AURORA BARBARIANS’ ANNUAL MINI YOUTH FESTIVAL GROWS PG.4
SAC AND
ULTIMATE TEAM WIN CISAA CHAMPIONSHIP PG.14
THREE PICKERING COLLEGE STUDENTS BRING HOME BADMINTON GOLD
PLUS LOCAL RECOGNITION
SPORT AURORA CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF SERVICE AND MUCH MORE !
AURORA BARBARIANS’ ANNUAL MINI YOUTH FESTIVAL GROWS
In recent years the Aurora Barbarians Rugby Football Club (‘The Barbs’) has grown the sport of Rugby in many unique and interesting ways; one of them through a Youth Festival that brings hundreds of players, teams and their families to Aurora each spring.
Just under 60 teams from numerous Clubs around the GTA played and enjoyed a breezy day at Sheppard’s Bush and Maximillian Kolbe high-school in Aurora on June 1, 2025. Caledon Cavaliers, Markham Irish, Barrie RC, Toronto Nomads, Oshawa Vikings, Ajax Wanderers, Burlington Centaurs, Toronto City RC, and the host Barbarians suited up. The Barbs themselves fielded nine teams in the two-site tournament. Breezy and cool weather was perfect for this sport tourism event and club tents, parents and sponsors filled the venues and enjoyed what Aurora has to offer outside of the pitches. The Chamber of Commerce street festival coincidently added to the excitement of visiting Aurora.
ABRFC president, Steve Hall, identified the purposes of the festival; one of the premier festivals for the sport, endorsed by Rugby Ontario. “ This festival has grown beyond our expectations”, he explained, “and it shows how the sport is growing, particularly with younger boys and girls who are excited about starting”, he observed. “Rugby is a game for life. I’ve been playing it for 45 years and still have the friends I made through the sport.” he concluded.
The ‘Barbs’ as an organization is no stranger to unique programming and player success. Over the years, they have expanded their player base, provided top-tier coaching, and achieved outstanding results locally, nationally, and internationally.
To follow the Barbs’ teams, engaged in their programs and enjoy the play, visit https://abrfc.ca/
May/June 2025
VOLUME 15, ISSUE 3
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 Dan Banks
Elizabeth Keith Lisa O’Connor
Jim Stewert St. Andrew’s College St. Anne’s School
CONTACT US
Insport Media & Publications
412 McCafferey Road
Newmarket, Ontario L3X 1T5
Phone 905.713.5027
E-mail insportmedia@rogers.com
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 by Jim Stewart, The Auroran and Ron Weese, Sport in Aurora Editor
\\\ Photos courtesy of Sport Aurora and Jim Stewert.
port continues to thrive in Aurora as we present the June issue of Sport in Aurora Magazine for 2025.
We thank our contributors as well as the advertisers and sponsors who make it all possible. Our contributors are committed coaches and sports leaders who volunteer their time to write stories that attract attention.
As the only amateur sport magazine in York Region, we take our job seriously, attempting to find stories that interest our readers. If you have a story to tell about your team, coach, athlete or sports event, let us know!
A unique story on pages 12 and 13 about a co-ed effort at St. Andrew’s College and St. Anne’s School is the first of its kind. It shows how these two ‘brother-sister schools’ come together in sports and demonstrate their combined school spirit.
Country Day School continues its winning ways on the courts, competing in the CISAA qualifiers, with six players advancing to the CISAA Championships. See this story on pages 6 and 7.
Not to be outdone, we see a story on page 14 from Pickering College about three students who ‘served, smashed and rallied’ their way to gold medals at the CISAA Championships.
Local club sport is represented by the Aurora ‘Barbs’. On page 4, we welcome Jim Stewert as a contributor, who visited the Mini-Youth Rugby Festival at Sheppard’s Bush to provide an account of this growing annual event. It is clear that the ‘Barbs’ know how to put on a show and grow a sport. And on pages 10 and 11, we see the fruits of the organization’s development work in a story that identifies the accomplishments of just a few of the outstanding athletes who play on the global stage.
Finally, on pages 8 and 9, we are proud to congratulate Sport Aurora for 20 years of service to the Aurora Community. The Organization brought past and present Board Members to launch this celebration and catch up with the milestones. To learn more about their history you are invited to visit their website at www.sportaurora.ca and read a Report called “Then and Now’
As we head into the summer months, I hope to see you on the fields and beside the pools and in the gyms, because sport never sleeps in Aurora.
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
CDS VARSITY BADMINTON TEAM DELIVERED STANDOUT PERFORMANCES THIS YEAR
The Country Day School’s Varsity Badminton team’s top Boys’ doubles pair, Zhi Wei Zhang ‘25 and Jason Liang ’25, proudly represented CDS at OFSAA May 1st and 2nd. Facing off against a field of formidable opponents, the seasoned duo battled hard and advanced to the second round of the B consolation flight.
Jason’s crafty deceptive drops and Zhi Wei’s explosive jump smashes made for a dynamic combination, showcasing their skill, synergy, and passion for the game. As graduating students, both athletes leave behind a legacy of dedication and excellence. We hope they continue to enjoy the sport in the next chapter of their lives and carry forward the joy badminton brought them at C-DS.
