Sport in Aurora - Vol. 3 Issue 6

Volume 3 ||| Issue 6

St. Andrew’S College Summer Camp a Great tradition in Fun PG.22

th AnnIV. SIlVer StICk InternAtIonAl gIrlS hoCkey In AurorA PG.08

CDS aaa HoCkey teammateS BalanCe dreAmS witH ACAdemIC SuCCeSS PG.07

SeneCa StinG VolleyBall

NATIONAL CHampionSHip PG.20

PLUS

RUGBY Barbs past president named to rugby ontario Hall of Fame

GYMNASTICS olympic inspiration at evolution Gymnastics aurora

BATON Spectrum Baton Club Starts a Busy Season!

AND MUCH MORE

AURORA DUCKS

Stay BuSy in the new year!

15

2 ||| Sport In AurorA MAgAzIne

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. We will essentially attach a big set of sub-woofers to it and allow it to be amplifi ed to the world. 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,

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

DISCOVERTHE COUNTRY DAY

SCHOOL AT OUR NEXT OPEN HOUSE

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

BASKETBALL • MULTI-SPORT • SOCCER • TENNIS • ROBOTICS • DRAMA • LITwww.cds.on.ca/summercampCDS SUMMER CAMP

APRIL 109 AM – 12 PM

CDS_Sport_in_Aurora_Ad_Jan29-14_FINAL.indd 1 1/28/14 5:34 PM

Sport In AurorA MAgAzIne ||| 3

05 Editor’sNote

06 FromtheDirectorofParksandRecreation

07 CDSAAAHockeyTeammatesBalanceDreamswithAcademicSuccess

08 15thAnniversaryofSilverStickInternationalGirlsHockeyinAurora

09 SpectrumBatonClubStartsaBusySeason!

10 SOO-AuroraSpecialDucksMakeaSplashinthePoolandPositiveImpactontheFamily

11 LawnBowling,theOldest‘SportinAurora’

12 DucksStayBusyintheNewYear!

13 DivisionIITeamChampionships

14 WhatAreYouDoingtoStayHealthy?

15 WillCanadianBobLenarduzzibeInductedintotheInternationalWorldFootballHallofFame?

15 World-ClassSpeakerPresentsthePsychologyofCoachingtheFemaleAthleteinAurora

16 AuroraBarbarians’PastPresidentnamedtoRugbyOntarioHallofFame

17 ASAPickleballPlayersAnnualYearEndTournament

18 OlympicInspirationatEvolutionGymnasticsAurora

20 SenecaStingLookingtoMakeHistoryatNationalChampionship

22 St.Andrew’sCollegeSummerCamp–AGreatTraditioninFun

09

16

18

07

22

contents

�Cover:�HollyBiasiqualifiedforProvincial

Championships.PhotoCourtesyofStuartLindsay.

Volume 3 ||| Issue 6

ST. ANDREW’S COLLEGE SUMMER CAMP A GREAT TRADITION IN FUN PG.22

TH ANNIV. SILVER STICK INTERNATIONAL GIRLS HOCKEY IN AURORA PG.08

CDS AAA HOCKEY TEAMMATES

BALANCE DREAMS WITH ACADEMIC SUCCESS PG.07

SENECA STING VOLLEYBALL

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP PG.20

PLUS

RUGBYBarbs Past President named

to Rugby Ontario Hall of Fame

GYMNASTICSOlympic Inspiration at Evolution Gymnastics Aurora

BATONSpectrum Baton Club Starts a Busy Season!

AND MUCH MORE

AURORA DUCKS

STAY BUSY IN THE NEW YEAR!

15


January/February 2014 VoLuMe 3, ISSue 6

PublisherInsport Media & publications Inc.

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

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

art directorFranco Di tomasso e-mail [email protected]

editorial contributionSport Aurora Members Kelly Hughestown of Aurora Sarah SmithScott Burns Cindy VeitchJeff Walker Lauren MacDermidJohn pitkin Jen MeronJenna reich ryan phippsKim Sillcox tania edwards Melanie Hutchinson

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


One of the pleasures of this “job” is when you have a truly good-news story to publish.

The Induction of Aurora Barbarian, John Reich, is one such pleasure. I have been lucky enough to know John for many years and he was one of the first to encourage and participate in the development of Sport Aurora. His impact on the Barbarians; indeed all Rugby in the province is significant, but to have him as a friend and col-league is a great honour. I congratulate him on his accomplishment and to the Aurora Barbarian Rugby Football Club for all their accomplishments. His well-written story (by his talented daughter Jenna) appears on page 16, so please turn there and read about John’s truly remarkable career of continual sport contribution.

What a great photo on our front cover! Some have asked where we get our photos. We don’t have a “big budget” for professional photographers (none actually). We have great amateur photographers however who submit

photos they think are crisp, clean and accurately depict sport in this Town. The Ducks’ cover shot is one of those great photos taken by Stuart Lindsay of Holly Biasi. I thank them for submitting this great shot.

