More than 325 synchronized swimmers from across Canada will converge on London, Ontario this week for Synchro Canada’s 2017 Espoir Synchronized Swimming Canadian Championships.  The athletes participating in the event range in age from 11 to 15 and will come from across Canada to take part in the event May 30-June 4, 2017 at the Western Sports & Recreation Centre pool.  The event’s Athlete Village will also be located at Western in Essex Hall.

The culmination of the 2017 competitive season for athletes in the 11-12 and 13-15 age groups as well as synchronized swimmers with a cognitive disability (SSWCD), these championships will see the athletes vie for 12 different national crowns in the figures, solo, duet and team events. Over 120 coaches and officials will also be in attendance.

The athletes will represent 36 clubs from 8 Canadian provinces (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan) during the championships hosted by Synchro Canada in partnership with the London Synchro Club and with the support of Synchro Swim Ontario. Louise Koza and Nadia Facca, co-presidents of London Synchro, have respectively taken on the roles of Organizing Committee Chair and Meet Manager, while more than 60 local volunteers will assist in the presentation of the championships.

13-15 National Team Trials

Also on the line this week are berths to Synchro Canada’s 2017 13-15 National Team, who is scheduled to compete at the Mediterranean Cup in Portugal this summer.

The top 35 in the 13-15 figures event on Wednesday will advance to Phase 2, a second figures event scheduled for Friday. The top 24 athletes from Phase 2 will meet again on Sunday for Phases 3 and 4 after which a final team will be selected.

The 2017 13-15 National Team will be led by Head Coach Jennifer Tregale (Calgary, AB, Calgary Aquabelles), who will be assisted by Elena Podolsky (Kitchener, ON, Waterloo Regional Synchro).

Important Economic Impact

The event will have a major economic impact on London, estimated at over one million dollars.  The Synchro Canada Organizing Committee will use 2300 hotel room nights, in addition to others booked by family, friends and spectators attending the event.  London will be on display around the world as the Championships will be broadcast in Canada and globally through live streaming on digital platforms.

All-event packages will be available at the door for $35 ($29 for 6-15 year olds).  Single day tickets for May 31 – June 3 will be available for $12 ($9 for 6-15 year olds).

For full schedules, start lists and results, or to purchase tickets online, please visit the event website at www.synchro.ca/espoir2017.