Volume 2 ||| Issue 3
FORMER NHL PLAYER, JIM THOMSON CHANGING LIVES PG.11
DUCKS ARE “CAMPING” AT STRONACH AURORA RECREATION COMPLEX! PG.15
YORK ‘97’S HOCKEY TEAM WINS CHOWDER CUP PG.08
SO ALL KIDS CAN PLAY IN AURORA!PG.08
PLUS
PARALYMPIANSummer Mortimer Prepares for the Paralympic Games
RUGBYAurora Barbs Youth Rugby Practices
GYMNASTICSPhysical Activity Gets You High Grades!!
AND MUCH MORE
TWO WHEELSAND PASSION!
“Loving what you do and doing what you love.”
2 ||| Sport In AurorA MAgAzIne
THE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL (JK-12) is a co-ed, non-denominational, university-preparatory school. We offer a superior, balanced education that challenges the student, develops the mind, and strengthens the character. We educate in innovative ways through integrated, leading-edge technology and in sophisticated facilities for academics, athletics, visual and performing arts. Please contact us at any time to arrange a personal tour.
OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE:
Thursday, October 11 9am - 12pm 7pm - 9pm Saturday, October 27 10am - 1pmApplications received by December 14, 2012 will be considered for first-round offers.
Education With Balance
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario 905.833.1220 [email protected] www.cds.on.ca/whowillyoube
CDS Sport in Aurora Final.indd 1 12-07-20 11:49 AM
Sport In AurorA MAgAzIne ||| 3
THE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL (JK-12) is a co-ed, non-denominational, university-preparatory school. We offer a superior, balanced education that challenges the student, develops the mind, and strengthens the character. We educate in innovative ways through integrated, leading-edge technology and in sophisticated facilities for academics, athletics, visual and performing arts. Please contact us at any time to arrange a personal tour.
OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE:
Thursday, October 11 9am - 12pm 7pm - 9pm Saturday, October 27 10am - 1pmApplications received by December 14, 2012 will be considered for first-round offers.
Education With Balance
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario 905.833.1220 [email protected] www.cds.on.ca/whowillyoube
CDS Sport in Aurora Final.indd 1 12-07-20 11:49 AM
05 Editor’sNote
06 FromtheDirectorofParks
andRecreation
08 SoALLKidsCanPlay
inAurora!
08 York‘97’sHockeyTeam
WinsChowderCup
10 TheAuroraSkatingClub–
“What’sitallabout?”
11 FormerNHLPlayer,
JimThomson
ChangingLives
12 SportAuroraHasAnother
WomeninCoachingFirst!
13 AuroraSportHallof
FameApproachesthe
StartingLine
13 AuroraSpecialEaglesGolf
14 MasterDucksExpanding
15 Ducksare“Camping”
atStronachAurora
RecreationComplex!
15 SummerMortimerWins
2Goldand1Silveras
ShePreparesforthe
ParalympicGames
16 SpecialDucksFall
SeasonLaunch
17 SwimmingInjuries
18 AuroraBarbsYouth
RugbyPractices
19 PhysicalActivityGets
YouHighGrades!!
20 SportisaFamilyBond!
21 PaulBedardReturnsto
St.Andrew’sCollegeas
DirectorofAthletics
22 Cycling–TwoWheels
andPassion
18
11
15
19
contents
22Bike Sports Photos by Normand Gagnon
4 ||| Sport In AurorA MAgAzIne
July/August 2012 VoLuMe 2, ISSue 3
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
editorial contributionSport Aurora Members Melony teaguetown of Aurora Dr. Carey AverySimone garcia Sarah SmithJim thomson Don BellLorne Chase
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 assume no responsibility for unsolicited material. Contributions are responsible for obtaining all approvals for publication of photos and content prior to submission. All submis-sions may not be used. We may edit, publish, reproduce, distribute and archive submissions in any form or me-dium 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 prohib-ited. 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 cus-tomer. 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 Me-dia & publications Inc. attempt to provide accurate and useful information and commentary. However the edi-tors, contributors and Insport Media & publications Inc. cannot and do not guarantee the accuracy of this infor-mation. We assume no responsibility for any actions or decisions taken by any readers based on the information provided.
prInteD In CAnADA
Sport In AurorA MAgAzIne ||| 5
As I write this, our Women’s soccer
team has just been defeated in
the semi-finals after outplaying
the Americans and having a disputed
call against them dominate the head-
lines. Simon Whitfield, our triathlon
favourite and Canadian flag-bearer
has fallen (crashed actually) short
of expectations. There have been
incredible triumphs such as King City’s
Rosie MacLennan’s gold medal and our
rowing team’s successes. Diving and
Synchro have hopes. The Women’s
Soccer Team has rebounded to win
a first-ever bronze in that sport at
the Olympics. Different stories of
determined athletes, coaches and
families. Different pathways and
different outcomes.
What is similar about all these world-
class efforts that capture our attention
is that each started on the play-ground.
Each athlete was a kid who took that
first step playing in their home towns
and found that they had “something”
that drove them to play harder, to train
harder and to commit much more to
sport than the average kid. All of these
successful Olympians were identified
for their skill and determination and
they were directed to good local
community sport programs and good
coaching. Most of them were fortunate
to have a family that supported them
emotionally, physically and financially.
My point is this. Now that Olympic
fever has reached its nadir and we are
now anticipating great things from our
Paralympic athletes, it is time to re-think
and re-value the work that is done each
day in Communities such as Aurora by
volunteers who are eager to help make
quality programs available to children.
Without them there is no “grass-roots”
of sport in this Country that allows us to
be proud of our athletes’ accomplish-
ments every four years. It is important
that we protect and value community
sport and celebrate what is being done.
I think the phrase “think globally, but act
locally” is apt.
I spoke with Paul Dutton of SNAP
Newspapers recently and we both
agreed that the real important stories
are the local ones. Of course the SNAP
Newspaper Group celebrates and
publishes local events, just like Sport in
Aurora. We both believe that the real
celebration of accomplishment starts at
home. I encourage everyone to be proud
of local sport and to support athletes
and coaches as they strive to meet
whatever goals they choose. Let’s start by
doing a simple thing that costs nothing
but a little time. The next time you see a
coach or a volunteer, thank them for their
time and remember how proud we are
of our Olympic and Paralympic athletes.
Our next Olympic/Paralympic success
truly starts right here at home.
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
LIke MoSt CAnADIAnS, I AM CAugHt up In Olympic fever
6 ||| Sport In AurorA MAgAzIne
exciting improvements at the club aurora fitness centre
Members of the Parks and
Recreation Services department
staff at The Town of Aurora
are really excited about improvements
taking place this summer at the Club
Aurora Fitness Centre. Earlier this year,
Aurora Town Council approved the
2012 Business Plan for Club Aurora that
included a fi ve-year plan for equipment
repair and replacement.
Club Aurora members will see a
number of changes this September.