The Silver Stick Tournament hosted by the Central York Girls Hockey Association can’t go by without com-ment (page 8). The GYGHA has built this Tournament quietly for 15 years now and I can tell you that last week-end I couldn’t go ANYWHERE in Town without seeing young girls and their extended families in their uniforms and jackets. This included many retail outlets, restaurants and coffee shops. Read the story…52 teams and all their entourage coming to our Town to play a Tournament. Consider the economic impact that has to our economy and the prestige it brings to the Town. Sport Tourism is alive in Aurora and we at Sport Aurora are now working with the Town to stimulate more such events and help make Aurora a “sport tourism destination.”

The next time you read this magazine the snow will be gone (end of April, at least I hope so) and all our summer sports will be ramping up as the winter sports slow down. I hope to have some good-news results from the winter or-ganizations and the restless anticipation of the summer organizations as they prepare for the “good” weather.

‘Til then…see you on the fields, in the gyms and rinks and at the pool side!

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

editor’s note

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

Aurora Home Show Friday, April 11 to Sunday, April 13Aurora Community Centre Do you have questions about Town programs or services? Want to pick up a copy of the latest Parks & Recreation Program Guide, a brochure or a form? Drop by The Town of Aurora booth. Town staff will be on-hand to answer your questions. The Aurora Home Show takes place from Friday, April 11 to Sunday, April 13. Please note, the Aurora Home Show is organized and presented by the Aurora Chamber of Commerce.

Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, April 19 Aurora Seniors’ Centre (90 John West Way) Join us for “egg-citing” activities including Easter egg hunts, face painting, a carrot toss, craft making and more! Children 12 and under are welcome to participate. Cost is $5 per child, parents or guardians are free! Tickets must be purchased in advance at the Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex, located at 1400 Wellington Street East.

Aurora Art Show and Sale Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4 Aurora Town Hall (100 John West Way)Each spring, The Town of Aurora hosts an annual juried art show and sale at Aurora Town Hall. Attend this must-see art show to find that perfect piece for your home or office! More than 200 pieces of artwork will be on display. Admission is free! Please note, this event is presented in association with the Society of York Region Artists.

To learn more about these and other Town of Aurora events, please call 905-727-1375 or visit www.aurora.ca

An exciting year ahead!

Upcoming Special Events

TOWN OF AURORA

PLEASE NOTE, WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CANCEL, AMEND OR CHANGE ACTIVITIES.

Allan DowneyDirector, Parks & Recreation Services Town of Aurora

It is great to be back in the pages of Sport in Aurora for what should be a very exciting 2014. Consultations for The Town of Aurora Cultural Master Plan are moving forward and we have been receiving a lot of interest from residents and groups across our community.

In December and January, we conducted an online survey asking responders to help establish the vision and direction for the Cultural Master Plan and we conducted more than 30 interviews from a broad spectrum of people involved with culture in Aurora.

We recently held three focus groups where we discussed culture sector collaboration, culture and economic development and culture and downtown revitalization. On January 22, we hosted a visioning session at the Aurora Cultural Centre, where more than 50 people came out to provide directions and actions for the Cultural Master Plan.

I am very pleased with the interest the Cultural Master Plan has garnered and look forward to reporting our findings to Council later this spring. I encourage you to learn more by visiting www.auroraculture.ca

Work is also progressing nicely at the Aurora Family Leisure Complex (AFLC), where interior construction has been underway over the past few months. Interior walls have been removed throughout the building and floors have been removed from the gym and lower level as part of the upgrade process that will improve the overall facility and add a new space for our Youth Centre.

Monthly updates on the AFLC construction process are available in The Auroran newspaper and at www.aurora.ca/NewAFLC, so stay tuned and stay informed.

201 InSport Aurora January.indd 1 30/01/2014 11:15:12 AM


CDS aaa hoCkey teammateS BalanCe DreamS with aCaDemiC SuCCeSS ||| By Kim Sillcox, Country Day School

cds

The Country Day School prides itself in teaching its athletes top-level technical skills, with an emphasis

on sportsmanship and integrity. With an offering of 57 teams across 21 sports, many CDS students also compete at a more elite-level outside of school. Throughout the School’s history there has been a willingness to customize class schedules specific to the needs of student-athletes to allow them time to compete competitively at a provincial or national level, while still prioritizing their academics.

This year there are 10 students enrolled in CDS’ High Performance Phys-Ed Program (HPPP). Three of these students are in Grade 10 and are teammates on the Toronto Jr. Canadiens AAA minor midget team; two are currently ranked in the OHL Minor Midget Draft Top 10.

Victor mete is the only CDS veteran of the three and is in his ninth year at the School. A defenseman, he has played at the AAA level for seven seasons and is currently ranked 4th in the OHL Draft. While Victor has played outside hockey since arriving at CDS, he is also homegrown, having played for school teams from Grade 5 until last year,

when his outside commitments became too demanding.

Through Victor’s extensive GTHL travel to tournaments throughout the U.S. and Europe, he and his parents have befriended players and families from around the

world, including two high-level players from south of the border: Jakob Chychrun and Justin Cmunt; both new to CDS this year.

Not yet 16, Jakob is one of hockey’s rising stars and currently ranks 1st in the OHL Draft. He is a solidly built

defenseman, standing at 6’2” and weighing 195-pounds. Over the Christmas break, Jakob played one year up for Team Ontario in the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Nova Scotia. Whether it is the USHL or the OHL or a college

program, such as University of Michigan or Notre Dame, Jakob would ultimately love to play in the NHL.

