OUR HISTORY
Southern Ontario Twirling Association (SOTA) began in 2018 when spinners from across Southern Ontario united under the direction of Craig Raymond to perform in the 50th Anniversary of the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Parade. The event was such a success that it sparked the idea to form a dedicated spinning group for Pride parades the following summer.
SOTA officially launched in 2019, with Craig Raymond as our fearless leader. That year, we had our biggest turnout in Montreal, where 52 spinners dazzled the crowd and earned us the “Best Choreography” award at the Montreal Pride Parade.
Like many, SOTA took a two-year hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic but returned strong in 2022 and 2023, spinning in parades throughout Southern Ontario, Montreal, and even Puerto Vallarta, Mexico! In 2022, SOTA went viral when a TikTok video of our performance reached 1.8 million views, leading to the creation of our own TikTok account—where our first post skyrocketed to 1.9 million views!
In 2023, just after celebrating his 60th birthday, we suffered the devastating loss of our beloved leader and founder, Craig Raymond. His sudden passing left us heartbroken, but with the support of our core members, an interim board was formed to honor Craig’s legacy. The 2024 season became a heartfelt tribute, with spinners carrying his spirit through celebrations in Puerto Vallarta, Southern Ontario, and Montreal.
Looking ahead, SOTA has officially established a board for 2025 and is ready to continue bringing joy and pageantry to communities across Southern Ontario. With every flag we spin, we celebrate the passion, energy, and love that Craig inspired in us all.
SOTA Spins VIRAL!
Honouring Craig
In Loving Memory of Craig Raymond
Craig Raymond was a driving force behind the founding and success of SOTA, dedicating himself to the organization from its very first season in 2019. In August 2023, just after celebrating his 60th birthday with his beloved SOTA family at the Montreal Pride Parade, Craig passed away unexpectedly upon returning home. His sudden loss left his fellow SOTA members, friends, and family heartbroken.
Craig’s passion for colourguard was undeniable. He marched with the Madison Scouts Drum Corps from 1982 to 1984 and later reunited with the corps to help lead their performance in the 2014 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. His extensive involvement in the activity also included contributions to the Oakland Crusaders, Metropolitans (Montreal, QC), Kiwanis Kavaliers, and Dutch Boy Drum Corps (Kitchener, ON).
Winter guard was where Craig’s artistry truly shined. As both a performer and instructor, he shaped and inspired numerous programs across Canada, including Magestics, Excalibre, Dynasty, Sonnor, Expressions of North Star Sr., Ventures, Legacy, and Magic of Scout House Sr. Guard. His boundless creativity, unwavering support, and ability to bring out the best in every cast member left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of working with him.
SOTA was more than just a group to Craig—it was a way to honor the LGBTQ+ community and celebrate pride. Whether in Puerto Vallarta, Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto, or beyond, SOTA’s vibrant and energetic presence reflected Craig’s vision of inclusivity, unity, and joy. He had an extraordinary ability to bring people together, creating a space where all could share in his love for the activity and the community it fostered.
Craig, from all of us you left behind, we thank you. Your passion, kindness, and dedication to bringing people together will never be forgotten. May you never walk alone.