On May 14th, CDS hosted the CISAA Regional Qualifiers, welcoming teams from Bayview Glen, Holy Trinity, Royal St. George’s, Villanova, and The York School. The day was marked not only by impressive athletic talent, but also by a spirit of sportsmanship and mutual respect. Competitors shared tips, encouraged one another and gave their all in a day full of exciting matchups.
\\\ Story and Photos courtesy of Lisa O’Connor Country Day School
The Country Day School’s Senior Badminton Team
The Country Day School’s Varsity Badminton team’s top Boys’ doubles pair, Zhi Wei Zhang ‘25 and Jason Liang ’25, proudly represented CDS at OFSAA and CISAA this spring.
A special congratulations to the athletes who rose to the challenge and earned a spot in CISAA Championship Finals by placing in the top two of their divisions in a tough doubleelimination qualifying tournament:
Zhi Wei Zhang ‘25 – Boys Singles 1 – 1st Place Finish
Jason Liang ‘25 – Boys Singles 2 – 1st Place Finish
Belinda Cheng ‘25 - Girls Singles 2 - 2nd Place Finish
Ethan Su ‘27 (Rookie Year) – Boys Singles 3 – 1st Place Finish
Max Ngo ‘28 and Nick Zheng ‘28 – Boys Doubles 2 – 2nd Place Finish
Their collective efforts propelled the team to the CISAA finals and saw several members achieve high results, a testament to their hard work and dedication!
Zhi Wei Zhang ’25 & Belinda Cheng ’25 finished 4th in Singles respectively
Jason Liang ‘25 & Ethan Su ‘27 finished 5th in Singles respectively
Nick Zheng ‘28 & Max Ngo ‘28 finished 7th in Doubles
Noteworthy mention: this was Ethan Su’s first season playing Badminton! Coaches, plays Soccer and Basketball for CDS.
Coaches, Mr. Collins and Ms. O’Connor were especially proud of the team’s perseverance and progress this season. These athletes showed outstanding growth, resilience, and teamwork throughout the spring term, and we wish our graduating students all the best for next year.
Go Cyclones!
SPORT AURORA CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF SERVICE
On June 4th, Sport Aurora gathered some old and new faces at a launch to recognize 20 years of service to the local sports Community. Board and Committee members were invited to the Microtel Hotel in Aurora to reminisce about the history of the Organization.
The evening was dubbed ‘Then and Now’ to underscore the evolution of the Organization that started in 2005 with 6 local Sport Organizations who wanted to provide advocacy for sport and build a quality sport community through the Mission of:
1. Increasing sport participation,
2. Building capacity in the system through coaching education and facility development,
3. Enhancing integration amongst sport Organizations to improve communication and efficiency, and 4. Celebrating sport success wherever it occurs.
“Sport Aurora’s ‘Pillar’ programs such as the Breakfast of Champions, Sport Volunteer of the Year, Coaches and Athletes of the Year and the All Kids Can Play were born out of that Mission and each continues today as strong as ever”, noted Organization President Ron Weese. He and Executive Director Laurie Mueller were there at the start and remain there today.
\\\ Story and Photos Courtesy of Sport Aurora.
Numerous present Board Members attended as well as representatives from past Boards. Some original sport organization leaders shared their stories and milestones. Past All-Candidate’s Meetings, that elevated sport and physical activity in the Community, Activate Aurora which very nearly made Aurora ‘Canada’s Most Active Community’ through Participaction, and new interesting programs such as the All Sport One Day programs were highlighted.
As one of Ontario’s longest-serving Community Sport Councils, Sport Aurora expressed pride in the accomplishments of all 42 Local Sport Organization Members and thanked all those who made the 20 years of service possible. A number of events and celebrations are planned for 2025 and will be shared with the public throughout the year.
The back row: left to right: Dave Giroux, Doug LeGallais, Alan Dean, Joe Bentolila, Bruce Stafford, Doug Bond, Stephen Forsey, John Reich
Front row seated: Tara J Deriss, Carol Giroux, Ron Weese, Laurie Mueller, Lisa MacDonald
Missing: Karla Lees, Phil Dodgson, Reg Chappell, Mike Sturges, Sandra Manherz, Stephen Kimmerer, Rob Brissenden & Carol Walthers
Sport Aurora’s original logo was designed by Carol Walthers. John Stephenson redesigned our logo 20 years later for our 20th Anniversary. The Board thanks both of them, Then & Now.
\\\ Story and Photos by Khalil Ajram, Aurora Barbarians Rugby Football Club
The Aurora Barbarians Rugby Football Club (ABRFC) have had a storied history of producing countless players to represent Canada on the global stages.
Currently, McKinley Hunt, Claire Gallagher and Tyson Beukeboom just competed for Canada at the PAC4 Competition vs USA, New Zealand and Australia. The trio are on the long list to represent the country at the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England this fall. Andrew Quattrin who is playing professionally in New England, will be in action this July for Canada in three games in Alberta.
