The UANA (Union Americana de Natación) Pan American Artistic Swimming Championships, an event presented every summer in a different American country, will be held in Windsor from August 19-24, 2019, at the Windsor International Aquatic & Training Centre (WIATC). The last Canadian edition of this event was held in Calgary, in 2015, and now that it has gone around the Americas’ continents, it is returning north to Canada for its 12th edition.

Hosted by Canada Artistic Swimming and Waterloo Regional Synchro club, in conjunction with the City of Windsor, the event hopes to draw 200 of the best artistic swimmers in the Americas.

In 2018, the competition took place in Riverside, California, and welcomed more than 180 athletes from over 11 countries including Canada, the United States and many Central and South American countries.

“Canada Artistic Swimming is pleased and proud to be selected by UANA to host this important development event”, commented Judi Enns Bradette, Canada Artistic Swimming president. “Hosting events like this in Canada allows us to showcase our young talented athletes, our beautiful facilities and our capable organizing committees which bring together amazing volunteers from all levels.”

“We’re thrilled to have another opportunity to host the UANA Pan American Artistic Swimming Championships”, added Canada Artistic Swimming CEO Jackie Buckingham. “In a joint effort with our very capable organizing committee, Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island and the WIATC, we are all committed to ensuring a tremendous event. Opportunities like this help further the growth and development of all who participate and in particular will benefit our provincial athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers.”

Recognized as the premier Age Group competition in the Americas, the event will be coming to Canada for the fourth time. “The City of Windsor is excited to host the 2019 UANA Pan American Artistic Swimming Championships, with over 200 athletes, 22 competitive events, and 100 coaches and officials,” says Windsor’s Mayor Drew Dilkens.  “With Windsor’s proven track record as being host city to prestigious sporting events such as the FINA World Diving Series, FINA World Swimming Championships (25m), CARHA, Memorial Cup, and the International Children’s Games, we look forward to providing the same dynamic and inclusive experience to UANA participants and spectators.”

During the six days of competition, swimmers from the 12 and under, 13-15, Junior and Senior age groups will be competing in five events: Solo, Duet, Mixed Duet, Team and Free Combination. In all, over 200 athletes from over 15 countries are expected to compete with their teams.

In 2018, the Windsor International Aquatic & Training Centre hosted a national artistic swimming competition for the first time, welcoming a very successful edition of the Canadian National Championships. “Windsor provides ideal conditions for us to host events,” commented Canada Artistic Swimming Director of Events Stéphane Côté. “They not only have a world-class Aquatic Centre with deep water, large galleries and a dedicated event staff, but we’re also able to host our guests in walking-distance host hotels that are ideally located on the riverfront. We’re looking forward to hosting an event that will be remembered for a long time by all athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers!”

The event schedule and visual identity will be unveiled in the months ahead.