aurora Rugby in 2015

Members playing / longlisted for Canada in 2015

Members who represented Ontario in 2015


For sponsor/Prize donation info. and all other inquiries, please contact:

Brian D’Andrade – Tournament Director – [email protected]

Khalil Ajram - Tournament Co-ordinator – [email protected]

Tim Brochu – Tournament Co-ordinator – [email protected]

early Bird register before May 31 and qualify to win a Barbarian Rugby Jersey

Registration Cut Off – jUnE 10, 2016TO REGISTER – email Brian at [email protected]

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226 Industrial Parkway North, Unit 6, Aurora www.evolutiongymnastics.ca

905-726-2001

Full day & Half days; Extended care availableMore information available on our website

Successful, exciting, pre-competitive and competitive programs are offered by DUCKS SWIMMING. We deliver

high quality programs by certified coaches, focusing on stroke development and competitive skills.

CAMP DATESJuly 4-8 • 4:00pm-6:30 pm July 11-15 • 9:30am-12:00pm

August 22-26 • 9:30am-12:00pmAugust 29-Sept. 2 • 9:30am-12:00pm

Contact us now for an assessment 905-888-9994 • ducksswimming.ca

We will also be accepting registration for our Fall 2016/2017 season starting in June.

DUCKS SWIMMINGSUMMER CAMPS


\\\ by Melony teague \\\ Photo courtesy of Special olympics ontario-aurora

RhyThMiC gyMnAsTiCs COMES TO sPECiAL OLyMPiCs in AURORA

Special Olympics Ontario-Aurora – RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS

Fall 2015 saw Rhythmic Gymnastics (The Aurora Dazzlers) and Martial Gym which is the boy’s version (The Aurora Fireworks) added to the slate of programs for Special

Olympics in Aurora. Rhythmic Gymnastics (RG) is a sport that combines elements of ballet, gymnastics, dance, and apparatus manipulation. So far, our athletes have been learning mini routines that manipulate: rope, hoop, ball, and ribbon.

A parent of one our athletes gave her perspective on what participating in RG has meant to her daughter Amy.

“As a Mom to a special needs daughter, I am

always looking for quality programs that enhance my daughter’s

sport skills and healthy living lifestyle.

I was very happy to hear that

there would be a Rhythmic Gymnastics program in Aurora. Prior

to that, the Special Olympics RG clubs, although welcoming, were too far to travel to on a weekly basis. Amy was excited too. She had seen the Special Olympics Summer Games a few years before and watched various teams from across Ontario perform a variety of routines. She loved the costumes and the beautiful apparatus.

Fast forward to Fall 2016, when she joined the Aurora Dazzlers. Coach Heather and all the other coaches were very welcoming and helpful. Amy is excited every Tuesday and prepares what she needs for her class (shoes, hoop, water bottle, epi pen). The coaches all help encourage and motivate Amy and the other athletes to do their best and have fun. As the year has progressed, I have seen Amy learn many new skills, socialize more with her teammates, and become more independent. She actually tells me not to stay and watch, but to leave! As the end of the year approaches I look forward to the final evening where the athletes will demonstrate their hard work.

I asked Amy what she likes best about Rhythm Gymnastics and she says, ‘The team.’ It is wonderful for her to feel that she belongs and is supported by her teammates. She told me her favourite apparatus are the ball and hoop, and says her goal for next year is to compete and wear a leotard!”

For more information about Special Olympics in Aurora, visit our website at: aurora.specialolympicsontario.ca. Stay tuned to hear what new sports programs will be added next!

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

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER ONLINE, VISIT WWW.AURORATENNIS.CA

SEASON OPEN FROM MAY TO SEPTEMBER

PROGRAM FEATURES1-4pm; Monday through FridayPaddles and balls providedSocialize, bar-b-ques etcParking, clubhouse, washrooms etc

Instruction availablePlay at your levelRound RobinsActive VolunteerCommittee

$20 for season (May-Sept.)Tournaments - Free for membersFree coffee, tea & water

ORGANIZED FEES

PLAY PICKLEBALL AT THE AURORA COMMUNITY TENNIS CLUB. PICKLEBALL IS A FUN SPORT THATCOMBINES ELEMENTS OF TENNIS, BADMINTON AND PIN-PONG. IT’S A GAME FOR ALL SKILL LEVELS AND

AGES. SENIORS ESPECIALLY ENJOY THE SOCIAL ASPECT AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO STAY ACTIVE.