The Jr. Canadiens discovered Justin a bit closer to home. Justin has played AAA hockey in New York for the past 11 years as a forward and hopes to either make the USA National U-17 Team or see where he is drafted in the USHL and OHL. He is currently being approached by NCAA Division l schools such as Yale, Harvard and Boston University. He too dreams of playing in the NHL, or professionally in the AHL or Europe. Victor envisions a similar path. He

hopes to play wherever he can and would consider the OHL, USHL and NCAA route for a university such as BU, Notre Dame or Michigan. Time will tell. But for now, these 15-year-olds potentially have some exciting decisions to make in the not too distant future.

LefttoRight:VictorMete,JakobChychrunandJustinCmunt.PhotobyJenWells.

PhotobyMaryMete


The Aurora Panthers and Central York Girls Hockey were proud to host, for the 15th year, the

prestigious Silver Stick girl’s hockey tournament.

It took place, February 7-9 2014, at the Aurora Community Centre and Stronach Aurora Recreation Centre, the Panthers hosted 52 teams, from all over Canada and US. One team came from as far away as Colorado. This includes 16 Bantam AA teams, 8 Bantam A, 8 Bantam BB, 8 Atom AA, 8 Atom A, and 4 Atom BB teams. This is the first year Aurora has hosted the BB divisions.

The Silver Stick hockey website describes the history of Silver Stick bringing goodwill between the US and Canada to boys hockey originally, and was the idea of Mr. Jack Kinsella in 1956. Silver Stick had humble beginnings as a 4 team Bantam boys tournament in Richmond Ontario but now has grown to include over 65,000 players and coaches from all over the US and Canada annually. Silver stick is now includes both girls and boys tournaments, but still fosters the same fundamental core values of “Citizenship & International Goodwill through Silver Stick Hockey”

Tournament information can be found at: ss-aurora.pointstreaksites.com or by contacting Patty Albert of the CYGHA at: [email protected]

cYGha


15th Anniversary of Silver Stick International Girls Hockey in Aurora||| By Melanie Hutchinson, Central York Girls Hockey Association


baton

It’s been a busy, fun-filled fall and winter for the athletes and coaches of the Spectrum Baton Club.The twirlers returned from their

2 month summer break, and got back into the swing of things, training with the annual goal of competing at the Canadian Championships in July 2014 in Calgary, Alberta.

The team was off to a smashing start with their Annual Badge Adjudication. Ten athletes were tested; all of whom passed the adjudication with honours!

Next was something com-pletely different! Club coach/director Jen Meron was con-tacted by the technical director of Wavestage Theatre who was looking for baton twirlers to be featured in the live stage production of Hello Dolly. The club sent 15 twirlers to partici-pate in this fun, fantastic event in November at the Newmarket

Theatre. The girls had a blast, the actors got a new insight and appreciation into the sport of baton twirling, and the audi-ence was WOWED in 4 performances!

The middle of November saw Spectrum participate in two Santa Claus Parades…Holland Landing and of course, Aurora. As anyone who was there would know…the Aurora parade was a blizzard! Even the girls who were looking forward to showing the crowd FIRE BATON had quite the time getting the batons to light, and keep aflame! Club director Jen was extremely proud of the girls (some as young as 8) who finished the parade despite the challenging conditions!

The final event of the year prior to the Christmas break was the clubs Annual Christmas Show and Party, which was held at Lester B. Pearson School on December 19th. All twirlers, from the youngest recreational to the most advanced competitive performed for parents and friends. The performance was followed by a party and once

again, good old St. Nick came to distribute gifts to all the twirlers. Of special note, at the show, club parent Judy Seguin was presented with her Sport Aurora Volunteer recognition award.

The Club resumed training on January 6, and continues to work hard to prepare for the local competition season which starts close to home, at the club-hosted

Spirit of Spectrum competition on April 5th at the Newmarket High School. Admission is free! Come out and see what baton twirling is all about, and support your local twirlers.

Spectrum Baton Club Starts a Busy Season! ||| By Jen Meron, Club Director, Spectrum Baton

||| Photos Courtesy of Spectrum Baton


Nicolas Sabbag, Carly

Bryden and Eric Smythe have one thing in common — their love of water. The highlight of their weekly schedule is when they swim with their Aurora Special Ducks ‘Learn to Compete’ teammates on Friday nights. Carly’s mother, Kathy Bryden said, “This is the highlight of Carly’s week.” The Aurora Special Ducks swim program is providing something that these local athletes look forward to with the support of family and friends. The Special Olympics Ontario-Aurora (SOO-Aurora) program is making a positive impact, not only on the individual athletes, but on their families too.

Before Nicolas started the program, his mother Marcela Massera never felt at ease with him playing around large bodies of water. She was concerned he would not fit with the program because he has little patience, but with the high volunteer to athlete ratio they were able to accommodate him. Once he began swimming with the Aurora Special Ducks, her concern was reduced. Nicolas now had a basic understanding of water safety. Marcela noted how amazing it felt to go on vacation and allow Nicolas to swim in the ocean. Carly’s mother Kathy also reiterated the same sentiment in regards to being around water during cottage season. Since starting the program, playing around the dock is now no longer stressful.

