In Memoriam: Rafael Polinario

We are sad to inform the Swim Ontario community that Rafael Polinario, former longtime coach of the Variety Village Aquatic Club, has passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Rafael was a former competitive swimmer in Cuba, competing in the 1982 Pan Am Games and the 1980 Olympics where he finished 11th in the 100 Free.  After his swimming crareer, he traveled to Hungary to completed his Masters degree and then came to Canada, landing in Gander, Newfoundland, seeking political asylum.

Once moving to Toronto, Raf began coaching for the Variety Village Aquatic Club where he coached swimmers to four Canadian Paralympic teams from 1992-2008, including his daughter Anne Polinario and Elisabeth Walker.  He took a step back from coaching after 2008, taking on the position of Director of Teams and Team Events at Variety Village.

Our condolences are with his family and friends, as well as everyone in the Variety Village community, during this time.

Tuesday March 14th
Mount Pleasant Funeral Centre
375 Mount Pleasant
Visitation 5pm
Service 6pm
Reception 7-9pm