AURORA PICKLEBALL PROGRAM

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: $100 • Couple: $150 • Family: $165 • Junior: $55

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


SWIMMING – Ducks

/// by Kelly Hughes, Ducks Swimming /// Photos courtesy of Stuart lindsay

DUCks swiMMERs CONTINUE TO COMPETE wELL!

SPeeDo eaSteRN CaNaDIaN oPeN – FebRuaRy 18 – 21, 2016

Seven Aurora swimmers represented Ducks Swimming at the Speedo Eastern Canadian Open held at the Claude-Robillard Sports Complex in Montreal, February 18 – 21;

Holly Biasi, Sarah Bond, Soorna Choheili, Hunter Edwards, Natalie Shears, Hayden Spiers and Chloe Taylor.

Fifteen year old Soorna Choheili qualified for two “A” Finals and one “B” Final in the Boys 16 & Under Age Class. He cap-tured 8th place in the 50 M Freestyle; 10th in the 50 M Butterfly; and, 15th in the 100 M Butterfly. Fifteen year old Chloe Taylor qualified for the “B” Final in the 50 M Breaststroke, Girls 15 &

Under Age Category, and earned a 13th spot. Fifteen year old Sarah Bond qualified for the “B” Final in 50 M Backstroke at her first Eastern Canadian Championships and earned 15th place. Fifteen year old Hayden Spiers qualified for the “B” Final at his first Eastern Canadian Championships, placing 16th overall. Holly Biasi was one of only two 12 years olds that competed in the competi-tion. Her 50 M Freestyle Long Course qualifying time of 28.19 ranks her as number one in Canada for girls born in 2003.

ThE AURORA DUCks hAvE BEEn BUsy TRAining AnD REPREsEnTing AURORA wELL AT COMPETiTiOns BOTh in AnD OUT OF OnTARiO.

oNtaRIo WINteR SHoRt CouRSe FeStIval CHaMPIoNSHIPS – FebRuaRy 20-21, 2016Ten top Ducks Swimmers represented the Town of Aurora at the Ontario Winter Short Course Festival Championships, February 20-21, held at the Markham Pan Pool: Tyler DaPonte, Brent Davison, Abi Juhola, Tyler Legallais, Emma Lindsay, Stephen Liu, Thomas Nelander, Toma Noda, Wyatt Tan and George Zizakovic.

Eleven year

old geoRge ZIZaKovIC brought home the Gold Medal, win-ning the 200 M Breaststroke, Boys 11 Yrs., ranking him number one in Canada in his age group. George also turned in a 7th Place performance in the 100 M Breaststroke. Ten year old Tyler DaPonte captured 6th Place in the Boys 10 & Under 50 M Freestyle,

setting a new Ducks Club Record. Eleven year old Thomas Nelander placed 8th in the 200 M Butterfly, also setting a new Club Record. Ten year old Tyler Legallais also set a new Ducks Club Record in the 400 M Freestyle. Toma Noda, Thomas Nelander, Tyler DaPonte and George Zizakovic combined force charging to a 7th Place finish in the Boys 11 & Under, 4 x 100 M Freestyle Relay.

George Zizakovic, 200 M Breaststroke Gold Medalist

Back Row – Left to Right: Toma Noda, George Zizakovic, Abi Juhola, Emma Lindsay, Brent Davison (Absent: Stephen Liu) Front Row – Left to Right: Wyatt Tan, Thomas Nelander, Tyler DaPonte, Tyler Legallais


HEALTH & WELLNESS – Honsberger Physiotherapy

\\\ by efan gonsalves, P.t., Honsberger

\\\ Photo courtesy of Physiotherapy and biomechanics Clinic (HPbC)

COnCUssiOn sOLUTiOns

Sports and physical activity are important to physical, social, and mental development. However, most sports do present a risk of injury. Some injuries are short term

but others, such as concussion injuries, can lead to long term issues if not managed properly.

A concussion is a brain injury. It is usually called a functional injury as common diagnostic tests show no structural changes in the brain. However, there will be issues in function-how the brain works. Problems with mental skills, visual issues and/or balance problems could develop.

Standard thinking has been that about 80% of concussion injuries heal within 2 weeks, but it is the other 20% that are most concerning. The time frame for healing of the brain, both functionally and structurally, can vary based several factors including age, sex, previous concussion history, presence of headache, fatigue, and sensitivity to noise, as well as any balance deficits. Factors around the actual impact itself on the rest of the body can affect spinal alignment, head and neck mobility, joint motion and soft tissue tightness.

Some recent studies have shown that although the brain demonstrates the majority of its healing within 2 weeks, it can take up to several months for complete brain healing. Unfortunately even a lack of major deficits may not indicate that the brain is fully healed. This is very concerning to a parent as how do you really know if your child can resume activity safely without potential further damage?