Not only does swimming allow for a healthy form of exercise, it also allows for family bonding. This is because family members can come out and show their support during practice, swim meets and team social events. This sense of family bonding is demonstrated by how Eric loves sharing

his swimming accomplishments with his two sisters, who are competitive dancers. His mother, Tracy Smythe, explained that his sisters have their dance and Eric has his swimming, which is something that he can be proud of and look forward to. Carly’s mother found a similar experience since Carly has two brothers in hockey. Carly likes to cheer her brothers on in hockey, and when its swim time, it’s her turn. Her brothers enjoy coming to the pool to watch her swim, which gives her a lot of pride. Thus swimming participation has more than just health benefits; it can help give an individual self-confidence and pride within their family unit.

In addition, the SOO-Aurora athlete parents have been able to build a positive support system in the stands as they watch their children practice. Carly’s mother Kathy said, “It’s a great opportunity to socialize and share challenges and triumphs with other swimmer’s parents.”

The SOO-Aurora program is making an impact on their athletes, not only in the pool, but in their personal and family lives. The athletes are not only gaining prac-

tical skills, but also life skills as they participate in a sport that they love. As demonstrated by Nicolas, Carly and Eric’s stories, the skills learnt in and out of the pool are making an impact.

Soo-aurora SpeCial DuCkS make a SPlASH in the pool anD poSitiVe impaCt on the Family||| By lauren MacDermid, Special Olympics Ontario-Aurora

||| Photos Courtesy of Kathy Bryden

sPecial ducKs

Nicholas

CARLY

ERIC


laWn boWlinG

LAWNBOWLING,THEOLDEST‘SPORTINAuRORA’

The first lawn bowling was enjoyed in the early 1900’s, on small greens where people found room to play

on their lawns; one was at Hillary House just north of the existing building.

In 1912, the Men’s Group at Trinity Anglican Church decided to level the grounds adjacent to the church for a bowling green, where they enjoyed learning and playing the game.

In May 1914 they had an enthusiastic re-organization meeting in the church where the Aurora Lawn Bowling Club was formed. After many years of great bowling, the Club, in 1933, was lucky to get a section of McMahon Park for the creation of a full size bowling green.

A clubhouse was needed, so an old log cabin was acquired, and men from the club took it down log by log, brought it to McMahon Park where it was assembled as their clubhouse.

In 1974 the Town of Aurora, with financial contribution from the Lions Club of Aurora decided to construct a new clubhouse for both the Lawn Bowling and Tennis Clubs in McMahon Park, where both Clubs enjoy their Sport to this day.

TheoldlogclubhousewasmovedfromMcMahonParktotheSheppard’sBushConservationArea

whereitremainstoday.

||| Jeff Walker, Aurora lawn Bowling Club

||| Photo Courtesy of Aurora lawn Bowling Club

AURO

RA

LAWN BOWLING

CLU

Best. 1904

The AurorA LAwn BowLing CLuB wiLL Be CeLeBrATing iTs

100th AnniversAry This yeAr.


DUCKS StAY BuSY in tHe neW YeAr!||| By tania edwards, Ducks Swimming ||| Photo Courtesy of Ducks Swimming

ducKs

Ducks Swimming headed into the holiday season with their annual Reindeer Games and Pancake

Breakfast held on December 21st at the Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex and the Aurora Senior Centre, respectively. This festive fun meet included an array of playful relay events for members of all ages and abilities such as the “Santa’s Sleigh Relay” and “Giddy up Reindeer Relay”. While the swimmers were working up an appetite in the pool, parent mem-bers were flipping pancakes and sizzling up bacon to feed the hungry crowd. Despite the wicked ice storm that was hitting the GTA, the event was extremely well attended and lots of fun and plenty of pancakes were enjoyed by all.

The club also hosted a Winter Swim Camp during the holiday hiatus for swimmers to maintain their conditioning and skills as many prepared for a final bid to qualify for the Central Regional Championships and the Provincial Championships that takes place in

February. Luke Percy, an Australian sprint superstar, made a guest appearance and trained with the Ducks at the Winter Swim Camp which was a special bonus and inspiration for the young team.

The club is proud to recognize the following swimmers who have qualified, so far, for Provincial Championships: Holly Biasi, Sarah Bond, Soorna Choheili, Grace Harris, Andrew Pignatelli, Jacob Rapp, Hayden Spiers and Chloe Taylor. These swimmers rank among the top in their age group both provincially and nationally.