Foremost among these will be a sharp
new look for the facility and more than
$30,000 in new and improved equipment
and facilities. For those new to Club
Aurora, we welcome you to our
“remodeled” facility and hope you
make it your preferred choice for all
of your family fi tness needs.
In the last edition of Sport in Aurora,
I mentioned that Town Council was
considering a new multi-purpose
artifi cial turf fi eld for Stewart Burnett
Park. I am pleased to report that at the
June 26 Council meeting, $1.75 million
was approved for construction of the
fi eld, which is expected to be built by
next year.
Summer brings hot and humid
weather to our community and this year
has been no exception! To stay cool and
refreshed, pay a visit to our splash pads
in Town Park and Ada Johnson Park.
The Town also has a number of great
outdoor events where you can unwind
after a day of activity. Concerts in the
Park run throughout July and August
and Movies in the Park will be back
again from August 28 to 30. Remember
to mark Ribfest on your calendars as
well, as this popular annual event is
back from September 7 to 9.
Until the next edition of Sport in
Aurora, have a wonderful summer!
Al Downey
Director, Parks and Recreation Services
Town of AuroraUpcoming Special EventsConcerts in the Park July and AugustThroughout the summer, The Town of Aurora hosts a series of free evening concerts at the outdoor bandshell in Town Park. For your comfort, we recommend that you bring lawn chairs or a blanket. No alcoholic beverages are permitted.
Movies in the Park Tuesday, August 28 to Thursday, August 30Take in a movie in the park! At the end of summer, The Town of Aurora takes movie watching to a new level by taking movies outdoors! Movies will be shown at Hickson Park, Norm Weller Park and Town Park. Please visit www.aurora.ca for our exciting movie lineup.
Ribfest Friday, September 7 to Sunday, September 9The tastiest event of the year happens at Machell Park in September when The Town of Aurora hosts Ribfest. Enjoy mouth-watering ribs prepared by professional award-winning rib teams. This event also features a beer garden, live entertainment and children’s activities.
Colours of Fall Concert Thursday, October 4As the leaves turn colour in the fall, enjoy one last concert in beautiful Town Park. This event features fiddling, pumpkin carving, live entertainment and an old-fashioned community corn roast.
To learn more about these and other Town of Aurora events, please call the Special Events hotline at 905-726-4762 or visit www.aurora.ca/specialevents
Did you know The Town of Aurora has a full-service fitness centre? It’s called Club Aurora® and it offers affordable family fitness for all ages.
Located in the Aurora Family Leisure Complex, Club Aurora has flexible memberships to suit all of your fitness needs.
Here are just a few of the services offered:
• Aquatics personal training• Non-member personal training• 25-metre pool – aquafit and osteoarthritis aquafit• Four international squash courts• Indoor running track• Cyclefit studio• A variety of fitness classes for all abilities• Annual fitness appraisals, personalized fitness programs
and equipment and weight room demonstrations• Child minding services
Club Aurora also offers convenient hours – we’re open Monday to Friday from 5:45 a.m. to 10 p.m. and weekends from 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Take advantage of our free offer and try Club Aurora. We’re confident you’ll like it so much you’ll be back. Your body will thank you for it!
135 Industrial Parkway NorthAurora, OntarioPhone: 905-726-4764Email: [email protected] us online at www.aurora.ca/fitness
AFFORDABLE RATES QUALITY SERVICECall or visit us today!
Experience Club Aurora
NEW!NEW!
ONE FREE GYM VISITWith this coupon, enjoy one (1) free gym visit to Club Aurora*. Must be 14 years of age or older. Limit one coupon per person. Location: 135 Industrial Parkway North, Aurora, Ontario Expiry: December 31, 2013 *Bearer will be required to complete a health questionnaireTR
Y U
S!
Did you know The Town of Aurora has a full-service fitness centre? It’s called Club Aurora® and it offers affordable family fitness for all ages.
Located in the Aurora Family Leisure Complex, Club Aurora has flexible memberships to suit all of your fitness needs.
Here are just a few of the services offered:
• Aquatics personal training• Non-member personal training• 25-metre pool – aquafit and osteoarthritis aquafit• Four international squash courts• Indoor running track• Cyclefit studio• A variety of fitness classes for all abilities• Annual fitness appraisals, personalized fitness programs
and equipment and weight room demonstrations• Child minding services
Club Aurora also offers convenient hours – we’re open Monday to Friday from 5:45 a.m. to 10 p.m. and weekends from 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Take advantage of our free offer and try Club Aurora. We’re confident you’ll like it so much you’ll be back. Your body will thank you for it!
135 Industrial Parkway NorthAurora, OntarioPhone: 905-726-4764Email: [email protected] us online at www.aurora.ca/fitness
AFFORDABLE RATES QUALITY SERVICECall or visit us today!
Did you know The Town ofTown ofT
Experience Club Aurora
NEW!NEW!
ONE FREE GYM VISITWith this coupon, enjoy one (1) free gym visit to Club Aurora*. Must be 14 years of age or older. Limit one coupon per person. Location: 135 Industrial Parkway North, Aurora, Ontario Expiry: December 31, 2013 *Bearer will be required to complete a health questionnaireTR
Y U
S!
8 ||| Sport In AurorA MAgAzIne
So ALL kIDS CAn pLAy In AurorA! ||| Photos By Stephen Kimmerer
york ‘97’S HoCkey teAM WInS CHoWDer Cup ||| By Don Bell
In only the first two months of the
All Kids Can Play in Aurora Program,
Sport Aurora received its largest
donation of $6,247.00 to help put kids
on the fields, in the pools and rinks.
Ross Jones, the owner of Aw Shucks
organized the business’ annual golf
tournament on July 10th and named
the All Kids Can Play Program as the
Charity of Choice so his customers
knew of the cause. While being thanked
by Ron Weese, President of Sport
Aurora, during the cheque ceremony he
deflected the thanks to his customers.
“Our customers really stepped up for
this charity”, he said. “This was the
best turn-out and the highest amount
raised yet,” he continued. “I suspect it
is because a lot of our customers are
parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents
of kids who play sports and they recognize
the value of sport in a child’s life.”
The All Kids Can Play Program in
Aurora is a project of Sport Aurora, an
Organization comprising twenty-one
local Sport Organizations and eight
Affiliate Business Members.
“Although Aurora is a relatively
prosperous Town”, explained Mr. Weese,
“our Membership told us that they were
receiving increased number of requests
for financial assistance from parents
who wanted their kids to play, but
couldn’t afford the fees. We decided
to help by creating an opportunity for
local businesses, Service Groups and
individuals to donate to a fund to help.”
Bruce Cuthbert, the Director of the
All Kids Can Play in Aurora Program
explained how the fund works.” One
hundred percent of all donations are
given back to worthy kids through an
application process we follow in our
Sport Aurora office. Any child 18 years
of age or under is eligible as long as the
activity promotes healthy physical
activity. When the application is
approved by our Program Manager,
following a sensitive but simple process,
the funds go directly to the sport
organization of choice to partially or
completely cover participant fees.”
