BOREALIS SYNCHRONIZED SKATING TEAM – THE SYNCHRO TEAM TO WATCH! PG.4
YASC LAUNCHES INCLUSIVE ADAPTED PROGRAM PG.6
MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS EARN CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR PICKERING COLLEGE PG.14
PLUS
CDS ATHLETES IGNITE WINTER SEASON WITH PASSION
AND TRIUMPH
LOCAL RECOGNITION
Athletes to Compete in Ontario Special Olympics
Provincial Summer Games
CELEBRATING THEM Spotlight on Christina Skikos AND MUCH MORE !
DISCOVER
THE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
Every child has a future waiting to emerge. A passion ready to ignite. We offer the possibilities that make it happen. A place where they are known, supported and inspired. Soccer cleats, theatrical costumes, or robotics code? A goal, a song, or a speech? With us, students discover themselves. They find big, dreamy answers to the most important question of all:
WHO WILL YOU BE?
cds.on.ca/whowillyoube
BOREALIS SYNCHRONIZED SKATING TEAM – THE SYNCHRO TEAM TO WATCH!
The Aurora Skating Club established the BOREALIS Synchro Team in 2018 to allow skaters to do everything they love about figure skating in a team environment. Synchronized skating is a specialized discipline involving 8 or more skaters performing as one unit and executing skating skills in unison.
The 2024-2025 season has been a great example of what dedication and persistence can accomplish. Under the coaching style of Laura Lourenco, 4-time Nexxice Canadian medalist, the team improved progressively over six months! The BOREALIS Team consisted of 9 skaters committed to strengthening and improving their skating skills. They practiced weekly with both their STARSkate coaches as well as with their Synchro coach. Armed with the theme of “Spies” they were ready to accept their mission as they prepared to compete in three Skate Canada Synchro Series competitions, STAR 4: O12 division.
In December, BOREALIS entered their first competition in Woodstock and came 3rd. Off to a great start, the team’s confidence was building as they trained hard for their next two competitions. In January BOREALIS competed in Baltimore and were thrilled to come 2nd. Training for their third and final competition BOREALIS coach Laura stated, “I’m so proud of how hard these skaters have worked, we have a very good chance of placing first!”.
In February, the Team felt positive going into their final competition in Oakville and were successful in capturing GOLD! This BOREALIS Team is a testament to how working together and training hard builds a cohesive and talented team!
The Aurora Skating Club is extremely proud of BOREALIS and is now the ‘Synchro Team to Watch’ in 2025-2026!
For more information on BOREALIS Synchro please go to www.auroraskatingclub.com
March/April 2025
VOLUME 15, ISSUE 2
PUBLISHER
Insport Media & Publications Inc.
EDITOR
Ron Weese – Sport Aurora E-mail editor@sportinaurora.com
DIRECTOR OF SALES
Laurie Mueller
Phone 905.713.5027
E-mail insportmedia@rogers.com
ART DIRECTOR | GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Christian Baird
E-mail christian.jp.baird@gmail.com
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTION
Sport Aurora Members Ron Weese Khalil Ajram Aurora Skating Club
Dan Banks Elizabeth Keith
Alfred Lee St. Andrew’s College St. Anne’s School Abby Witten
CONTACT US
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EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS Submissions are welcome 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 submissions may not be used. We may edit, publish, reproduce, distribute and archive submissions in any form or medium without any compensation. We are not responsible for lost or damaged submissions. Contents copyrighted. All rights reserved. Reproduction or transmission of any article, photograph or artwork in any form or by any means without permission from the publisher is prohibited. Sport in Aurora Magazine is published six times a year. For detailed circulation information, contact Insport Media & Publications Inc. Insport Media & Publications Inc. is committed to protecting your privacy as our customer. We may 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, contributors 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
\\\ Story and Photos courtesy of the Aurora Skating Club
elcome to the latest edition of Sport in Aurora Magazine — the ONLY local amateur sports publication where stories come alive and every page offers a journey through Aurora’s vibrant sports landscape.
In this issue, we explore a wide range of topics, from school sports to local sports organizations, offering insights into the state of athletics and physical activity in Aurora.
