Sports(Seulement disponible en anglais présentement)
(Source: http://www.synchro.ca)
Synchronized Swimming requires strength, endurance, flexibility, grace, and tremendous cardiovascular fitness. It also takes an artistic flair and a love of music to achieve the split-second timing critical to Synchronized Swimming.
Synchronized Swimming programs for athletes with a disability are offered by Synchronized Swimming clubs across Canada. Some programs for athletes with a disability may be offered as stand-alone programs; others may integrate athletes with a disability into existing programs for swimmers without a disability. Ontario currently offers more opportunities for athletes with disabilities than any other province, but all provinces are working on developing their programs.
Synchronized swimmers perform highly technical routines in the water and are marked by a panel of judges. Athletes may compete alone (solo), with a partner (duet), or together in a group of 8 (team).
CLASSIFICATION
All
disability types are welcome to participate in Synchronized Swimming.
Currently there are swimmers with the following conditions participating:
- Amputees
- All types of intellectual disabilities (ADHD, Downs Syndrome, etc.)
- Epilepsy
- Cerebral Palsy
- Osteogenisis Imperfecta
- Spina Bifida
- Paralysis (stroke related)
Synchronized
Swimming is conducive to all disability types due to the buoyancy effects of
the water which make it easier for people with physical limitations to fully
participate. Where necessary, floatation devices are available to assist
swimmers. Younger or less experienced swimmers are recommended to first
try AquaSquirts and then move into the Star program as they become comfortable
in the water.
HISTORY
While there is evidence of swimmers performing ballet-like
manoeuvres in the water in ancient times, the origin of Synchronized Swimming
as an organized, competitive sport dates to earlier this century. Originally
known as water ballet, Synchronised Swimming began in Canada in the 1920s. A
group of Canadian women, led by national calibre water polo player and diver Margaret
Sellers, developed what they called 'ornamental swimming' from life saving and
swimming techniques.
The sport spread to the United States in the early '30s, where a display at the
1934 Chicago World's Fair drew rave reviews. Its popularity soared further when
Esther Williams performed in a string of MGM "aqua musicals" in the
1940s and '50s.
Over the next 20 years the sport grew, becoming very technical and athletic. Music
was added to the routines, and the name changed to "Synchronized Swimming".
Synchronized Swimming for people with a disability has been around for over 20
years.
(Source:
Synchro Canada)
