Mel Zajac Jr. was a talented Canadian Olympic swimmer from the 1970s. After he passed away at a young age, his father, Mel Zajac Sr., turned his grief into a powerful legacy of helping others. He founded the Zajac Ranch for Children, which provides a summer camp experience for kids with serious illnesses and special needs. The Zajac family’s commitment to charity has become a major part of the community in British Columbia, leaving behind a lasting impact on countless families.
The Mel Zajac Jr. International Swim Meet is one of Canada’s most prestigious long-course competitions and the largest event of its kind in Western Canada. Originally founded in 1963 as the “Canada Cup” by legendary coach Howard Firby, the meet was designed to bring elite international talent to Vancouver to challenge local athletes and inspire the community. Since 1998, the Mel Jr. and Marty Zajac Foundation has sponsored the event, which is held annually at the UBC Aquatic Centre. This year marks the 61st anniversary of the meet, running from June 5–7, 2026, and once again serves as a high-level showcase for both established Olympians and top junior swimmers from across North America.