Our cover story this month highlights the winter successes of The Country Day School, which continues to achieve outstanding results. You’ll find the full story on page 6, accompanied by a photo gallery showcasing their accomplishments.
We also feature contributions from our two regular school partners: St. Andrew’s College and Pickering College, featured on pages 12 to 14. School sports are thriving, and these institutions excel at integrating athletics into everyday student life.
Our local sports organizations continue to shine. This issue features the Aurora Barbarians Rugby Football Club (ABRFC), proudly showcasing their Junior Programs, which are gaining recognition across the province. The ABRFC has a long-standing tradition of high-level play, with members advancing to collegiate and university teams, and even representing Canada in international events. It all begins with the Junior Program — and the future looks bright.
The Aurora Skating Club returns to Sport in Aurora on page 4 with a story on the Borealis Synchro Team, whose determination and teamwork are propelling them to the top of their sport.
On pages 8 and 9, we bring you two inspiring stories: one from the York Artistic Swimming Club, and another from Special Olympics Aurora. Both celebrate the dedication and achievements of their talented athletes.
As always, we remain committed to delivering local content driven by coaches, parents, athletes, and the organizations themselves. We hope these stories bring the human side of sport participation to life and deepen your appreciation for our local sports community. Thank you for supporting local sports — whether as a family member, sponsor, spectator, or volunteer.
Happy reading! May this issue inspire you — and I hope to see you on the sidelines, in the stands, and throughout our town’s rinks, pools, and gymnasiums.
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
COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL ATHLETES IGNITE WINTER SEASON WITH PASSION AND TRIUMPH
\\\
During the first week of March, Junior, Middle and Senior School students at The Country Day School gathered to celebrate the achievements of our athletes. The assemblies were a wonderful opportunity to recognize the dedication, perseverance, and sportsmanship displayed by our student-athletes throughout the winter term.
Coaches and teams took the stage to highlight the successes of their players, sharing memorable moments from games and tournaments. Whether it was hard-fought victories, personal bests, or the teamwork that defined the season, each athlete’s contributions were acknowledged and applauded.
Story by Abby Witten, Country Day School \\\ Photos courtesy of Country Day School
Special awards were presented to individuals who demonstrated outstanding commitment, leadership, and skill in their respective sports for our U13 to Senior athletes. From basketball and hockey to skiing and snowboarding, volleyball to indoor track and field, our students showcased their passion and determination, making this winter season one to remember.
CDS WINTER TERM SPORTS CISAA RECAP
Our student athletes played their hearts out this winter term and yielded some exciting results. Here are the highlights from last month’s CISAA finals:
• Sr. Girls’ Volleyball defeated Lakefield College School, 3-2, to capture the Gold medal for the second year in a row!
• U14 Girls’ Volleyball defeated St. Anne’s School to capture Gold.
• U13 Girls’ Volleyball lost in the finals to St. Anne’s School to capture Silver.
• Sr. Boys’ Hockey lost in the finals to Villanova College, in a hardfought final game capturing a Silver medal.
• Sr. Girls’ Hockey won the semifinals against Greenwood College in double overtime, 6-5, before losing to Havergal College, 6-5, in the finals and capturing a Silver medal.
• Sr. Boys’ Basketball lost to Crestwood College in the semifinals.
• U16 Boys’ Basketball lost to Bayview Glen in the semifinals.
• U14 Boys’ Basketball lost to The York School in the semifinals.
• U13 Boys’ Basketball lost to Holy Trinity School in the semifinals.
Snowboard OFSAA results: Seher Bagga ‘25 (of Aurora) qualified for OFSAA and represented CDS at CISAA in Snowboarding in her final year.
The celebration concluded with cheers and encouragement for the upcoming spring sports season, inspiring all students to continue striving for excellence both on and off the field. Congratulations to all our winter term athletes—we are proud of your accomplishments!
YORK ARTISTIC SWIMMING CLUB LAUNCHES INCLUSIVE ADAPTED PROGRAM
York Artistic Swimming Club (YASC) is excited to introduce our new Adapted Artistic Swimming Program, designed to make artistic swimming accessible to everyone, no matter their abilities.