Eighteen “12 yrs. & Under” swimmers head to Milton the weekend of February 7th to race in the Central Regional Championships, and an additional seventeen “13 yrs. & Over” swimmers

have qualified for Central Regionals for their age categories to be held February 13th – 16th in Markham. Eight athletes will head to Brantford, Ontario on the weekend of February 15th to compete in the “13 yrs. & Under” Provincial “Festival” Championships, and two swimmers will travel to London, Ontario the last weekend in February to compete in the “13 yrs. & Over” Provincial Age Group Championships. Stay tuned for great results from the Ducks at their championship meets!.

a team swimmer emma tubaro racing the Giddy up reindeer relay with little Duck alexandra lindsay.


sWiMMinG

The Ducks placed 7th out of the 19 teams that competed at the 2013 Division II Team Championships

held mid-December in Brantford. We were only 4 points behind the 6th place team. The format of the Division II Championships limits us to a team of 30 swimmers, competing in a maximum of 5 individual events per swimmer, and one relay team per age group category for male and female. Points are earned by the top 8 places in a category (1st – 8 points to 8th – 1 point) (Relays score double points). This meet is a wild ride as any participant or spectator can attest to. A great formula for inspiring big swims. This year was no exception. The following swimmers placed first in an individual event(s): Samantha Anderson, Holly Biasi and Jacob Rapp. Second place swims were earned by: Samantha Anderson, Holly Biasi, Sage Haggarty, Andrew Pignatelli and Jacob Rapp. Third place swims were achieved by: Soorna Choheili, Abigail Juhola and Jacob Rapp. Our Girls 15-16 Relay Team of Karina Robb, Samantha Anderson, Emma Tubaro and Stephanie Boston won silver in the 4 x 50 m Freestyle Relay. Likewise, our Boys 10 & Under Team comprised of: Thomas Nelander, George Zizakovic, Andrew Van dalen and Jacob Rapp won Silver in the 4 x 50 m Medley Relay. Our Girls 11 & 12 Relay including Sage Haggarty, Megan Sidor, Shannon Meadway and Tori Rapp also snagged 3rd spot in the 4 x 50 m Freestyle Relay. Congratulations to our Medal Winners!!!

Many others also scored points for the Ducks – in fact, 27 swimmers contributed to the bottom line.

Beyond the medals and the points, our athletes learned from the experience. It is a great chance for personal growth and development. I was extremely proud of the manner in which our swimmers conducted

themselves throughout the weekend. They all pushed themselves to the limit to deliver great results for their team and they showed great respect and support for their team mates.

Thank you to the coaches who swam every race with the swimmers “in spirit” and for all the preparation that precedes our big events.

DiviSiOn ii teAM CHAMPiOnSHiPS-BrantForD, ontario!||| By Kelly Hughes, Head Coach, Ducks Swimming


WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO STAY HEALTHY?||| By Scott Burns, registered Massage therapist

St. Andrew’s Chiropractic and Wellness Centre

In the past few months Dr. Carey Avery has discussed, sprains, strains, tendonitis and other injuries and has

noted that these injuries can happen to anyone, not just athletes.

So my question is: What are you doing to stay healthy? There is nothing more frustrating than sitting on the sidelines with an injury while all your friends and teammates continue to play.

Some of the more common causes for injury are:

1. Over-trAininG/ tOO Frequent trAininG

Too much overall volume and not enough rest & recovery or overall volume is low but training frequency is too high. Every time you train, you deplete your body’s energy and cause some degree of microscopic damage to your muscle cells. Which make rest and recovery key for every athlete! Over training is a stressor

to the body which sets off chemical changes that affect muscle growth and repair, digestive upset, interrupted sleep and more. Regular treatments can keep you rested, promote relaxation in your body so that you can heal and repair.

2. POOr FlexiBilitY Exercise means you are constantly contracting your muscles. Having shortened, tight muscles is a sure way to suffer an injury the next time you try to over extend/reach or use an explosive quick movement. Tight muscles don’t react as well as flexible muscles. Regular treatment and flexibility training can help with this.

3. iGnOrinG YOur BODY’S SiGnS Nagging little pains that feel like tight muscles are a warning sign. Pain is your body telling you that something is not right. Listen to your body, and address those little aches and pains immediately.

treAtMentApart from proper nutrition and hydration to fuel your training, one way to ensure that your muscular system is in good health is to keep up regular massage therapy appointments. As little as once per month can help you stay on top of those aches and tight muscles and ensure that you are ready. This is called a “maintenance” program.

Registered massage therapists (RMT) are trained to identify tight muscles, knots and trigger points that cause pain, or restrictions within other tissues such as the fascia that surrounds your muscles and is a major supporting structure throughout your entire body. RMT’s help the body to promote healing and reduce dysfunction utilizing specialized techniques to loosen or help stretch tight tissues. RMT’s can prescribe exercise, strengthening and/or stretching to help you achieve balance and continue to reach your athletic goals. Adding regis-tered massage therapy to a training and exercise program will help to improve performance and enjoyment. Massage has also been proven to help reduce inflammation and pain after exercise.

Remember, listen to your body. Usually the longer you let things go, the longer it takes for them to heal.

Scott Burns is a Registered Massage Therapist at St. Andrew’s Chiropractic and Wellness in Aurora. Scott is a triathlete, having recently completed a Half Ironman distance race. He also practices yoga for balance and flexibility, as well as playing hockey each winter. Scott enjoys working with athletes, or anyone who wants to be their best physical self.

sPort in aurora

ScottBurnsfinishestheMuskokaIronMan

Competition


health & Wellness

If Bob Lenarduzzi, a Canadian soccer legend and who many feel is Canada’s best-ever player, is inducted into the International World Football Hall of Fame in Pachua, Mexico

this March, we can all thank Alfredo Ruiz for that honour.

