While the Christmas lights are twinkling throughout Oak Bay, there’s still plenty of sports action around the region.
Oak Bay High is the place for basketball fans this weekend as Oak Bay hosts the annual Gary Taylor Classic, which opened yesterday (Thursday, Dec. 17). Round-robin play opened yesterday (Thursday), after the Oak Bay News went to press, with Oak Bay’s senior squad facing Belmont and the juniors taking on St. Michaels University School. The playoff round begins today (Friday) with the junior finals Saturday at 4:15 p.m. and the senior finals at 6 p.m.
Tonight (Friday, Dec. 18), the community is invited to the tournament’s “feature game” and dedication of the new school gym in honour of the tournament’s namesake, long time Oak Bay coach and Saanich principal, Gary Taylor. The game, which was expected to feature Oak Bay’s senior boys, begins at 7:30 p.m., with the dedication preceding the tip-off.
Oak Bay tennis players take note: Today is the last day to register for the annual New Years Tennis Classic, hosted by Recreation Oak Bay. The the juniors play from Dec. 28 to 30, while the adults take to the court from Jan. 4 to 17. To register and for more details, visit tennis bc.org.
For soccer fans wanting to don the stripes in the new year, Gorge Soccer Association hosts an entry-level referee clinic from Jan. 8 to 10 for anyone over 14 years old. For more information and to register visit bcsoccer.net.
And in U18 Vancouver Island Premier League play, the Bays/PFC team hosts Juan de Fuca this Sunday, Dec. 20. Kickoff is at 10 a.m. at Blue Heron Field 1 on the Peninsula.
Still in need of your holiday tree? Head to the University of Victoria’s Centennial Stadium through Dec. 22, where the Vikes men’s and women’s cross country teams are raising money through their annual Christmas Tree Sale. Sales run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tree chipping will also take place from Jan. 2 to 3 at Centennial Stadium.
Also coming up at UVic is the Runners of Compassion Run Through Time 5K run, 3K walk and 1K kids’ run on New Year’s Eve. Check-in is from 5 to 5:45 p.m. at UVic’s McKinnon building lobby with the race beginning on Ring Road at 6 p.m. Proceeds support Shoes for Youth and YW/MCA Camp Thunderbird. Register online at runnersofcompassion.com or in person at Frontrunners, 1200 Vancouver St. downtown.
Runners wanting a jump-start on the Oak Bay Half-Marathon, Relay, 10K and Kids’ Fun Run have until Dec. 31 for an early registration package that includes a gift with your purchase. The popular local event takes runners all through Oak Bay with all events starting on Oak Bay Avenue. For more information visit oakbayhalf.com.
Colin Gall is a local athlete and Grade 11 student at Mt. Doug Secondary. Email your coming sports events to jocktalk@telus.net