Adult Devilray swimmers training in Spain in a 50 metre pool - something Burlington should be planning for

By Pepper Parr

March 12th, 2026

BURLINGTON, ON

OPINION

Head Coach Sergei Soloukhin

Burlington Aquatic Devilrays Swim Club Swimming Director and Head Coach Sergei Soloukhin is on his way to Barcewlona, Spain for a Spring Training Camp with my Senior Group.  They will be with six clubs from Ontario with swimmers from provincial qualifiers in high-performance events. They will be training together, getting ready for Long Course Season.

The pool the Adult swimmers will use for training in Barcelona is what Burlington should be planning for.

The Devilrays adult program is in great shape.

The Youth Clubs took a serious hit when the City Auditor chose to take a very technical approach to the report he prepared for Council that spelled the end of opportunities for the Youth groups to get needed pool time.

Council member, Mayor Meed Ward, Councillors Galbraith, Nisan, Solte, Sharman and Bentivegna were mute when the matter came to Council on Tuesday.  They chose to believe that GHAC was a Burlington not-for-profit and awarded them a four year contract.  GHAC has never been a Burlington organization.  They had a Burlington mailing address

The contract GHC signed does have provisions to revise or bring to an end should they choose to do so.

Council members appear to have forgotten who they are representing.

The Devilrays got stiffed by their City Council.

There will come a time when the Devilrays will get the pool time they need in their city.