In June of this year the All Kids Can
Play Program received a $5,000.00
donation from the Aurora Rotary
and the Central York Girls Hockey
Association donated $1,500.00. They
of course are looking for more donors
to help with future needs.
“These funds will be used to supplement
the already depleted Canadian Tire
JumpStart Program” Mr. Weese con-
tinued. “As a Community Partner of
JumpStart, we saw how this fund was
being used to help kids play, but by late
spring it was used up. We were only
able to help half of those asking for full
support of fees and now with the help
of donors we can include more kids”.
For more information on how you
can help or get involved in the
All Kids Can Play in Aurora Program,
please go to www.sportaurora.ca
or contact the Sport Aurora Office
at 905 726-4776 or by email at:
A group of 1997 boys from York
Region (eight from Aurora)
played in the aptly-named
Chowder Cup in Boston, Massachusetts
this spring. Coached by Mike Milne and
Marty Williamson, these young players
entered this competition with the
Pro Skills Hockey Organization, not
knowing how well they could compete
in one of North America’s top spring
hockey tournaments.
The team lost its first game 3-2 with
Adam Newell scoring both goals in the
loss, but they knew they were not going
to be out-classed in this tournament.
They went on to win the next two games
and advanced to the quarter-finals.
The quarter final game ended in
a 0-0 draw and after a scoreless
overtime, a shoot-out was necessary
to decide the outcome. Again the
Pro Skills Hockey team won with
a close 2-1 shootout margin and
advanced to the semi-finals.
The team went on to win the
semis and finals with 1-0 and 3-0
scores respectively and won the
1997 age-group of the Cup, the first
time ever for a York Region team.
The boys now go back to their
“home” teams for the fall playing for
both the York Simcoe Express and
Aurora Tigers.
sPort in aurora
Aurora Rotary Club Presents $5000.00 to All Kids Can Play in Aurora
SPort AurorA receiveS LArgeSt DonAtion to the ALL KiDS cAn PLAy in AurorA ProgrAm from Aw ShucKS SeAfooD BAr AnD BiStro
Aw Shucks Owner Ross Jones and
Sport Aurora President, Ron Weese
Our family, the Lincoln family...and you
WE PROUDLY SUPPORT LOCAL SPORTS
905-841-0800 • 15815 Yonge Street, Aurora
1-800-465-0411 www.mcalpineford.comHOURS: Monday-Thursday 9:00am-8:00pm • Friday & Saturday 9:00am-6:00pm
HOURS: Mon.-Thurs. 8:00am-6:00pm • Fri. 8:00am-5:00pm • Sat. 8:00am-4:00pmQuick Lane 905-841-2424
Our family, the Lincoln family...and you
PEOPLE, PRODUCT, PRICE...WE HAVE IT ALL!
FWD100A-SPORT
7,378
33,922
4,999
483.99
358
ECO200A
3,737
48,513
6,769
48
1.99
538
AWD100A
3,578
45,772
7,789
48
1.99
438
FWD100A-SPORT
7,378
33,9224,999483.99358
ECO200A
3,737
48,5136,769481.99538
AWD100A
3,578
45,7727,789481.99438
FWD100A-SPORT
7,378
33,9224,999483.99358
ECO200A
3,737
48,5136,769481.99538
AWD100A
3,578
45,7727,789481.99438
FWD100A-SPORT
7,378
33,9224,999483.99358
ECO200A
3,737
48,5136,769481.99538
AWD100A
3,578
45,7727,789481.99438
FWD100A-SPORT
7,378
33,9224,999483.993.993.99358
ECO200A
3,737
48,5136,769481.991.991.99538
Our family, the Lincoln family...and you
WE PROUDLY SUPPORT LOCAL SPORTS
905-841-0800 • 15815 Yonge Street, Aurora
1-800-465-0411 www.mcalpineford.comHOURS: Monday-Thursday 9:00am-8:00pm • Friday & Saturday 9:00am-6:00pm
HOURS: Mon.-Thurs. 8:00am-6:00pm • Fri. 8:00am-5:00pm • Sat. 8:00am-4:00pmQuick Lane 905-841-2424
Our family, the Lincoln family...and you
PEOPLE, PRODUCT, PRICE...WE HAVE IT ALL!
FWD100A-SPORT
7,378
33,922
4,999
483.99
358
ECO200A
3,737
48,513
6,769
48
1.99
538
AWD100A
3,578
45,772
7,789
48
1.99
438
FWD100A-SPORT
7,378
33,9224,999483.99358
ECO200A
3,737
48,5136,769481.99538
AWD100A
3,578
45,7727,789481.99438
FWD100A-SPORT
7,378
33,9224,999483.99358
ECO200A
3,737
48,5136,769481.99538
AWD100A
3,578
45,7727,789481.99438
FWD100A-SPORT
7,378
33,9224,999483.99358
ECO200A
3,737
48,5136,769481.99538
AWD100A
3,578
45,7727,789481.99438
FWD100A-SPORT
7,378
33,9224,999483.993.993.99358
ECO200A
3,737
48,5136,769481.991.991.99538
10 ||| Sport In AurorA MAgAzIne
the AurorA SkAtIng Club, What’s it all about?
The Aurora Skating Club has been
teaching skaters in our community
for over 58 years!! We are a fully
sanctioned Skate Canada Club and
operate as a non-profit organization.
Our coaches are all fun, dedicated, and
NCCP Skate Canada certified.
Our skating programs focus on children
as young as 3 years old and up! Kidskate
offers morning and afternoon lessons,
our Canskate Learn to Skate lessons are
offered on weeknights and Saturdays.
Our advancing skaters take Starskate
sessions which are offered weeknights.
Many of our skaters start off at
the age of 3 wearing the required ice
helmets and work very hard to move
up through the Junior, Novice and
Advanced levels. We are proud of all
our skaters and are happy to highlight
our skaters who become Quad Gold
skaters! Achieving Gold Artistic, Gold
Freeskate, Gold Skills and Gold Dances
takes a lot of hard work and dedication!
Congratulations to Katie Sutton and
Tayler Sim who recently achieved their
Quad Gold status!
As a competitive team, many ASC
skaters compete in various local compe-
titions as well the International invitational
Spring Skate Festival in Buffalo, USA.
A long time favourite competition for
the Aurora Skating Club, from which we
often bring home the Cheney Cup!!
The Aurora Skating Club enjoys
producing an Ice Show every other
year, which showcases the talents of all
our skaters. The Ice Show never fails to
entertain our Aurora community, family
and friends! (March 2012, Push Play &
Dance photo above).
We host Spirit Days during which our
skaters invite friends to come skate and
see what it’s all about! At the end of the
season we host a banquet to celebrate
our skaters’ individual accomplishments!
We welcome all new skaters to come
have some fun and see what it’s all about!