I met with Alfredo Ruiz just prior to Christmas while he was visiting his family in Aurora. His wife and four children live in Aurora, having moved here in August of 2013 and he was in Aurora for a few weeks before returning to his native Mexico.

Alfredo was proud to admit he will present his nomination of the Canadian player to the Selection Committee for the International Hall of Fame in March 31 of 2014.

When asked why he nominated Bob Lenarduzzi, he smiled and said that he had followed Bob’s career since he was a young player after seeing him in an International match in Mexico where Lenarduzzi quite simply dominated the playing field. “Lenarduzzi was like having two or three extra players on a field”, he exclaimed “He was that good and I never forgot him”.

Alfredo should know a good player when he sees him. He has played soccer all his life at youth and University levels and has coached at both those levels including Pumas University in

Mexico. He also graduated with a Masters in Soccer Business Administration from Mexico’s Johan Cruyff Institute.

His professional involvement with soccer goes back many years and includes being part of the Central American Games Organizing Committee as well as broadcasting for TV and radio for seven World Soccer Cups. Because of his professional background, he was asked to sit on the Nomination and Selection Committee for the International World Football Hall of Fame. The Hall is now three years old but there is no Canadian member. Alfredo wants to change that and believes that every country should have an inducted member in the World Football Hall of Fame in order to inspire children to play the game and excel in the sport. “I hope this opens the door for more children to play at a high level in Canada” he said. He also believes this will motivate them to visit the Hall in Pachuca, Mexico.

Mr. Ruiz and his wife have four boys who live in Aurora; two play soccer and two are tennis players. They are proud parents and understand the importance of having sport celebrities as role models. If Alfredo is successful and Bob Lenarduzzi is inducted into the World Football Hall of Fame, all Canadians will have him to thank.

WILL CANADIAN BOB lenArDuzzi BE INDUCTED INTO THE internAtiOnAl WOrlD FOOtBAll HAll OF FAMe?||| By ron Weese, editor

||| Photos Courtesy of Monica MacKenzie

WOrlD-ClASS SPeAKer PreSentS tHe PSYCHOlOGY OF COACHinG tHe FeMAle AtHlete in AurOrA

Dr. Vicki Harber of the University of Alberta will be speaking at the Aurora Public Library, Magna Room at 9:00 am on Saturday March 1st, 2014.

Dr. Harber is an exercise physiologist leading work on “The Female Athlete Perspective” and very involved in implementation of the Canadian Sport for Life guidelines to improve the quality of sport. The Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport recognized Vicki as one of the Most Influential Women in Sport and Physical Activity.

Her topic. “The Psychology of Coaching the Female Athlete” will outline key principles and strategies that need to be considered when coaching female athletes. All coaches will benefit from gaining a more thorough perspective of the physiological and psychological needs of the female athlete. “With coaches being predominantly male, there can often be a disconnect on the approach men take when coaching females” states Dr. Harber, “and all coaches need to develop a better understanding of the female athlete,” she concludes.

Registration is limited and so all coaches are asked to register at thethread.bss.on.ca/speaker/drharber


ruGbY

Rugby Ontario celebrated a successful 2013

for the sport in this province at its annual

meetings in December capped off by the induc-

tion of four stalwarts from the playing community into

its Hall of Fame, the first time the

honours have been bestowed in five years. Among the inductees was John reich, past president of the Aurora Barbarians Rugby Club and a member of the club since 1977. Mr. Reich joins John Brown and anthony earl as members of the Aurora Barbarians enshrined in the Hall.

Mr. Brown inducted in 1999, is a former teacher at Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary school who introduced club rugby to Aurora in 1962 when he formed the Aurora Yorks – a predecessor to the community’s current rugby organization. Mr. Brown also held the post of President of the Ontario Rugby Union from 1970 – 1972.

Mr. Earl inducted in 2000, immigrated to Canada from England in 1947 after serving in the RAF during the Second World War and in 1950 was a

founding member of the Toronto Barbarians, another of the current club’s ancestors. Earl was an outstanding player for the club and

also excelled in representative rugby making appearances for both the Province of Ontario and Eastern Canada in the 1950s.

Current club President Tim Brochu praised the work of Mr. Reich saying “JR has put his heart and soul into the Barbarians for over thirty-five years. This is a fitting tribute”. In a stirring introductory speech from club colleague John

Twomey, Mr. Reich was acknowledged for his tireless work in serving the club from his early days as a player as well as in leadership roles as a team and club captain. He organized tours to California and Western Canada in the 1980s and coached the club’s junior boys for three years including two trips to the Provincial finals. During Mr. Reich’s tenure as club president, the Barbarians won eight provincial league championships and were cup champions on five occasions. He was also a key member of the development team at Fletcher’s Fields in

aurora BarBarianS’ paSt preSiDent nameD to RUgby OntARiO HAll Of fAme||| By Jenna reich ||| Photos Courtesy of leighton Chong, ABrFC


“I could not be more proud to serve

the Aurora Barbarians”

– John Reich


sPort in aurora

ASA PiCKleBAll PlAYerS AnnuAl YeAr enD tOurnAMent||| By John Pitkin, Aurora Seniors Association ||| Photos Courtesy of the Aurora Seniors Association

Pickleball, the racquet sport which combines elements of badminton, tennis and table tennis continues

to thrive and grow at the Aurora Seniors Centre. The sport is played on a court with the same dimensions as a doubles badminton court. The net is similar to a tennis net, but is mounted two inches

lower. The game is played with a hard paddle similar in size to those used in racquet ball or to a large sized table tennis paddle. A hollow polymer or plastic like wiffle ball is used.

