The pool is where the action is this weekend with Saanich playing host to the B.C. Summer Swimming Association provincial championships at Commonwealth Place through Sunday (Aug. 23). Expected to bring 5,000 people into the city, including 1,500 athletes and 200 coaches, swimming events run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday (Aug. 22 and 23).
Classes aren’t yet back in session but the University of Victoria’s fields are already a hive of activity.
Soccer fans will be excited to know that UVic Field 4 is hosting a match between UVic and Kwantlen this Sunday, Aug. 23. The women’s team doesn’t play this weekend but travels to Seattle Monday (Aug. 24) to take on Seattle Pacific.
Also at UVic are the final two weeks of the summer-long drop-in sessions from Sailors Field Hockey Club. Continuing through Aug. 31, the sessions welcome those age 14 or older to come try the sport of field hockey with some of Victoria’s best coaches and players. Drop-in cost is $5 per session for 90 minutes of skills and drills and sessions take place on the UVic turf field Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. For more information, email leeronnie19@gmail.com.
Lacrosse fans have a lot to cheer about as the Victoria Shamrocks face an action-packed weekend. The team travels to the Mainland Friday night to take on the New Westminster Salmonbellies in Game 4 in their best-of-seven Western Lacrosse Association championship. The ‘Rocks were up 2-0 at press time; if needed, Game 5 goes at the Q Centre Sunday night (Aug. 23). See www.victoriashamrocks.com for all the details.
Need a hockey fix? The Victoria Royals’ draft camp begins Tuesday, Aug. 25 at the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre, where local supporters can check out the next crop of Western Hockey League hopefuls as they wait for the season to start.
Saanich cyclists are looking forward to Ryder Hesjedal’s Tour de Victoria this Sunday, with a large portion of the route winding through Cadboro Bay, Gordon Head, Mt. Douglas Park and Cordova Bay as it makes its way to the Peninsula. To register, volunteer, or for any additional information visit www.tourdevictoria.com.
Registration continues for Saanich field lacrosse players, with Pacific Rim Lacrosse assessments starting Aug. 31 for U7 through U18 age groups. A Pac Rim Fun Camp for all U7 and U9 players is scheduled for this Sunday, (Aug. 23) from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Royal Oak Middle School – see http://prfl.pacrimlacrosse.com for more details – and mark your calendar for the welcome back barbecue Sept. 13.
Interested in becoming a soccer referee? There’s no better time than now. The Vancouver Island Soccer League is looking for referees at entry level 11-a-side soccer. Upon completion of the clinic you’ll be classified as a youth referee (14 or 15 years old) or a district referee (16 years old or older). You can attend the clinic at Braefoot Park Aug. 28 to 30. To register, visit www.bcsoccer.net/referee-clinics.
Devon Gall is a local athlete, avid sports fan and Mt. Doug Secondary grad. Email your sports events to jocktalk@telus.net.