KATIE SUTTON – QUAD GOLD SKATER
My love for skating
began when I first
stepped on the
ice when I was just
3 years old. The
journey from that
day forward has
been unforget-
table. Hours of
dedicated training
has allowed me to
complete the goals I set for myself. I have
had amazing coaches Blair Koski-Klein,
Andy Klein and Deborah Botticella that
have helped me every step of the way
and endless support from my parents.
Over the years my coaches have taught
me how to grow both as a skater and as
a person. The Aurora Skating Club is a
family to me. I hope to continue skating
as I head off to Dalhousie University next
year. I can’t Imagine my life without skat-
ing. The ice is my happy place!
TAylEr SIm – QUAD GOLD SKATER
Tayler Sim started
skating at three
years of age and
became a mem-
ber of the Aurora
Skating club at
age six. Recently,
Tayler successfully
completed her
Gold Interpretive,
adding that to her
already successful completion of Gold
Dance, Skills and Freeskate, making
her a Quad Gold Test-Level skater.
Tayler’s success came from hard work,
determination, the support of her family
and from her long time, dedicated
coaches Jo-Anne Scott, Renald Foisy
and more recently Lindsay Smith.
Congratulations Tayler, for accom-
plishing all of this before heading off
to study Recreation Management/
Business at Acadia University, in
Nova Scotia this fall.
We are pretty confident though,
that Tayler’s love of skating and being
a Certified Canskate Instructor, will get
her back on the ice in no time.
sKatiNG
Sport In AurorA MAgAzIne ||| 11
forMer nhl plAYer, JiM thoMsoN ChAngIng lIVeS
Jim Thomson is no ordinary ex-NHLer. Sure, he has the stories to tell of his days playing along-side Wayne Gretzky and the
incredible experience of winning game seven against the Leafs in 1993. He has met superstars of all descriptions and has
lived the life of a pro hockey player to the fullest. He certainly has the knowledge of the game and puts it to good use each
winter, coaching would-be pro hockey players in the Aurora Minor Hockey Association. He calls it “giving back”, but it is as much
about the love of the game and helping kids grow.
That isn’t what makes Jim unique. Jim is also an ambassador with Your Life Counts (www.yourlifecounts.org) a Canadian-based
charity with international links helping youth and families to nurture, protect and sustain their will to live. Jim takes YLC
wherever he goes because the message of Your Life Counts goes hand in hand with Jim’s Dream Your Dreams program.
(www.jimthomsonsdreams.com)
“Jim Thomson saved our daughter’s
life through his caring, support and
the encouragement he offered her to
help her turn her life around,” states a
thankful mother. “We will never be able
to thank him enough. We got our little
girl back.”
When he is not volunteering his time
as a hockey coach in Aurora or helping
kids through his Dream Your Dreams
program, he is working as the Hockey
Director of Everest Academy where the
goal is to escalate any player’s hockey
skill while being involved in a seamlessly
blended high-level academic program
of study. www.everestacademies.com.
Look for Coach Thomson in the
2012 hockey season as he coaches the
Aurora Tiger Major Midget A Team to
another successful year!
For more information about
Jim Thomson, please contact him
through his web site at:
www.jimthomsonsdreams.com
hoCKEY
12 ||| Sport In AurorA MAgAzIne
On April 23rd, Sport Aurora
hosted their first Women in
Coaching NCCP course for new
women coaches. The successful day
was lead by a very enthusiastic facilita-
tor, Barbra Cooper, and 15 women were
certified with their NCCP Fundamental
Movement Skills (FMS) workshop.
This FMS workshop is the very first
introductory course taken for any new
coach to start their coaching journey and
is a “grassroots course”. The workshop
explores the fundamentals of everything
we seem to take for granted everyday;
movement. The course is active and a
casual observer would not know that the
participants are hard at work conquering
the basic task of learning the basics of
throwing, jumping, and running.
“The nature of this workshop was so
interesting, there was still a lot to learn
about the fundamentals of movement
and how we apply it to our needs as a
coach” said Laurie Mueller, the Chair of
the Women in Coaching for Sport Aurora.
On June 23rd, Sport Aurora also
hosted the Coaching Association of
Ontario’s very first pilot program,
EMPOWER Plus. Held at one of SA’s
newest sport member organizations,
Evolution Gymnastics, Rod Scott, lead
15 coaches through this pilot workshop.
The feedback from this will be used by
the Coaching Association of Ontario
to further develop a unique course in
ethical decision-making and how to
EMPOWER Ontario coaches on and off
the pitch.
“I believe Sport Aurora is a leader in
Women in Coaching, and I am proud
to be apart of every women’s decision
to take that first step and coach in
this community” said Mr. Scott. “Sport
Aurora has been able to offer NCCP
workshops to these coaches, and it
enables them to grow as a coach and
that is very empowering”, he concluded.
Ms. Mueller plans to take the next
step and offer all Women coaches the
Introduction to Competition Part A, in
October, and hopes to have completed
Sport Aurora’s mandate for the Trillium
Foundation this year.
“The women in Aurora who have
stepped up to learn about coaching are
finding this a fun and rewarding experi-
ence”, she said. “The benefit to Aurora
is clear,” she continued. “More women
coaching means a greater capacity to
deliver sport programs in all sports and
we know that women have that special
ability to motivate and teach.”
For more information about Sport
Aurora, and the Women in Coaching
Program, please be sure to visit the web
site, www.sportaurora.ca and contact
Laurie Mueller, Chair of the Women in
Coaching Program.
Sport AurorA HAS AnotHer Women in CoACHing FirSt!
sPoRt auRoRa
“I believe Sport Aurora
is a leader in Women in
Coaching, and I am proud
to be a part of every
women’s decision to take
that first step and coach
in this community”
Rod Scott, Course Conductor
Sport In AurorA MAgAzIne ||| 13
sPoRt auRoRa
AIDAN Is A member of the AurorA specIAl eAgles golf
Age 14, Grade 8 at
Rogers Public school.
Starting High school at Sir William Mulock
Secondary School in September, 2012.
HObbIES:Newmarket Nighthawks Hockey, Dunks
basketball, Ducks swimming, Special Eagles golf, Classic monster
movies, Mythological creatures and places. Aidan loves to learn about
Myths, Atlantis, Loch Ness Monster, Gods and Goddesses by search-
ing the Internet, books and TV.
NOTAblE FAvOUrITES:• Aidan loves to watch movies with his Mom, Dad and big brother
Liam. He enjoys super hero movies and comic books like Iron Man
and Captain America. He loves to spend time with his cousins when
they visit from England and Nova Scotia.
• This summer he will be a Junior Counselor at Making Small Talk
summer camp.
WHy dO yOU lIKE gOlF?“It’s easy. I like to aim for the hole and ride the cart.”
mArY Is A member of the AurorA specIAl eAgles golf
HObbIES:Mary is involved in a number of sports with
Special Olympics: swimming, softball, golf,
basketball, track and field, soccer. In the
past she also did figure skating and bowl-
ing. She sings in The Voices of Joy Choir
and is a long time volunteer as a Brownie
leader. Recently she started volunteering at Southlake Hospital. Mary
has worked at Sobeys for the past 13 years.