This is where a proper concussion management program can play a critical role in a child’s safe return to sport. This would include a pre-season baseline concussion test; and a full assessment and repeat baseline test after a concussion injury.

A good baseline test evaluates an indi-vidual from several view points: cognitive skills such as decision making, memory, attention, and computational skills, as well as physical skills of balance, fitness, and visual skills. Traditionally, evaluation of an individual after a concussion has focused

on subjective questions alone. However, what is critical to evalu-ate and best manage a concussion is objective information. Presence of a baseline test allows for direct comparison with an individual’s own pre-concussion objective scores, which allows a practitioner to develop a recovery strategy that leads to a quick and safe return to learn and/or return to play. This is the ideal way, but a good baseline testing program will also have access to normative scores which gives an individual a reasonable assessment of their status to plan the recover process.

To ensure your child’s sport offers the best opportunity for your child to participate safely it is important for the sport association to have several key policies in place: a concussion management policy including recommendations about baseline testing and safe return to play guidelines, guidance on return to learn, adequate injury training for coaches and team trainers, and education resources available for athletes and parents.

This program incorporates concussion injury management and baseline concussion testing to athletes, teams, and schools. In addition, HPBC provides concussion education to parents, athletes and schools, as well as offering an Advanced Concussion Management training program for Sports Trainers. HPBC is committed to ensuring baseline testing is available to all athletes by teaming up with other corporate partners to create “Team 25” initiative to help fund these tests.

Efan Gonsalves is a Physiotherapist with Honsberger Physiotherapy (HPBC) and the Director of the Concussion Solutions Program. ([email protected])

Visit us at www.honsbergerphysio.com to find out more about the Concussion Solutions Program.

905-727-8783www.brace-your-smile.comPlease call to book your appointment15480 Baview Ave., Aurora (beside Goodlife Fitness)

Aurora Orthodontics has Moved!• Complimentary Consultations

• No Referrals Necessary

• Saturday & After School Appointments

• Flexible Payment Plans

• Colourful Metal Braces

• Clear & Invisible Braces

• FREE Custom Mouthguards(Even if you're not our patient)


18-year-old Jack McRogers is on everyone’s radar these days. The Newmarket High School student and

Aurora Barbarian Junior has been an Ontario representative player for the past three years and last year was invited to a camp for Canadian U-17 prospects hoping for a shot at the national team and longer term prospects with the Canadian U-20 development side and the Senior Men’s team.

He is also a coveted player for universities across Canada having been interviewed by recruiters from Sir Wilfred Laurier University, McMaster and the University of British Columbia on the west coast. Jack will also be a cornerstone of the Barbarians men’s program in the years to come.

“He has great leadership qualities” says Ryan Stickle, who has coached McRogers as a junior and provided skills enhancement through the Advantage Rugby Program he operates in the winter months at the Aurora Sport Dome. “He is the kind of player who leads by example and one you can build a team around”.

“He has been a standout at every level he has played” offers Khalil Ajram, the club’s Director of Rugby, “A rare athlete, very skillful, a good listener and quick learner”.

McRogers is a second generation Barbarian, his father John having played for the club in the 80s before taking up teaching in the York Board. Club repre-sentative John Reich remembers playing with John and draws the comparison

with Jack. “Very similar” he says. “Great teammates, full of drive and energy but nothing wasted. Players that read the game well and have a sense of anticipation for what will happen next”

Jack’s view on rugby carries that same sentiment. “I aspire to be a rugby player that my teammates love to play along-side, and the other team hates to play against. What I like most about rugby is the pure grit it takes to play the game properly, and then the outstanding cul-ture of the game that is unique to rugby.”

While Jack is on his way to his goal of playing for Canada, he puts 100% into every high school match and every club game.

RUGBY – Aurora Barbarians RFC

MaKINg tHe gRaDe

/// by John Reich /// Photos courtesy of brock Smith

St. aNDReW’S College StuDeNt-atHleteS ReCeIve

NCaa SCHolaRSHIPS\\\ by Nicolette Fleming, St. andrew’s College \\\ Photos courtesy of Paul Mosey



HOCKEY – St. Andrew’s College

MoRgaN baRRoNMorgan, a boarding student from Halifax, is heading off to Cornell University in 2017. “I decided on Cornell because it’s a school that offers both a competitive hockey program and outstanding academics,” said the grade 11 student after receiving the offer from the Ivy League university.