This year, the Aurora Seniors Association (ASA)

Pickleball players held their annual year-end tournament on December 3rd and 6th. This year’s fun tournament was a two day round robin format where players accumulated points based on the scores of their games. Twenty players partici-pated on both days. A final game for the

championship was played between two mixed teams of those players compiling the most points over round robin play. This year’s cham-pionship team was Ruth Pitkin and Harry Basil, runner up spot went to Joanne Keates and John Pitkin. On the final day of the tournament the players enjoyed a pot luck meal of delicious appetizers and desserts.

Markham, Ontario, the home of rugby in southern Ontario and served the Board of Directors of that rugby organization for thirty years.

In his acceptance speech Mr. Reich acknowledged the influence of his rugby forefathers, calling them “inspirational”; he also attributed his success to a strong family unit and the continual support of his wife and children. In addition he

referred to the many fine athletes he has had the honour of playing with as well as coaching and administering to, citing their contribution to his achievement. The privilege of playing in Aurora and representing such a sport minded community where the Barbarians have flourished was also highlighted in his address. “I could not be more proud to serve the Aurora Barbarians” was his final comment to close the gala event.



GYMnastics

On Friday Dec. 13th, Evolution Gymnastics Aurora welcomed two very special guests.

Olympians Jessica Tudos (1984 Canadian Team Member) and Curtis Hibbert (1988 & 1992 Canadian Team Member) mesmerized EGA members with their tales of discov-ering, becoming passionate about the trials & tribulations of, and experiencing success in the sport of Artistic Gymnastics.

As a young child, Jessica’s parents decided to enrol her in gymnastics, because she seemed to enjoy spending the major-ity of her time upside down. Having above-average potential for the sport, her coaches encouraged her to try out for an elite program at another gym. For most of her youth, she trained 25 to 30 hours a week, and at age 15 she was selected to Team Canada. Over the course of her career, Jessica was faced with making several difficult decisions. After the 1984 Olympics, she had to choose between accepting a scholarship and attending college in the U.S. (and competing in the NCAA program) or continuing to train as a amateur in an attempt to return to the Olympic stage. Jessica shared her personal decision-making process, aptly abbreviated to “F.L.I.P.”. When deciding whether to follow a specific path, FIRST ask yourself how you feel about the prospect. If you’re not excited, happy and/or passionate about the activity, it’s probably not the right thing for you.

LOOK ahead to the outcome – is this where you want to go? IN BETWEEN, are you prepared to do the work required to get there? Finally, do you have the right PEOPLE to support you (parents, teachers, coaches, etc.)?

Curtis Hibbert and his family immigrated to Canada from Jamaica when he was a young boy. A very active child, Curtis tried a variety of sports. He fell in love with gymnastics, and was identified as having extraordinary strength. At the age of 12 Curtis was already training with the Canadian National Team (with athletes 10+ years older than him) at York University. The first Canadian gymnast to win a medal at World Championships, Curtis’ specialty was the High Bar. He gained international recognition for his ability to perform complex skills using just one arm. Curtis went on to represent Canada at the 1988 & 1992 Olympics. After spending most of his life following

a strict training regimen and having every part of his day scheduled, Curtis struggled with what to do after he retired from gymnastics. He eventually opted to become a police officer, and does lots of work as a stunt man too. His “gem” of advice was to break long-term goals into stepping stones, and take them one day at a time. He says that’s what kept him from being overwhelmed when he decided he would aim to attend a 2nd Olympic games (a four-year process).

Both Jessica and Curtis described how they overcame setbacks, such as a fall during a routine at a major competition, and injuries, of which there were many. Both are now parents of young children, and lead very busy lives. Both enthusiasti-cally share the insight, wisdom and advice they gleaned from their journey to the Olympics, hoping to inspire others to achieve their personal best.

Thank you both for a wonderful evening!

Olympic inspiratiOn at EvOlutiOn Gymnastics aurOra ||| By Sarah Smith, evolution Gymnastics

||| Photos Courtesy evolution Gymnastics

226 Industrial Parkway North, Unit 6 Aurora, Ontario, L4G 4C3

Phone: (905) 726-2001 Email: [email protected]

Recreational classes for All Ages

Competitive programs for Boys & Girls

Holiday & P.A. Day Camps

Birthday Parties

Fitness Center

Private Lessons

OlympiansCurtisHibbertandJessicaTudosmeetlocalGymnasts.


ruGbYseneca

SENECA STING LOOKING TO MAKE HISTORY AT

nAtiOnAl CHAMPiOnSHiP||| By ryan Phipps, Seneca College ||| Photos Courtesy of Seneca College

The top 8 College Women’s Volleyball teams in the country will embark on Seneca College

March 6-8 as the Seneca Sting prepare to host the 2014 CCAA Women’s Volleyball National Championship.