NOTAblE FAvOUrITES:In January Mary joined the ABLE Network. Mary is so grateful for all the
wonderful Special Olympic Ontario Aurora coaches and volunteers who
dedicate so much of themselves to help make life better for her and for
others like her.
WHy dO yOU lIKE gOlF?“I love golfing because it’s a great outdoor activity that allows me to
socialize while playing a sport.”
Golf tournament coordinators Cheryl Duckworth, Deb Finniear and Nicola McGovern would like to extend their thanks to all the supporters and participants of the Inaugural Fundraising Golf Tournament in support of Special Olympics-Aurora. Many thanks go to those who sponsored holes or played in the tournament, or both. There were 53 golfers, 15 hole sponsors and a hole in one spon-sor. The prize donations from our friends and businesses in the community, the purchase of raffle tickets, and a putting competition made the day a great success. Thank you to our volunteers who donated their time to help at the tournament. Finally, thank you to Mike Nisbet at Westview Golf Club, and his staff, for a fabulous day and a tournament which was extremely well run. $6,122 was raised to support Special Olympics Ontario – Aurora Community. This will help fund new sports, support and develop the existing sport clubs, and help send some of our athletes to different levels of competition. Planning for next year’s tournament is underway.
Email: [email protected]
To see what is going on with Special Olympics in the Aurora Community Please visit us at our Special Olympics Aurora website: aurora.specialolympicsontario.ca
“Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt”
AurorA Sport hAll of fAMe ApproACheS the StArtIng lIne
On June 18th in Town Council
Chambers, Sport Aurora thanked
the 15 members of the Aurora
Sport Hall of Fame Organizing Committee
for their contribution to the development
of the Town’s Sport Hall of Fame and
announced the Board of Governors that
will “carry the ball over the finish line” and
re-apply for a Trillium Grant in order to
make the Sport Hall of Fame a reality.
As well, Co-Chair of the Organizing
Committee, Ron Weese also introduced
Scott McRoberts who was hired to help
Sport Aurora build a feasibility plan that
would include the Nomination/Selection/
Induction process as well as a self-
sustaining financial model to ensure the
Hall of would continue to be an important
fixture of sport history in the Town.
Kate Collins, Chair of the Induction
Committee, has already met with her
group and reported that her Committee,
that includes members from the Town,
Sport Aurora, St. Andrew’s College and
local media, has made significant strides.
“Our Committee has begun a review of
best practices of other successful Hall
of Fames elsewhere and will utilize this
information to create an Action Plan for
the next three years.” she said. “We are
moving forward with a timetable that
has our first Induction into the Aurora
Sport Hall of Fame in the Town’s sesqui-
centennial year in 2013, “she concluded.
Chair of the Education Committee,
Kristen Dajia also reported progress.
“Our plans will include looking at ways
to enrich children’s lives through infor-
mative, inspirational, and instrumental
topics. We plan to implement several
initiatives in which athletic accomplish-
ments of our Aurora sport heroes and
history are celebrated and studied while
connecting to the Ontario Curriculum,”
she said after her first meeting with the
Committee. She added, “When children
are exposed to the inspiring stories of
athletes, coaches and volunteers, they
begin to imagine what they can do and
how they too can make a difference and
contribute to their communities.
Chair Ron Weese also reported that
local solicitor Gerry Miller, whose family
is no stranger to sport history in this
Town, has been retained to incorpo-
rate the Aurora Sport Hall of Fame as
a not-for profit corporation and will be
assisting the Board of Governors with
the development of a Constitution that
will guarantee the Hall will be properly
governed and financially stable.
For more information on the Aurora
Sport Hall of Fame or to inquire how
to get involved, please contact the
Program Manager of Sport Aurora at
by calling the Sport Aurora Office at
905-726-4776.
14 ||| Sport In AurorA MAgAzIne
Adult swimmers and triathletes
in York Region will have more
choice about where to swim
this fall as the Aurora Master Ducks
expand swim programs into Bradford
and Stouffville. Where possible, all
three locations will offer something for
everybody:
- fitness
- pre-competitive
- competitive
- triathlon
- stroke improvement
Why is Masters swimming so popular for adults? Masters Swimming is a great
way for adults (starting as young as 18
years) to reduce the stress they have in
their life due to work and other deter-
mining factors. Other benefits include
increased muscle tone, strength and
flexibility. Swimming is a great aero-
bic exercise that gets results, and fast.
Swimming also offers something that
few other sports can: the ability to work
your body without harsh impact to your
skeletal system.
Why is the Master Ducks team so popular? After 15 years of offering qual-
ity coaching to hundreds of swimmers
in the region, the Master Ducks club has
figured out what adults need:
A little motivation, access to a good
facility, quality coaching and FUN.
Master Ducks clubs offer practices
throughout the day starting in the morn-
ing before work hours, during the day,
and in the evening. The Aurora Master
Ducks have a proven track record in
helping swimmers achieve their goals
(lofty or loose) AND they do so for new,
developing and seasoned swimmers.
Don’t be afraid. We have seen ALL
kinds (and some were likely ‘worse’ than
you and probably felt nervous in their
bathing suits too) and you won’t believe
where they are now: training, compet-
ing and LOVING their swimming.
ORIENTATION AND REGISTRATION
NIGHT – find out why so many adults
choose to swim with us!
To learn more about ADULT swim
programs offered by Aurora, Bradford
or Stouffville Master Ducks Swim and
Triathlon clubs, please join us:
Tuesday, September 11th at 7 pm at
Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex
Registration opens mid-August online.
To sign up early and/or for more
information, please go to website:
www.masterducks.ca
sWiMMiNG
MASter DuCkS eXpAnDIng||| by melony teague
ADULT SWIMMING | ALL LEVELSStroke Improvement Triathlon ~ Beginner/ProCompetitive SwimmingFitness Training
Weekends | Weekdays Swim times options: Morning | Noon | Night
905-726-DUCK (3825) | [email protected]
FUN FITNESS FRIENDSHIP
Master Duck Swimmers Taina Sodonis, Alicia Dibben, Elizabeth Moultray and Gillian McDowell
with Masters Coach Nick Rottman
Sport In AurorA MAgAzIne ||| 15
Ducks swimming is on the go at
the Stronach Aurora Recreation
Complex. Swimmers are
working hard in the special summer
camps. Head Coach Sam Montgomery
with over 20 years of international
coaching experience led the camps
assisted by experienced coaches Jim
Talbot and Eric Lane. Swimmers where
exposed to new stroke techniques,
skill development, and had lots of
practice opportunities including stroke
technique, fitness, endurance and sprint
challenges. Training in the summer is
a lot of fun! And it’s a great way to get
a boost on the next season and a great
way to cool off over the hot summer
months. Spaces are still available for
Duck camps during the last two weeks
of August!