“Morgan possess so much untapped potential that teams were very excited to have him join their program,” said Varsity Hockey Head Coach David Manning of the future business major. “Morgan is a driven and dedicated young man, a quiet leader who displays excellent character on and off the ice.”

MItCH MaRtaNHockey runs through the veins of this graduating varsity forward. Mitch, 17, comes by it honestly. His grandfather, John, a retired professional hockey player, is his inspiration and taught him everything he knows about the game.

“Mitch has been an outstanding contributor to our program,” said Coach Manning. “He works hard and epitomizes what we believe in as a hockey program.”

“Boston College has generally done well with under-sized players like myself,” said Mitch, who plans on studying business and economics. “They

have a renowned hockey program that is highly ranked in the U.S., with amazing coaching staff and an academic program that is second-to-none.”

It takes more than being a top athlete to garner in-terest from the NCAA. SAC’s mission of developing “well-rounded men” through academics, athletics, and the arts aligns well with the NCAA standards of high academic achievements and strong character.

Ultimately, boys manage their own careers, but SAC’s passionate, supportive, and understanding faculty help to pave the way for their success. For hockey players, it also helps to have a world-class facility – the La Brier Family Arena – on campus; a schedule that lends itself to recruiting possibilities with many state-side games and U.S. showcase tournaments; and a convertible laptop program that allows players to stay on top of their academics and connect with teachers anywhere in the world.

The Saints earned a silver medal at the MacPherson Hockey Tournament in January, won the Canadian Independent Schools Athletic Association championship this season, and hoisted their first trophy in the La Brier Family Arena after taking the title at the second annual National Independent School Invitational Championship last month.

Forward Morgan Barron continues to hit the books to maintain Headmaster’s Honour Roll before he graduates with the Class of 2017.

St. aNDReW’S College StuDeNt-atHleteS ReCeIve

NCaa SCHolaRSHIPS

THE STRENGTH OF THE ST. ANDREW’S COLLEGE HOCKEY PROGRAM IS BEHIND A STRING OF NCAA D1 SCHOLARSHIP OFFERS OvER THE LAST FEW YEARS. MORGAN BARRON AND MITCH MARTAN ARE THE LATEST TWO TO RECEIvE COvETED SPOTS.

Mitch Martan, the varsity forward from Whitby, Ont., is heading to B.C. in September to play for the West Kelowna Warriors before starting at Boston College in 2017.


Pickering College athletes had an outstanding winter season, winning three CISAA Division III Championships and bringing home the gold medals in Sr. Girls’ Volleyball,

Jr. Boys’ Basketball and Sr. Boys’ Basketball. In addition, two students proudly represented the school

at the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) swimming championships in Windsor, ON. Brooklyn Wodehouse, Grade 10, earned 1st place (GOLD) in her 50 metre breaststroke, and placed 2nd (SILVER) in her 100 metre

individual medley (by 0.10 seconds). Matthew McGill, Grade 11, placed 5th in his 200 metre individual medley and 11th in his 200 metre freestyle event, as he went up against swimmers

going to Olympic trials.

CoNgRatulatIoNS, atHleteS!

Pickering College is a member of the Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association (CISAA).

PRIMARY PROGRAM – Pickering College

PICkeRIng COllege students BRIng HOMe ThE gOLD!\\\ Story and photos courtesy of Pickering College

Jr. Basketball Championship

OFSAA Swimming

Sr. Basketball

Sr. Girls Volleyball

LEARNING FOR LIFE. CREATING THE FUTURE..

Pickering College is an independent day and boarding school for boys and girls from

Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12.

As part of our Quaker values, we celebrate diversity in all aspects of the school. This is

reflected both in our Global Leadership Program and our commitment to a

co-educational environment. We believe when boys and girls share their environment

and learn together it fosters a spirit of equality and respect and allows both genders to

learn from one another’s strengths. Our graduates are well prepared for what lies ahead

in post-secondary education and as contributing citizens of society.

Pickering College students are knowledgeable, skilled, confident and resilient. Our

approach to education ensures that they are able to reach their full potential, achieve

their personal and academic goals, and deal effectively with the challenges of life.

If this is the type of education you want for your child, contact Pickering College today.

We would be happy to provide you with more information and a tour of the school.

Please call us at 905-895-1700 ext. 259 or email us at [email protected] Bayview Avenue, Newmarket, ON, Canada

Visit us at www.pickeringcollege.on.ca

Limited space still available in some grades for September 2016

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.

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Sport in Aurora Vol. 6 Issue 1

Documents

Transcript of Sport in Aurora Vol. 6 Issue 1