Sault Surge to host region’s top swimmers this weekend

The view of a swimming pool from under the water. (Andrei Armiagov/FreePik)

The Sault Surge Aquatic Team is set to welcome the North Eastern Ontario Region’s (NEOR) best swimmers this weekend, Feb. 7-9, at the John Rhodes Community Centre Pool. The 2025 Dave Kensit Memorial Championship meet will feature 250 athletes from 10 clubs across the region, marking an increase from last year’s attendance of just over 200 swimmers.

The Sault Surge will be well-represented and will be competing across all age groups.

“The local Sault Surge Aquatic Team will be represented by 42 athletes with a strong contingent in each age group represented,” the team said in a news release.

“The Surge will also be entering a relay in each relay event.”

Defending champions, the Sudbury Laurentian Swim Club, will return to defend their regional championship banner. They will be joined by clubs from Timmins, North Bay, Kapuskasing, Kirkland Lake, Temiskaming Shores, Valley East, Nickel City, Cochrane, and Sturgeon Falls.

The competition kicks off Friday with a session for swimmers aged 11 and over at 5 p.m.

Racing continues Saturday and Sunday, with preliminaries for swimmers aged 13 and over starting at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday. Finals for those age groups will take place at 6:30 p.m. the same day.

Swimmers aged 12 and under will compete in timed finals beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday.

On Sunday, preliminaries for swimmers 13 and over are scheduled for 8:00 a.m., followed by finals at 12:30 p.m. – timed finals for swimmers aged 12 and under will also begin at 12:30 p.m.

Spectators are encouraged to attend the event at no charge.

“Spectators are welcome free of charge with some great racing expected as swimmers strive for gold, silver, and bronze, as well as the opportunity to qualify for upcoming provincial and national championship meets,” said the Sault Surge Aquatic Team.

The meet will conclude with the presentation of the Dave Kensit Memorial NEOR championship banner to the large and small teams with the most points, awarded based on event placements from first to eighth. Additionally, a Dave Kensit Memorial scholarship will be awarded Sunday to support a NEOR swimmer’s educational and competitive pursuits.

“A Dave Kensit Memorial scholarship intended to assist a worthy NEOR swimmer in the continuation of their educational and competitive endeavours,” the team said.

The event promises to showcase the region’s top swimming talent.