Ducks swimmer and Canadian
National Champion, Summer Mortimer
is off to London for the 2012 Paralympic
games with veteran coach, and Ducks
founder, Reg Chappell. The whole team
is cheering for her and it is a great
honor for us to have a swimmer on the
team. Ducks Swimming wishes all of the
Canadian Olympic and Paralympic team
members the best of luck at the games.
The 2012/2013 swimming season
will begin in September with the first
competitions for the Ducks taking place
in October. The team is growing and
future prospects look bright! Ducks
are shaping up nicely and expect to
dominate the chlorinated waters of
Ontario. Building on the momentum of
the very successful 2011/2012 season,
team Ducks are ready to splash!
sWiMMiNG
DuCkS Are “CAmping” At StronACH AurorA reCreAtion Complex!||| by sam montgomery
July 5-8, 2012 The Olympic Pool in Montreal hosted the
Canada Cup and World Challenge. The World Challenge
invited the top Para athletes from Argentina, Germany, Holland,
Hong Kong, Mexico, Spain and the USA, most of who will be
at the Paralympics.
Summer’s event in the World Challenge was the 100 Free where she won Gold.
Fifteen minutes later she stood up to swim the 50 Free in the Canada Cup portion of
the meet. With insufficient recovery time, she was too tired to improve her morning
time and placed 2nd to a German swimmer. Her morning swim of 28.53
was 36/100th of a second slower than her World Record done at the
Olympic Trials. Earlier in the meet she won the Gold in the 100 back
with 1:06.98; 51/100th of a second slower than her World Record.
Coach Reg Chappell is extremely pleased with her performances
as she is still under a reasonable heavy training load.
The Canadian Olympic Team was in attendance at the meet
as they completed their final preparation. They departed for the
Olympic Games immediately following the meet. Also, half of the
Canadian Paralympic Team were in attendance as they prepare for
their final home meet in Winnipeg July 20-22, 2012.
Ducks Swimming would like to congratulate and cheer on Summer
and Reg as they head for the Paralympic Games in London. Opening
Ceremonies are August 29, 2012. Summer will be racing in the 200
Individual Medley; 50 Free; 100 Back and 100 Free.
go teAm cANADA – olYmpIANs AND pArAlYmpIANs!!
Summer mortimer WinS 2 golD AnD 1 Silver AS SHe prepAreS For tHe pArAlympiC gAmeS
16 ||| Sport In AurorA MAgAzIne
SPeCiAL OLYmPiCS
Aurora Special Ducks Cindy, a
Special Ducks athlete, partici-
pated in the Special Olympics
Ontario 2012 Spring Games and came
home with 1 gold and 2 silver medal.
Her team mate, Mary brought home
3 gold, 1 silver, and 1 bronze medal.
Mr. Brown commented that both young
ladies swam very well. Sport Technical
Coordinator, Lloyd Brown who was the
coach at the event said, “It was a great
experience for me and the athletes!”
The 2012 Spring Games were held
from May 31, 2012 to June 13, 2012 in
Kingston, Ontario. The Games included
Power Lifting; Basketball; Swimming;
5-pin bowling; 10-pin bowling and
BOCCE. The event was hosted by
the Ontario Provincial Police and the
Kingston City Police. The Swim portion
of the games was held at the Kingston
Military Community Sports Centre. “I
now realize it is MUCH more than just
the competition,” said Lloyd Brown.
The athletes are part of a team, living
together, eating together and interacting
with one another. They endured early
mornings, being up at 5:30am and long
days, as well as team building experiences
such as laughing, crying and dancing
together. The Special Ducks athletes and
coaches look forward to participating in
the Summer Provincials 2013 which will
be held in York Region. Casey Jacob will
be stepping up as Special Ducks Head
coach this season; she will be replacing
Hillary Richardson who has been Head
Coach to swim team since the Special
Ducks began.
FALL REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
SWIM PRACTICES:
Friday evenings and Sunday mornings
• Competitive
Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex
Friday 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Sunday 9:30am – 10:30am
• Learn-to-Compete (one-on-ones)
Aurora Family Leisure Complex
Friday 7:00pm – 8:00pm
REGISTRATION:
Friday, October 12, 6:30pm
Aurora Family Leisure Complex
(7:00pm – 8:00pm – Learn-to-Compete
swim practice and parent meeting)
FEES:
• 1 swim / week – $50
• 2 swims / week – $75
For more information contact:
Team Manager, Sue Deacon at email:
[email protected] visit:
aurora.specialolympicsontario.ca/contact-us
SpeCIAL oLYMpICS ontArIo-AurorA SWIMMerS CoMpete At 2012 SprIng gAMeS||| By Melony Teague
Special Ducks coaches and volunteers. From Left to
Right: Lloyd Brown; Nicola McGovern; Nancy Shaw;
AJ Kirkpatrick; Jodi Solish and Diana Hristovski.
Cindy at Provincial Swimming
Championships Special Olympics
Opening Ceremonies 2012
Sport In AurorA MAgAzIne ||| 17
Swimming is a sport that is near
and dear to my heart and also
happens to be one of the best
whole body workouts. Competitive or
recreational swimming also tend have a
low rate of injury occurrence compared
to most sports, but when they do occur
then tend to be pretty serious and often
require lengthy rehab. Below you will
find a few pointers taken from my annual
Aurora Ducks Swimming Injury Clinic.
The shoulder as I have mentioned in
previous articles has the greatest range
of motion of any joint in the body. For
swimming this means that the rotator cuff
muscles (especially the external rotators)
must be strong to withstand the repeti-
tive movements one does swimming
laps) which can be strengthened with
weights or rehab tubing/bands. Avoid
sleeping with your arms above your
head which increases strain on your
shoulder joint when you are resting.
Avoid overdoing it with hand-paddles
at the start of the season until you have
increased your strength and endurance.
Due to the whip-kick of breaststroke
swimmers also often get knee pain
which is usually on the inside of the
knee. Strength training is key for the
quadriceps (especially the medial/
inside) and hamstrings to avoid knee
strain and sprains. If you have not done
a lot of whip- kick lately start with a
moderate amount and slowly increase
the meters.
The third most common swimming
injury is lower back pain. Butterfly
and kicking with a flutter board can
often agitate a swimmers lower back
(especially older swimmers). A good
warm-up and core strengthening will
always go a long way to stopping this
before it starts. If you chronically have
low back pain despite doing everything
right the answer is obvious…lay off the
butterfly or flutter boards!
Best of luck with your season and if
you do experience any discomfort get it
checked out ASAP by a healthcare pro-
fessional. The longer you wait the longer
it will take for you to get better!!
Dr. Carey Avery runs St. Andrew’s
Chiropractic and Wellness in Aurora. He
is the team chiropractor/sports injury
consultant for the Aurora Ducks and
Master Ducks swim/triathlon teams.
He also treats several individual high-
performance athletes. Dr. Avery is a
competitive master’s swimmer and a
self-admitted “horrible-but-happy” golfer.