As a community-focused, not-for-profit organization, York Artistic Swimming has always been committed to fostering inclusivity and creating a supportive environment where everyone can enjoy the sport. Our new program aims to provide a welcoming space where participants can build confidence, develop skills, and express themselves through the art of swimming. With tailored coaching and small group sessions, the adapted program ensures that each swimmer’s unique needs are met, whether they are just starting out or have previous swimming experience. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the joy and creativity of artistic swimming.
SPOTLIGHT ON CHRISTINA SKIKOS
Christina Skikos is one of York Artistic Swimming Club’s most inspiring athletes. Christina has shown incredible dedication, skill, and grace in the pool, becoming a true role model for others in our Adapted Artistic Swimming Program.
Christina began her journey with a love for swimming and movement, which she channeled into artistic swimming. In 2024, Christina competed at the Ontario Championships, earning a gold medal in her Adapted Solo in the Adapted-C3 category. Her performance impressed judges and spectators alike, who praised her for her artistry and technical precision.
Christina has continued to make waves at various provincial events, consistently earning top scores for both creativity and technique. One of her standout moments was performing a routine inspired by the seasons, which captivated audiences with its fluid choreography and emotional impact. She had the honour this past summer to be a part of Ontario Artistic Swimming’s first Adapted Team, historically representing the Province of Ontario at SYNC 2024.
Looking ahead to 2025, Christina will compete on the National stage in Victoria, BC and Markham, ON. She will also compete as a part of York Artistic Swimming Club’s first-ever Mixed Ability Team. This marks an exciting step forward, showcasing her growth and passion for the sport, as well as her determination to inspire others.
When asked about her journey, Christina shared, “I’ve always felt most comfortable and free in the water. Artistic swimming allows me to combine my love for swimming with creativity, which I truly enjoy. Winning gold in my Solo was a special moment because it reflected how much I’ve improved and how far I’ve come.”
Christina’s mother, Lisa Skikos, also highlighted the importance of teamwork: “The support from coaches and her teammates is incredible. They push each other to improve and every achievement, big or small, feels like a win. Artistic swimming is truly a team effort, and that’s what makes it so rewarding for everyone.”
SUCCESS AT YORK ARTISTIC SWIMMING CLUB YORK
Artistic Swimming Club has made great strides both locally and on the national stage. In 2024, our Youth Team secured a top 10 spot at the national level—a remarkable achievement reflecting the hard work and talent of our young athletes. Additionally, York’s Junior and Senior teams are preparing for their first-ever season at the national level in 2025, which is a major milestone for the club. These teams will complete at this level for the first time, showcasing our growth and dedication to excellence.
This success is a testament to the commitment of our swimmers and coaches, as YORK continues to raise the bar in artistic swimming across Ontario and Canada
JOIN US!
We invite families and individuals interested in learning more about our Adapted Artistic Swimming Program to visit www. yorkartisticswimming.com. Together, we can create an inclusive and empowering space for everyone to enjoy artistic swimming! For more information, please reach out to inquiry@yorksynchro.com.
\\\ Story by Alfred Lee, V.P. of Communications, York Artistic Swimming Club \\\ Photos courtesy of York Artistic Swimming Club
From left to right:
Selina Lee - Head Coach, Christina Skikos
From left to right: (Mixed Ability Team Wins 1st Place in Victoria, BC) Back: Muxiao Li, Aratta Gragossian, Lucy Park, Ella Brinder Front: Claire Liu, Madeleine Slama, Christina Skikos, Amanda Gallese
LOCAL ATHLETES TO COMPETE IN ONTARIO SPECIAL OLYMPICS PROVINCIAL SUMMER GAMES
Over 750 athletes from across Ontario will compete in five sports: athletics, bocce, soccer and softball at the 2025 Special Olympics Ontario Provincial Summer Games in July. The Games are presented by the Wayne Gretzky Foundation and hosted by the Brantford Police Service in partnership with Six Nations Police and the Ontario Provincial Police. They will take place in Brantford, Ontario and will showcase and celebrate the outstanding abilities of athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Two local athletes will be representing Special Olympics Aurora at this year’s games. Greg Theriault and Victor Dudulski will compete in bocce, a sport they have been participating in since its inception with Special Olympics Aurora in 2015.
