Swim Ontario Officials in Luxembourg for EuroMeet

They tell it like it is.

Three individuals are again turning what some interpret as small steps into what many more call big wins.

Simple things to some, are true joy to others – and that includes an elite group of officials at sports events.

Anita Scheffel-Woo, Trevor Cowan and Steve Sachs make up Ontario’s contingent chosen to officiate at the 2026 Euro Meet Racing Tour taking place at the Coque National Aquatic Centre in Kirchberg, Luxembourg.

While competition runs from January 30 to February 1 and features elite international swimmers in a 50-metres Olympic-sized pool, these global events are often a window to future star athletes. Worth noting is that events like this don’t occur without the involvement of volunteers and the expertise of qualified officials.

Athletes tend to always be in the spotlight, but the quest for championship awards always must go through a formalized set of authorities. Their goal is to do everything necessary to make the sport safe, fair and ensure rules are followed.

That involves the Ontario trio of Scheffel-Woo, Cowan and Sachs. The trio each have their Level 5 certification - a special group who have earned the pinnacle of officiating expertise in Canada.

“I’m thrilled to have been chosen,” said Scheffel-Woo, who is a member of the Swim Ontario Officials Committee and is also the Manager of Projects for Swimming Canada. “From an officiating standpoint, this is the biggest opportunity that I’ve had as a swim official.”

Now in her 15th year as an official, and in the elite category, Scheffel-Woo has been at poolside for several Olympic Trials events and as a stroke judge at the World Cup last year in Toronto. In 2025, she was the National Meet Referee for the Speedo Canadian Masters Championships.

Well respected for her skills and competency, accolades continued for Scheffel-Woo. She was appointed, and as the only Ontario referee, to the prestigious list of World Aquatics Technical Officials in 2025.

“Representing Canada is an honor, and in addition to gaining lots of experience, and a huge plus in progressing as an official, doing this requires a commitment, time and a passion for the sport,” said Scheffel-Woo, who is Club Officials Chair at the Oakville Aquatic Club

Her formal education includes degrees from the University of Waterloo, Brock University, teacher certification and many hours in technical training to officiate at swim meets.

“As officials, we always want to do a good job, be recognized for the huge time commitment and be involved in a great experience for so many,” said the Brantford native. “What motivates me, and I am sure many more, is a willingness by people to volunteer and put themselves out to help others.”

Swim Ontario has been involved in what can best be described as an exchange involving officials from other countries. The objective is having an opportunity for officials to benefit from experiences, like the Luxembourg meet, and events in other countries.

For Cowan, it has always been about perseverance, resiliency and charting a path that includes a willingness to take opportunities that life presents, and make things work.

Cowan, also with the upper echelon of officiating, can teach clinics and provide referee assessments for developing officials. His previous major event – the 2025 Canada Games last August in St. John’s, Nfld.

Sachs also has the official certification. A few months ago, he travelled to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, where he added to his credentials and experience - at the World Para Swimming International training session. He also administered the Ontario Open Water championships at Gull Lake in Gravenhurst as well as officiated at the last Canada Games.

David Grossman is a veteran multi award-winning Journalist and Broadcaster with some of Canada’s major media, including the Toronto Star and SPORTSNET 590 THE FAN, and a Public Relations professional for 50+ years in Canadian sports and Government relations.