Waterloo Regional Synchronized Swimming Invitational Routine Meet - Durham Heats Up!

On January 30, 2010, swimmers from clubs ranging from as far north as York to as far east as Nepean gathered at the Wilfred Laurier University’s athletic centre for the 13th annual Waterloo Regional Synchronized Swimming (WRSSC) Invitational Routine Meet hosted by the Waterloo Regional Synchro Club. Sporting white caps, glittering makeup and sequined routine suits featuring every colour of the rainbow, provincial swimmers ranging from 8 – 20 years swam their hearts out in solos, duet and team routine meets. The Durham Synchronized Swimming Club (DSSC) had three teams representing the club. The 10 Years and Under team was spearheaded by Coach Michele Lopers, 11-12 Year old team was guided by Coach Kirsten Femson and the 14 Year old team had Coach Sarah Rowe at the helm. Each team sported solid results against tough competitors.

Looking perfectly adorable and cheerful in bug themed costumes the 10 Year and Under team didn’t allow an 8th place finish to dampen their spirits. In the 12 and Under division, everybody was “kung foo dancin’” as the 11-12 Year old team took stage and chopped through the pool to a karate theme routine. Narrowly missing the podium by a fraction of a point, this team attained a 7th place finish with good results. Finally, the 14 Year old team gloriously spirited powerful movements to a tribal beat attaining. Their routine music and costumes were a refreshing, unique blend of themes compared to their competition. Strong and precise in the water this team was awarded a 6th place finish. It may have been chilly outside but inside the temperature was hot - fuelled by the unstoppable energy of these powerful water dancers. The stands were cramped, the venue stuffy and the atmosphere intense but the smiles of the DSSC competitors showed that underneath the strain of competition the most important element was and is to have fun and laugh.