Web: www.standrewschiro.ca
Phone: 905-727-6500
e-mail: [email protected]
Swimming injurieS||| By Dr. Carey Avery, B.Kin., D.C.
18 ||| Sport In AurorA MAgAzIne
Oh to be young again! Youth,
and the embodiment of it,
is viewed as a secret key to
happiness in our society today. It would
be safe to say that the desire to stay
young, be young, and look young is
all-encompassing, and has spanned
throughout generations. There are
songs written about, poems crafted in
its honour; the media is fixated with the
idea of it. The reality of youth today,
however, goes deeper than the hype
surrounding it. Young people in this day
and age are facing more challenges
than ever before, navigating a world
completely different than the ones their
parents inhabited years ago. Despite
this foreboding reality, there is one
consistent truth about what being a
young person entails. It was Aristotle
who said that good habits formed at
youth make all the difference. One of
the most important of these habits is
something quite simple; regular physical
exercise. Health Canada has released a
new study stating that children need at
least 60 minutes of exercise every day.
With summer in full swing, how can kids
get out and be active, while having fun,
and building healthy bodies and minds?
According to rugby coach John
Spicer, of the Aurora Barbarians Rugby
and Football League, one of the best
ways to get children out and about is
to enroll them in the Barb’s U10 or U8
co-ed flag rugby programs. A teacher
by day and rugby coach in his down
time, Spicer and three other coaches
impart fundamental knowledge of the
sport, build a love of the game, and
keep children active during the summer
months by getting them out learning
about and playing rugby.
Spicer’s favourite part of the job?
“I enjoy seeing these kids develop fun-
damental skills that they will use later on
in rugby and during any physical activ-
ity, he says. “It’s like a ‘light bulb effect’
– it’s amazing to watch them grow in
their love of the game,” he concluded.
The best part about seeing the kids
in action with the Barbs is something
that needs to be experienced in order
to be understood. There is more to
these practices, which begin in April
and take place once a week (Thursday
nights) during the summer months,
than rugby – it’s about camaraderie,
about building a love for a game which
Spicer hopes will become as popular
as hockey in Canada. It’s clear from the
excited shouts emanating from the field,
the cooperation of the kids with their
coaches and with each other, and from
their genuine, joyful energy both on and
off the field, that Spicer’s hopes are not
far-fetched.
When asked about his favourite part
of the game, Andrew Scott, a member
of the U10 flag rugby team says, “I’m
eager to be able to start tackling next
year”. A dream many a young rugby
boy shares.
By playing with the Aurora Barbs,
these young children are not only hav-
ing fun – they are building integral life
skills while being active. Isn’t that what
summer is all about?
AurorA BArBs Youth rugBY PrActices ||| By Simone Garcia
rugBY
SPORT IN AURORA MAGAZINE ||| 19
In the past decade, there have been
many studies of the Body-Brain
connection. These studies have shown
a strong correlation between physi-
cal activity and brain function. Exercise
improves internal brain function, increases
the production of neurotransmitters, and
promotes neurogenesis (brain cell growth).
Dr. John Ratey, of Harvard Medical
School, has found that exercise pro-
motes learning in several ways. First
of all, exercise benefi ts several brain
systems, including attention, impulse
control, memory and learning. By
activating the front cortex of the
brain, people that exercise are
sharper, more attentive, less
impulsive and less fi dgety.
They are able to focus more
clearly and for longer peri-
ods of time, and are better able
to sort through and absorb information.
Exercise causes a release of
neurotransmitters, hormones, and
growth factors, all of which improve
brain function and growth . In our ner-
vous systems, neurotransmitters are the
key to transforming a thought into physi-
cal action. The more neurotransmitters
we have the faster the information and
thoughts can travel.
The single best way to promote
neurogenesis, the process of growing
new brain cells, is to exercise. As
neurobiologist Carl Cotman says:
“You’re literally building the structure
of the brain, just by moving your feet.”
By increasing the number of brain cells,
you improve the ability to learn.
According to brain researcher Lana
Whitehead, movement is
the key to early learning. The more
mobile a child is, the more he/she
expands his/her knowledge through
the tactile, vestibular, proprioceptive,
visual and auditory senses. These basic
building blocks prime a child’s nervous
system for higher learning.
Activities that promote spatial
awareness have been shown to improve
memory, cognitive processing, social
interaction, speech and language,
judgement, critical thinking, orga-
nization, attention, focus, and self
control. Some studies report that
good spatial awareness is linked to
artistic ability and success in math.
Others found that defi ciencies in
spatial awareness can impede a child
from achieving academic success.
Experts say that motor planning,
achieved through learning and practic-
ing movement patterns is the bridge
between a child’s motor development
and the intellectual aspects of
brain function.
So, those sports instructors and
coaches are not just teaching your
child physical skills, they are devel-
oping his or her nervous system
and facilitating better learning. Now
that’s a real “head start” in life!!
GYMNASTICS
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY GETS YOU HIGH GRADES!!||| By Sarah Smith, Evolution Gymnastics Aurora
Amanda on the uneven bars
20 ||| Sport In AurorA MAgAzIne
BASeBALL
sPort is A FAmilY Bond!||| By Ron Weese
Nick Skillins is about to embark on a familiar journey. Not actually familiar to him,
because he is about to begin an athletic baseball scholarship at Northwestern
Oklahoma State University, and at 19 years of age, that is a unique thing for any-
one to do. What is familiar is that he is following in some “footsteps” of his father (Eric…
known to his friends as Ric) and two uncles (Gunar and Peter) who have also made the
athletic Scholarship journey; all three playing hockey at Cornell in the early 70’s.
Nick however chose baseball in which
to excel. He started as a youngster in Long
Island, New York and when his family moved
back to Aurora he learned his early baseball
with his Dad as Assistant coach through
the Aurora Jays Organization. He ultimately
played with the Ontario Blue Jays, considered
one of the best elite baseball Clubs in Ontario.
He was then scouted and offered an impres-
sive opportunity to play scholarship ball in
the States. He is described by his coach as
a “strong, defensive outfielder who makes
‘highlight-reel’ catches.” We’ll be following
him as he begins this career down south.
But…back to the point of the article. If you have been a long-time resident of Aurora,
you probably know the Skillins’ family sport pedigree. I was fortunate enough to spend
an hour with Ric Skillins at a local coffee shop and learned about this remarkable family.
I learned about Nick “senior” (Nick’s grandfather) who owned the Aurora Tigers with
a few other partners back in the 70’s. I also learned about young Nick’s grandmother,
Sammy, who was a regular feature in
the box-office at the Aurora Community
Centre rink for 35 years and how she
was honoured for that service at centre-
ice a few years ago for her long-stand-
ing contribution to the Community. The
stories of minor hockey “back in the
day” and the scholarship journey of the
father and uncles were interesting and
thought-provoking.
What was obvious was how sport
is such a powerful family bond. How it
shapes loyalties, friendships and even
careers. Sport is often the force that
brings people together and becomes
the glue that binds them.
