Local cyclists are gearing up for Ryder Hesjedal’s Tour de Victoria, Aug. 23. Cyclists can choose from three different levels based on their experience level: a 45-kilometre Challenge route for the beginning cyclist; an 85km Legend route for the cycling enthusiast; and the main event, the Harbour Air Epic, a 140km route for the experienced rider. To register or volunteer, visit www.tourdevictoria.com.
Saanich football players take note: registration is underway for the Greater Victoria Minor Football League, with practices set to begin on Aug. 11. For more information, including information about player draw areas/boundaries for individual teams, visit www.victoriafootball.ca.
For Saanich lacrosse players looking to take the box lacrosse season to the field – or those wanting to try the fast-paced action of field lacrosse – registration is underway for the Pacific Rim Field Lacrosse 2015/16 season. Evaluations begin later this month for players in divisions from U7 through U18. See prfl.pacrimlacrosse.com for more information.
In Victoria and District Cricket League action, the Incogs host Cowichan at St. Michaels University School on Saturday while Oak Bay and the Islanders Cricket Club face off Sunday at Beacon Hill Park. Both games begin at 12:30 p.m.
At the University of Victoria, the Sailors Field Hockey Club continues its summer-long drop-in sessions, welcoming those age 14 or older to come try the sport of field hockey. Drop-in cost is $5 per session for 90 minutes of skills and drills. 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.
Coming up later this month, Victoria will play host to the BC Summer Swimming Association provincial championship, welcoming athletes in water polo, springboard diving, synchronized swimming and speed swimming from Aug. 17 to 23. The tournament will see swimmers from more than 60 clubs around the province competing for their place on the podium at Saanich Commonwealth Place.
Summer seems made for the sport of horseshoes, and every Wednesday, the Victoria Horseshoe Club holds a senior men’s drop in starting at 10 a.m. The regular men’s league competes Tuesday and Thursday beginning at 7 p.m and the ladies’ league meets Wednesdays also at 7 p.m. A junior league for younger people interested in horseshoes meets Mondays at 7 p.m. Learn more at www.gvhpa.org.
Devon Gall is a local athlete, avid sports fan and Mt. Douglas secondary grad.