In Synch for Pink! Synchro Swim Clubs Raise Over $40 000 for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation

Durham Synchro Club swimmers performing for the camera

Hamilton, ON - November 24, 2010 - Synchro Swim Ontario member clubs across the province were once again in synch for pink raising an astonishing $40,330.71 during the 7th anniversary of the annual "Burning Bright for Breast Cancer" province-wide charity initiative in support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

Since 2004, Ontario synchro swim athletes have participated every October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in an event at their local club where they incorporate a common theme of keeping a candle burning within the pool for a minimum of one hour, in which swimmers hand off the torch in a relay format. The candle symbolizes keeping the flame alive for creating a future without breast cancer. Over seven years synchro athletes have now raised over $252,000 for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

“On behalf of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Ontario Region, I would like to congratulate Synchro Swim Ontario, for their amazing achievement during the 2010 Burning Bright for Breast Cancer Event”, said Sandra Palmaro, CEO of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Ontario Region.  “This year, through the coordinated efforts of the Ontario Synchro Swim clubs, the event raised a total $40,330.71, bringing their 7 year combined total to over a quarter of a million dollars - $252,800.71!”

The Sudbury Synchronized Swimming Club was the club with the most pledges collected with a total of $9,429.62 Burlington Synchro ranked second overall with $7,312.47, and Gloucester Synchro had the third largest total with $3,473.25. Over 320 athletes at 14 clubs across the province participated with 262 swimmers raising over $50 each.

For the fifth year in a row Elizabeth Sweeney from the Sudbury Synchro Club was the athlete with the most pledges collected with a total of $2,500, bringing her 5-year personal total raised to $10,305. Courtney Davidson from Brant Synchro followed with a total of $1,200, and Cassidi Clairmont of Burlington Synchro has the third highest total with $1,040.64.

“Synchro Ontario is extremely grateful and proud of our members, who never fail to amaze me with their unconditional willingness to deliver such huge success year after year to our partnership with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation”, said Synchro Ontario Executive Director Mary Dwyer. “The synchro community in Ontario continues to embrace this cause with all of its heart. I feel privileged to be a part of an organization that understands the value of helping the greater community at large, ensuring Burning Bright’s success each year” added Synchro Ontario President Suzanne Laroche.

"Synchro Canada would like to congratulate Ontario for its amazing success with Burning Bright for Breast Cancer 2010”, said Synchro Canada CEO Catherine-Gosselin Depres. “We are so proud that our members are so engaged with this cause that touches so many people. We would like to thank Synchro Ontario for taking such a strong leadership for so many years and being a role model to make a real difference. Synchro Canada fully endorses what has been done and encourages everyone in the Synchro community to also champion the cause in future."

Synchro Swim Ontario will be making the official cheque presentation to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Ontario Region on Sunday, December 5th at London’s Canada Games Aquatic Centre during the Lisa Alexander Figure Meet where the top fundraising clubs and top fundraising athletes will be recognized.

For Information:
Kara Heald, Sport Development Manager
Synchro Swim Ontario
Phone: (905) 572-7962 x223 
E-mail: kheald@synchroontario.com
www.synchroontario.com