Press Release
OTTAWA - Canadian swimming heroes and local swimmers alike will join together this weekend to pay tribute to one of Canada's greatest swimmers, taking part in the Aqua-Mar Victor Davis Memorial Cup, beginning tomorrow in Guelph, Ont.

The event, in its second year, will take place March 31-April 2 at the Victor Davis Memorial Pool, located at the Victoria Road Recreation Centre.

About 360 swimmers aged 7-18 years old will compete, representing 10 clubs from across southern Ontario.

A special autograph session for fans will take place before Sunday's finals, as Canadian swimming celebrities will be on hand to take part in the celebrations.

The list of guests includes Mark Tewksbury, 1988 Olympic silver and 1992 Olympic gold and bronze medallist; Sandy Goss, 1984 and 1988 Olympic silver medallist; Mike West, 1984 Olympic silver and bronze medallist; Mel Davis, Victor's father; and Clifford Barry, Victor's coach. Others expected to attend include 1988 Olympian Vlastimil Cerny and 1992 Olympic bronze medallist Jon Cleveland.

The meet was created last year to raise awareness about the Victor Davis Memorial Fund, started 11 years ago in memory of the legendary swimmer, who died in 1989.

Last year, the event raised a total of $6,725, with more donations after the meet making the total nearly $10,000.

This year's goal of $10,000 has already been smashed, thanks largely to a very substantial contribution. Last week, a stock certificate worth $15,500 pushed this year's donation total to over $24,000.

A plaque hangs on the wall inside the pool building, recognizing all individuals who make contributions to the fund.

Preliminary events for the meet, which has free admission, start at 9:30 a.m. each day, while finals start at 7:30 p.m.

Donations to the Victor Davis Memorial Fund can be made by mail at 351 Auden Rd., Guelph, Ont., N1E 6T2, or by calling Scott Budd at 1-800-786-3780.