Spectacular surroundings and warm, crystal-clear water of Ruby Lake had a magnetic draw.
A record attendance of 48 visitors attended the fourth annual Sunshine Coast Summer Classic Water Polo Festival in Ruby Lake on Aug. 15 and 16. Hosted by the Sunshine Coast Sockeye Water Polo Club, volunteers built on the successful recipe of past years by bringing back dozens of athletes from the Lower Mainland for two days of high-paced water polo played in a lake.
Overcast weather conditions and intermittent showers initially put a damper on the spirits of players who arrived for Saturday’s games. But as event coordinator Darren Molder commented, “Rain and clouds were soon forgotten once the athletes jumped in the warm waters (24 degrees C) of Ruby Lake for some high-tempo water polo. Visiting players kept telling me how amazed they were at the clear and warm lake water. It was hard to get them out of the lake at the end of the day.”
With higher numbers of players, the organizers were able to split up players into intermediate and advanced groups so that everyone could enjoy the level of play.
Following a growing tradition for this weekend, a highly anticipated feast of crab and steak was served to all attendees of the event, and Ruby Lake Resort stepped up in fine form to provide accommodations and hosting amenities.
The Summer Classic event is the signature event of the Sunshine Coast Sockeye Water Polo Club. It serves as a fundraiser and promotional vehicle for the club’s youth water polo program, which continues this fall. All proceeds of the weekend are directly channelled towards the purchase of pool time for youth water polo in the upcoming seasons. Adult water polo also continues this fall with regular Tuesday night sessions at Sechelt Aquatic Centre at 8 p.m. New players are always welcomed.
For more information, please contact [email protected].
– Submitted
