Club: synchronized swimming helps teach skills, build confidence
For sisters Sydney and Victoria Mulder, being a part of the Guelph Synchronized Swim Club (GSSC) is as much about fun as it is about becoming better swimmers.
The seven and eight-year-olds, both members of the club’s novice competitive (pre-competition) team, agree that making new friends and trying “fancy” moves in the water are their favourite parts of learning synchronized swimming.
“It is very pretty,” said Victoria.
Her mother Monica agreed. “It is like ballet, gymnastics and swimming all combined into one sport.” Monica said both the girls were nervous in the beginning, but now, after only a year and a half in the sport, they have learned so much, and gained an unbelievable amount of confidence.
“Their coach does a great job with the girls. Already they are such better swimmers, and their strength and endurance has increased significantly,” said Monica.
This, said GSSC president Louise McIntyre, is what GSSC strives to accomplish. Swimmers, she said, not only improve their overall skills in the water, but the sport also helps the girls achieve a healthy lifestyle and enjoy team camaraderie.
On Jan. 31, the club will be hosting its free bi-annual ‘Try Synchro’ at the University of Guelph Red Pool (Athletic Centre) from 1 to 2pm, where children of any age and swimming ability can learn the basics of synchronized swimming. For more information, visit guelphsynchroswim.ca.