Both athletes are extremely proud of being selected for the Provincial Games and are looking forward to a strong performance that will allow them to advance to the Special Olympics World Games in Santiago, Chile in 2027.
Greg and Victor unanimously agree that what they enjoy most about playing bocce is honing their skills and interacting with their fellow teammates and friends.
Victor’s other interests include spending time outside and going for walks in his neighbourhood. He is extremely grateful for the support he has received from his sister Helen and his roommate Gary.
Outside of bocce, Greg enjoys playing floor hockey and soccer. Having participated in multiple sports, Greg recognizes that it is difficult for Special Olympics Aurora to find and secure appropriate training facilities for the different sports and he has become an active advocate for Special Olympics in the community. Greg is very thankful for his wife, family and friends.
Special Olympics Aurora is always looking for volunteers to assist with coaching and other roles and there is no minimum commitment level. Individuals who are interested in learning more about volunteering can reach out to aurora.volunteer.coordinator@ specialolympicsontario.ca
For more information on Special Olympics Ontario Aurora, please contact aurora.sport.technical.coordinator@specialolympicsontario.ca https://aurora.specialolympicsontario.ca
\\\ Story and Photos courtesy of Dan Banks - Special Olympics Aurora Sports Coordinator & Coach for basketball & softball
ALL FOUR BARBARIANS JUNIOR PROGRAMS INVITED TO ONTARIO’S TOP DIVISION IN 2025 SEASON
The Aurora Barbarians Junior Programs (Under 16 Boys/Girls and Under-18 Boys/Girls) have all been invited into the newly formed “Rugby Ontario Cup Championship” Division for 2025.
To improve development and competition, Rugby Ontario has created 4 Regions with 4 teams in each division in 2025. The Barbarians finished runners-up in the Under-16 Girls/ Under-18 Girls and placed third in the Under-16 Boys division, earning automatic invitation into the Top Division. The Under-18 Boys finished 2nd in Central Ontario last summer, having lost the division finals to Georgian Bay who went on to be runners-up in Ontario.
With the invitation into the Rugby Ontario Cup Championship Division, all four junior programs will join the Senior Men, playing in the Ontario Marshall Division and the Senior Women who play in the Ontario Women League. This will make the Barbarians one of only two clubs in the province with all their teams playing in the Ontario Top Divisions.
The club will begin their 2025 campaign with the Senior Men hosting Oakville on Saturday, May 10 with games at 12:30, 2 pm and 3:30 pm at Sheppard’s Bush and the Senior Women on the road at Scarborough. The Under-18’s first game will be on Wednesday, June 11 and the Under-16s on Saturday, June 14.
The club will be hosting their annual minor festival on Sunday, June 1 for their Under- 6/8/10/12/14 programs; hosting teams from across Central Ontario at Sheppard’s Bush in the morning.
Be sure to stay up to date: www.facebook.com/aurorabarbs or www.abrfc.ca
\\\ Story and photos courtesy of Khalil Ajram, Aurora Barbarians Rugby Football Club
ST. ANDREW’S COLLEGE AND ST. ANNE’S SWIM TEAMS EXCEL AT OFSAA CHAMPIONSHIPS
The St. Andrew’s College Sr. Swim Team are OFSAA champions, securing the title with an electrifying performance at the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre in front of a large crowd.
From the opening races, SAC swimmers set the tone for what would become a championship-winning effort. Nixon Ball delivered standout individual performances, placing 2nd in the 50m fly and 3rd in the 50m free, both personal best times. Meanwhile, Leo McConnell, originally seeded 50th, stunned the competition by shaving four seconds off his 100m breaststroke time and finishing 25th—earning crucial points for the team.
\\\ Story and Photos courtesy of St. Andrew’s College and St. Anne’s School.