They have been the inspiration to the next generation of Barbarian players, who experienced their first taste of international rugby.
• Madi Di Girolamo (University of Guelph) and Guin O’Hara (Queens University) just returned from a two-game series vs. the Irish National Team in Dublin this past May.
• Jordyn Schneppenheim (Queens University) was selected but forced to withdraw due to injury, and Liv Dibua (Queens University) was a non-travel reserve for the squad.
• On the Men’s side, Adam Doane (UVic) is currently on tour in Fiji at the Oceania Rugby Championship with Samoa, Tonga and the host from Fiji. Briar Barron (Queens) was a non-travel reserve for the squad.
Aurora has become a leader in the country for helping prepare players for the global stage. Having great facilities and partnerships in the town is a key reason for the Club and their players’ success.
The Barbarians host home games on Saturday/Sunday at Sheppard’s Bush and Wednesday night at St. Andrews College. Their full club schedule is available at: www.abrfc.ca/calendar
HISTORY MADE; ST. ANDREWS COLLEGE AND ST. ANNE’S SCHOOL ULTIMATE TEAM WIN CISAA CHAMPIONSHIP
This spring, the Jr. Ultimate Frisbee team did more than win the CISAA Championship, they made history. As the first-ever competitive team made up of students from both St. Andrew’s College (SAC) and St. Anne’s School (SAS), the squad not only brought home gold but marked a major milestone in the growing connection between the two schools.
Though SAC has long been a cornerstone of the community, and SAS a new and fast-rising presence, this team brought them together in a way never seen before. While the two schools maintain separate athletic programs, the Jr. Ultimate team is the first and only team to compete as one, with boys from SAC and girls from SAS sharing the field. It’s a shining example of the Partnerhood in action: a spirit of collaboration and unity that continues to evolve.
The season started with a tough loss, but the team quickly found its rhythm, stringing together wins against Lakefield College School, Greenwood, Toronto French School, and others. They finished regular season play with a 5-1 record, earning the second seed heading into the playoffs and turning heads across the league.
\\\ Story and Photos courtesy of St. Andrew’s College and St. Anne’s School.
The semi-final against Lakefield was a tense rematch. With the score tied at 4-4 as the final whistle blew, the game came down to sudden-death overtime. After five pressure-filled minutes, Safeer Ahmad scored the game-winning point off a crisp assist from Arnav Mane, sending the team and the sidelines into a wellearned celebration.
The gold medal match brought even more drama. Facing Crestwood Preparatory College in the wind and rain, the SAS/SAC team fought point-for-point in a game that tested them on every level. Tied 3-3 with a minute remaining, they pulled ahead and held strong with lockdown defence in the final moments. As the final seconds ticked away, they had done it: CISAA Champions.
Standout moments included Bennett Dalton’s clutch defensive saves and a highlight-reel-worthy play from Ahmad, who leapt out of bounds mid-air and, before landing, tossed the disc back into play.
But what made this season special wasn’t just the talent. It was the teamwork and the commitment to building something new and succeeding together. It was a powerful sign of what’s possible when schools don’t just work together but compete together.
THREE PICKERING COLLEGE STUDENTS BRING HOME BADMINTON GOLD
Pickering College students Mary Liu, Tina Wang, and Claire Fang served, smashed, and rallied their way to gold medals in their respective CISAA badminton divisions.
After an undefeated season, Claire represented Pickering College at the U14 Badminton championships in the Singles 1 division. She remained undefeated and brought home a gold medal.
For the Senior Badminton team, Mary and Tina placed first in Girls Doubles 1 at the championships, earning gold.
Both students began playing when they were young and love what the sport has added to their lives.
“What I love most about badminton is the intensity, to feel the sweat, the heat, and the fast heartbeat during a tough match. I also really enjoyed the teamwork, and I’ve made so many great friends through the sport,” Tina said.
They credit their teamwork as a key part of their victory in the championship.
“I feel very lucky to have such a great partner that I can rely on and knew that she will always be at my back, I grew so much from playing toward gold with her, and I’m incredibly thankful for the journey,” Tina said.
“It felt meaningful to end the season on such a strong note. My partner and I have been working hard for this, and it’s been amazing to see how far we’ve come together,” Mary agreed.
Both students also thanked their coaches for guiding them to success this season.
For Tina, who graduated this year, she said winning gold was the perfect end to her high school badminton journey.
\\\ Story by Elizabeth Keith, Pickering College \\\ Photos Courtesy of Pickering College
What sets a Pickering College education apart?
It’s belonging to a warm and welcoming school community that supports your child every step of the way through their academic journey. It’s a place where students are encouraged to discover who they are as individuals, and are guided to identify what they are passionate about so that they can thrive as valuesbased decision makers. It’s developing students into innovative, courageous and compassionate global citizens who go beyond theory and take action to make change. It’s instilling in our students an ability and a responsibility to make a difference in the world and leave the community better than they found it. It’s more than a school – it’s a community. Find your place at PC.
Visit us online to learn more & apply: www.pickeringcollege.on.ca