VOLLEYBALL
Storm League ages 3-17
Ages 3-14; Skill Development & Game Play, Levels 1 & 2.
Ages 11-17; “Select” Teams. Rep-like practices including Games and Tournament play.
Visit our website for more Info about these programs. Storm League is “Powered by”
www.stormvolleyball.ca email: [email protected]
Competitive (Rep) ages 11-18
Tryouts start the week of Sept. 9th.
Visit our website for more Information.
Providing Opportunities for Indoor & Beach www.stormvolleyball.ca
Ontario Champions
Register Online by credit card at
Strength Teamwork Opportunity Results Memories
Storm Volleyball is recognized as one of the most respected and successful volleyball clubs in Ontario.
Sport In AurorA MAgAzIne ||| 21
SAC VARSITY
After nine years away,
Paul Bedard returns
to St. Andrew’s
College in September as
Director of Athletics. He will
also be teaching French and
is looking forward to walking
the halls of SAC once again.
“I’m looking forward to
becoming reacquainted with
many friends on staff and
getting to know the people
I’ve only just met,” says Paul.
Paul graduated from SAC
in 1979 and then went on
to post-secondary educa-
tion at Bishop’s University in
Quebec. He taught at Ridley
College in St. Catharines
where he also coached hock-
ey, tennis and soccer. From
1996-2000 he was Director
of Athletics at St. Andrew’s,
and Housemaster of Sifton
House from 1997-2003.
When asked why he
decided to come back to
St. Andrew’s, Paul men-
tions being impressed
by Headmaster Kevin
McHenry and the leadership
team.“The School is in excel-
lent hands and that certainly
influenced my decision to
return. It doesn’t hurt having
Mike Sifton, a friend and
classmate, as Chairman of
the Board,” he adds.
“The St. Andrew’s com-
munity is extremely happy to
welcome Paul back home,”
says Headmaster McHenry,
who describes Paul as a
“multi-talented individual
who is an outstanding
teacher, coach and person.”
For the past nine years,
Paul has been Athletic
Director at Villanova
College in King City, an
independent co-ed day
school. His experience will
allow him to lead the ath-
letic program at SAC, where
last season St. Andrew’s
sports teams achieved 16
Division 1 championships,
16 second-place finishes,
and 7 third-place finishes.
Although Paul knows his
way around campus, there
have been some changes in
his absence. Most notable is
the spectacular new athletic
facilities that opened this
spring. The Yuill Family
Athletic Complex is among
the best high school sports
facilities in the country,
boasting a synthetic turf
field for football, soccer
and lacrosse; track and field
facilities; and a baseball dia-
mond and batting cages.
St. Andrew’s College
is considered amongst
Canadian independent
schools as having the top
athletic program in the
country,” states Michael
Roy, Director of Admission,
Marketing and Business
Development. At SAC,
every student participates
in sports and this year there
will be 62 representative
teams across 22 sports.
So what did Paul miss
most about SAC? “I missed
the teachers and staff who
are so obviously proud of
the School, and being
neighbours with and
working alongside great
educators like the Perriers,
Foys, and Shrimptons” he
said immediately.
“In life, it’s in your
relationships that you
will define success,”
reflects Paul. “Sport is
a wonderful vehicle to
develop the characteristics
that are going to make
you successful.”
Paul’s connection to
SAC is a family tradition.
His father, Bob Bedard, was
Headmaster of St. Andrew’s
College from 1981 to 1997,
and his three brothers are
SAC alumni: Mark, class of
1977; Peter, class of 1983; and
Michael, class of 1981.
Paul Bedard returns to st. andrew’s College as direCtor of athletiCs||| By Lorne Chase ||| Photo By Cindy Veitch
“In life, it’s in your relationships that you will define success,” reflects Paul.
“Sport is a wonderful vehicle to develop the characteristics that are going to
make you successful.”
22 ||| Sport In AurorA MAgAzIne
CYCLING
For Tom Zielinski, owner of Bike Sports in Newmarket
and Aurora, cycling is not about the wheels, it is about
the passion.
Of course he makes his living selling, repairing and tuning
bicycles of all types as well as all the high and low-tech
accessories the modern cyclist needs to enjoy the sport,
but the history he has with the sport and the passion he
lives for the cycle is what defi nes him.
If you take the time to learn about this remarkable man you
will hear about him starting to cycle almost before he could
walk in his birth-country, Poland. You would learn about his
development as a world-class cyclist in Poland and his defec-
tion prior to his participation in the ’84 Olympics. You’d hear
about the fear and anxiety of the journey to a new country
with his wife and cycling partner, Penny with only a few dollars
in his pocket. You’d feel the pride about how he began a new
life in Canada and how his janitorial job at a local high-school
ultimately led him back to the sport by fi xing kids bikes, teach-
ing them the fi ner points of cycling and then doing the same
with their teachers.
Now his life is about “loving what you do and doing what
you love”.
What does he love? He loves cycling. What does he do?
He brings cycling to everyone he can.
The Greenbelt Ride is just one way he helps people enjoy
the sport. It started as a customer appreciation day and has
grown into a weekly ride that attracts as many as 32 people
out of the Aurora and Newmarket locations. Sometimes the
Rides are merged. Covering 60-75 Km in a two-hour ride,
the day is primarily a social event where they ride to a local
Community, have a coffee and ride back.
“The intent is not to make competitors out of people but
rather to teach people how to enjoy cycling, teach them some
technique and ensure they ride safely,” he said. “The objective
is to pass on the love of the sport” he explained.
The fact that his original store in Newmarket has been
duplicated in Aurora, his Greenbelt Ride has grown and he
now has a loyal customer base is evidence that his passion
is indeed spreading.
Anyone who wants to join the Greenbelt Ride is asked to
contact either the Aurora (905)-727-6330 or Newmarket
(905) 953-1609 Bike Sport Stores, or for more information
visit www.bikesports.ca.
TWO WHEELSand Passion! ||| By Ron Weese ||| Photo by Normand Gagnon
24 ||| Sport In AurorA MAgAzIne
YOUR SON IS READY. ARE YOU?
SAC is an all-boys school offering boarding and day, grades 5–12. To learn more, contact our Admission Office at 905.727.3178.
www.sac.on.ca
At St. Andrew’s College your son will find endless inspiration. He will benefit from small class sizes, participate in competitive sports and discover art, drama and music. He will share in that experience alongside 600 like-minded students from across Canada and around the globe. At SAC your son will be celebrated for being the boy that he is. Now are you ready?
Introducing Grade 5 – September 2012. Offer him an education that you’ll both love.
Publication Sport in Aurora Insertion Date Size 7.375” w x 9.625” hInk CMYKMisc. If possible, place ad in upper, outside, right-hand page
Client St. Andrew’s CollegeProject Name Grade 5 Introduction Ad
Client Contact Kim Sillcox St. Andrew’s College 905 727 3178 x232Pub. Contact Laurie Mueller [email protected] 905 713 5027
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