The Championship will feature two teams from British Columbia, two from Alberta/Saskatchewan, one from Quebec, one from Atlantic Canada,

one from Ontario and the host Seneca Sting.

The opportunity to play in a National Championship can be a once in a lifetime opportunity. What used to be an annual event for the Sting following a record seven straight OCAA Championships has become a luxury. It has been eighteen years since Seneca’s Women’s Volleyball team played in a National

Championship. For the current Sting team, they understand the opportunity that awaits them.

“This is a once in a lifetime experience for me and I am glad that this is the team I get to share it with” said first year outside hitter Tina O’Donnell (Scarborough).

Fifth year libero and team captain Clare Weisser (Queensville) echoed her teammates thoughts.

“Having the opportunity to play in a National Championship at home will be an unforgettable experience.”

One advantage the Sting hold over the other seven teams is that they will be able to maintain their routine. They will eat the same pre-match meal, prepare for their matches in THEIR team locker room and enter the Championship site to the ovation of a home crowd, playing in front of friends and family.

Weisser spoke about the importance of having a large home crowd cheering on the Sting.

“Having a large crowd brings a lot more energy and fun to the game. Being in our home gym and having support from the crowd will help our team compete to the best of our ability.”

Hosting a Championship of this magnitude is quite an undertaking, even for the seasoned staff in Seneca College’s Athletics and Recreation

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Department who host at least one OCAA Championship annually.

“We have very high expectations. Hosting a national championship is a great honour. It is a chance to showcase our college and our students, both athletically and academically. A great ‘buzz’ of excitement permeates the campus and there is a swell of student pride in their team” said Linda Stapleton, Director, Sport & Recreation.

With the planning all set and the Championship underway, only one thing will remain, crowning a Champion. For a school looking for its ninth National Championship and first in Women’s Volleyball, it would be a monumental occasion in the lives of the young student-athletes.

The eighteen year old O’Donnell stated, “Winning the National Championship would be a huge milestone in my life that would never be forgotten.”

For the veteran Weisser, a National Championship, although just as special, would have a different meaning.

“Being in my fifth year of playing volleyball for the Seneca Sting, winning a National Championship would be the perfect way to end off my educational journey at Seneca College.”

Win or lose, it’s the memories of playing in this Championship with their teammates which will leave the biggest impact on the lives of the thirteen student-athletes who suit up in the red and black.

Schools and teams wishing to attend the Championship should contact Chris Sousa at [email protected]. Schools and teams who register in advance will receive free admission to the Championship.


It may still be winter, but wise parents looking to keep their kids happy this summer know the

time to start looking is now. The St. Andrew’s College Summer

Camp, situated at the north end of Aurora, has been churning out happy campers for more than a decade. With beautiful grounds, great facilities, amazing programs, experienced counselors and a focus on fun and safety, a great experience is almost assured.

A huge appeal is the wide variety of full-day programs designed especially for boys and girls aged 4 to 14. An array of sporting activities form the programming core, while specialty courses such as dance, theatre, visual-arts, spybotics, digital photography, and cooking classes cater to specific interests. All offer plenty of options to fill a summer day while encouraging campers to learn and become confident in their own strengths and abilities.

Last year an additional week was added to keep up with ongoing demand, as enrolment numbers jumped to 1,400

children from 646 in 2007, the year SAC took over sole ownership and operation of the camp from a previous owner.

“Growth has been phenomenal,” says Bart Loria, who has worked at the camp since its inception 11 years ago, the last seven as director. The rest of the year he is a guidance and special education teacher at Sir William Mulock Secondary School in Newmarket.

Mr. Loria says a big factor in the camp’s growth and popularity is its experienced and well-trained staff. Many of the 50-plus counselors are high school and university students who come back year after year, a quarter of whom attended the day camp themselves as children and developed their leadership skills through

the camp’s Leaders in Training program. Others are student

teachers or full-time teachers such as himself; instructors who bring their own special skills and experience with them. Indeed, one of the most popular courses is Flight and Rocketry, run by SAC science teacher Marke Jones.

The seven-week camp runs from June 30 to August 5, and Mr. Loria cautions that specialty programs fill-up quickly. During the last few years, certain weeks have sold out completely, many with returning families. Online registration opened February 3, and those who register before March 31 receive an early-bird discount.

For more information, visit www.sacsummercamp.ca

sac

Fun

St. anDrew’S ColleGe

Summer Camp a Great traDition in ||| Story by Cindy veitch, St. Andrew’s College

Discover King CampusA COMMITMENT TO HEALTH AND WELLNESSExperience our natural surroundings of 282 hectares of woods, lake and fields. Whether walking or hiking through the trails or enjoying a view of the lake, you’ll certainly find our inviting campus serene and picturesque. Our focus on health and wellness is key to helping build healthy lives – inside and out.

Find out about our range of programs that will help us build a better King community.

Get to know us. senecacollege.ca

||| Story by Cindy veitch, St. Andrew’s College


Your son. Our mission.

905.727.3178 • [email protected] boarding and day school for boys grades 5-12.

Currently o�ering an enrolment incentive of $5,000 for grades 5 & 6.

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.

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Sport in Aurora - Vol. 3 Issue 6

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Transcript of Sport in Aurora - Vol. 3 Issue 6