Zimo Yang had a sensational swim in the 100m breaststroke, improving his time by six seconds and leaping from 19th seed to a 4th-place finish. Jerry Xiao entered the B final for the 100m backstroke as the 18th seed and finished 2nd in the B final, securing 12th place. On day two, he entered the B final for the 100 IM as the 15th seed and won it outright, securing 11th place. His consistency added invaluable points to the team’s tally.
Charlie Williams delivered one of the most dramatic moments of the championship. Originally placing 2nd in the 100m free final, a re-race was called, and with an astounding effort—having already competed in both the 100m free and the free relay within the previous hour— Charlie clocked in a full second faster to capture OFSAA gold. He also finished 4th in the 50m free.
The championship came down to the final day, and Jerry and Charlie needed to win their heats in the finals for SAC to claim victory—and they did just that, securing the points required to outpace Georgetown.
The relay teams also played a crucial role in SAC’s triumph. The free relay team of Brandon Chow, Nelson Yang, Zimo Yang, and Charlie Williams delivered a stellar performance, setting a personal best and earning a silver medal. The junior relay team of Lucas Cai, Anthony Chen, William Taucar, and Owen Ramon, initially seeded 18th, shattered expectations by placing 11th after a personal best swim under two minutes and a B final victory. The open relay team—comprising Alvin Shi (Grade 10), Sean Ding (Grade 9), Brenton Semeniuk (Grade 9), and Collin Shi (Grade 10)— held their own against older competition and finished 24th.
Owen Ramon added to SAC’s gold medal count with an impressive swim in the 50m backstroke, claiming first place, and also finished 8th in the 50m fly with a personal best.
When the final tally was announced, St. Andrew’s College emerged victorious by just two points—SAC with 349, Georgetown with 347. Every swim, every personal best, and every point earned contributed to this championship win, solidifying the SAC First Swim Team’s place in OFSAA history.
St. Anne’s School also made waves at OFSAA, with their Open Girls category delivering a spectacular performance. In just their second year of competing, the team finished 1st overall on day one of the championships, earning several podium finishes! O. Okeke secured a silver medal in the 200m medley relay and a bronze in the 100m breaststroke. C. Thorne placed 6th in the 200m freestyle, earned silver in the 200m medley relay, and finished 9th in the 50m freestyle. M. Collins and B. Iacoucci also contributed to the team’s success, each earning silver as part of the 200m medley relay team. Their incredible efforts underscored a successful showing for St. Anne’s at the provincial level.
MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS EARN CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR PICKERING COLLEGE
Pickering College’s U14 teams ended the winter season by winning two championships in just one day.
On Tuesday, February 25, the U14 Girls’ Volleyball team hosted the finals at home and went on to win the championship in just two sets against Hawthorn School. This marked the end of an undefeated season for the team.
“I am so proud of these girls. They are a talented group of athletes who came together and found a way to become a winning team. Seeing their hard work pay off with a championship gold medal was truly special,” said Renee Merrick, one of the coaches for the team. That same day, the U14 Boys’ Basketball team won their finals in an away game against Lauremont School, marking the first time that team has ever won a championship at Pickering College.
“I witnessed firsthand the pure joy and excitement of the boys as they stormed onto the court when the final bucket was made. It gives me chills to even think about it,” coach Jay Fletcher said. “It was the perfect culmination of everything the boys set out to accomplish at the beginning of this season. Every ounce of hard work, every sacrifice, every extra hour spent practicing led up to that moment.”
The score was tied in the last quarter of the finals and with seconds to spare, Grade 7 student Aly Jindani got the ball off a rebound and made a buzzer-beat shot to win the championship.
“I took a deep breath and tried to stay calm and get a quick bucket. With 0.4 seconds, I released the ball in time for the win,” Aly said. “This was a great game and win, and I was glad I won my first championship with PC.”
That week the Senior Hockey team, made up of Grade 9 to 12 students, also won their championships on home ice against St. John’s-Kilmarnock School. This is the second consecutive year they have won the championship in their division.
\\\ Story by Elizabeth Keith, Pickering College \\\ Photos Courtesy of Pickering College
