Skip to content

Castaway Wanderers chip trees

Sports action rolls right through the holiday season

The Castaway Wanderers invite you to recycle your Christmas tree at Windsor Park Dec. 28 and 29 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with proceeds supporting the local rugby program.

Those wanting to enjoy their tree a little longer can take it to Windsor Park for Castaways’ chipping Jan. 1 to 3, 9 and 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Shake off the turkey and stuffing and head to Oak Bay Rec Centre for the seventh annual Oak Bay Xmas Cup Dec. 26 from 3:15 p.m. to 10:15 p.m.

Proceeds from the seventh annual fun tourney go to the Courtnall Celebrity Classic Society and Archie Courtnall Centre in support of mental health care and services.

Oak Bay Rec Centre welcomes some of the region’s top hockey players for the Midget New Year’s Classic, Dec. 28 to 30. Hosted by the Saanich Minor Hockey Midget Tier 2 and 3 teams – which this year include players from Oak Bay and Victoria as well as Saanich – the annual tourney also plays at Archie Browning and Naden arenas.

Here in Oak Bay, games are scheduled Monday, Dec. 28 at 3:15 p.m., 5:20 p.m. and 7:25 p.m. On Tuesday, Dec. 29, catch the action at 3:15 p.m. and 8 p.m. On Wednesday, Dec. 30, Oak Bay hosts the Tier 3 gold medal game at 5:30 p.m.

Not all the sports action is on the ice. Head into Oak Bay Rec Centre from Dec. 28 to 30 to catch junior tennis players competing in the New Year’s Tennis Classic, hosted by Recreation Oak Bay.

Coming up at the University of Victoria Dec. 31 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. in Victoria.

For Oak Bay runners looking ahead to next year, those eying May’s Oak Bay Half-Marathon, Relay, 10K and Kid’s Fun Run have until Dec. 31 to choose an early registration package that includes a gift. For more information visit oakbayhalf.com.

Registration is also open for all those Oak Bay goddesses planning to lace up for the fifth annual Victoria Goddess Run June 5. This 5K, 10K and previously half-marathon (new for 2016 is a 15K distance) includes not only the races but a full weekend of activities. The early bird registration special price is available until April 15.

Local lacrosse fans take note: Victoria Shamrocks’ season tickets are available at 250-478-7625 weekdays or visit 967 Langford Pkwy. Tuesdays, Thursdays or Fridays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Those renewing season tickets before Thursday, Dec. 31 will be entered to win their 2016 season tickets.

Colin Gall is a local athlete, avid sports fan and Grade 11 student at Mt. Douglas Secondary.

Send your coming sports events to jocktalk@telus.net