Durham Synchro Recreational Swimmers Outstanding in Orangeville

On May 1st a group of determined young swimmers from the Durham Synchronized Swim Club Recreational Program went to the Orangeville Routine Meet and came away with podium results for every single competitor!
Starting with our Tweens and Teen team coached by Alex Opydo, swimmers Jessica Carrington, Leanne Hobe, Kelsea Madden, and Paige VanDyk swam to a strong 5th place finish. Our 11 and 12 year old trios took an impressive 1st and 2nd in the category. Swimmers Bailey Ashton, Victoria Gray and Amelia Massie under coach Katie Gagnon captured second. Cassidy Murray, Kennedy Murray and Kailee Tomovski from the Advanced Rec. twice a week program under coaches Michelle Lopers and Julia Thornton won an impressive first! Coach Cathy Veldhoen-Smith’s 11/12 duet of Kody Bootsma and Selina Lall won 4th among stiff competition. Hannah Koke’s 9/10 trio of Lexie Brown, Erin Clarke and Natalie Hewson won 1st in their competition, while coach Koke’s 9/10 team of Megan Biss, Hope Grant, Rachel Lall, Sophie Leach and Madeleine MacNeil, took 4th in that category. Finally, our young up and comers, Victoria Komel, Bryar Hogg and Abby Howsberger coached by Katie Gagnon captured first place in the 8 &Under category!

These outstanding results were the product of a year of work with their coaches, and fun in the pool while learning some great synchro skills! We look forward to welcoming many of these swimmers to our competitive ranks next year!
Provincial Teams Take Top Podium Spots During East Regional Championships

Photo courtesy of Sharlene Beekman, Black Swann Studios www.blackswann.ca
The Durham Synchronized Swimming Club returned to the Nepean Sportsplex in Ottawa during the weekend of April 9-11, 2010 for the 2010 East Regionals Championships. DSSC’s Provincial 10 Years and Under team coached by Michele Lopers, 11-12 Year Old team coached by Kirsten Femson and the 13-15 Year Old team coached by Sarah Rowe were determined to return home victorious. Pink shirts dotted the stands as supporters of the DSSC teams donned the club colours in support of their swimmers. The energy of the swimmers was infectious leaving the crowd wanting to see more from these young women.
Competing initially in individual Figures meets, the swimmers were faced with personal challenges to outdo past results. Results for the 10 Years and Under category are as follows: Alicia Lopers (2), Kayla Lowe (7), Madeleine Schropp (12). In the 11-12 Year Old category, the results are as follows: Samantha Low (6), Madelyn Minaret (30), Nieve Iannarelli (33), Andrea Beekman (35), Elizabeth Kozak (37), Genevieve Thorton (39), Brooke Evans (42) and Nicole Weisemberg (50). Competing in the 13 Year old category were Nicole Milligan (5), McKenzie Broad (7), Rhiannon Major (13), Nicole Rayment (15) and Victoria Wight (17). Four swimmers were competing in the 14 Year Old category, Caitlin Schropp and Megan Caulfield (8), Stephanie Dalgleish (13) and Kathleen Fung (15). A lone swimmer represented DSSC in the 15 Year old category, Karissa Schippers ranked 12th.

Photo courtesy of Sharlene Beekman, Black Swann Studios www.blackswann.ca
Before her team took to the water, Coach Lopers gave her 10 Year and Under team a few quick words of motivation. With team mascot waiting on the sidelines, these young girls took to the water with unrestrained confidence. Their smiles won the crowd over as they glided easily through their routine. They were dazzling in bug themed, sparkling suits. There were no surprises as this team took first place in the 10 and Under division. Comprising this team are Alycia Lopers, Kayla Lowe, Madeliene Schropp, Genevieve Thornton and Nicole Weisemberg. Look out for these young athletes in the future!
The mood amongst the DSSC’s 11-12 Year Old team supporters became tense as this team assumed their positions in and out of the water waiting for the music to begin. After months of group and individual practice this event was their time for a place on the podium. Glittering gold dragons flashed in the water as these competitors swam in self assured synchronicity reminiscent of the fluidity of a karate kata. Not a dry eye was to be had when the music finished. Even before the scores were revealed it was known that they had taken top scores in routine. As the girls tried to restrain themselves from jumping for joy while walking off the deck, the scores revealed first place in routine, and third place in Championship scores overall. An emotional, Coach Kirsten Femson hugged and congratulated each member of her team. A very proud moment for competitors, coach and supporters alike. The DSSC 11-12 Year Old provincial team is comprised of Andrea Beekman, Brooke Evans, Nieve Iannarelli, Samantha Low, Elizabeth Kozak, Rhiannon Major, Madelyn Minaret and Victoria Wight.

Photo courtesy of Sharlene Beekman, Black Swann Studios www.blackswann.ca
Finally, the 13-15 Year Old division coached by Sarah Rowe took to the water. Their routine was a lively mix of dance and arabesque to tribal theme music. Their suits reflected the African theme of their routine. These young women were determined to make it to the podium and narrowly missed their chance despite strong individual Figures scores. Their assertive performance displayed determination to finish in first however, fierce competition left them with a fourth place finish. This team consists of McKenzie Broad, Meagan Caulfield, Stephanie Dalgleish, Kathleen Fung, Nicole Milligan, Nicole Rayment, Karissa Schippers and Caitlin Schropp. A wonderful performance!
Competing in the 2010 East Regional Championships was an experience for the first time competitive parents. For those seasoned veterans, this was another step in the path of their athletic careers and personal futures. Sportsmanship between team members as well as between competitors was evident in the assured conduct of the swimmers from the DSSC. Finally when the event was finished, the DSSC teams left with medals and most importantly special memories of a meet where anything was possible!
Annual Fundraising Theatre Event a Night to Remember!

When the lights dimmed and the clink of cutlery faded, the curtain rose. No, it wasn’t Oscar Night however the “Who’s Who” of the Durham Synchronized Swimming Club was in attendance at the Class Act Dinner Theatre in Whitby. Friends, family and supporters of the DSSC filled the venue to capacity in support of this annual theatre night fundraiser held on Thursday, February 25, 2010. A fun evening of socializing, good food and shopping were the order of the evening. Fundraising Coordinator, Sara Koke and the organizing committee comprised of the Tier 6 Open team went above and beyond for this event. There was no doubt that this particular event would become the highest grossing fundraising event ever for the DSSC.
The relaxed atmosphere encouraged those in attendance to sample the buffet table treats, chat with the actors or plan their strategic bids as they wandered through the Silent Auction area. Tables brimmed with an assortment of donated items ranging from autographed prints, gift baskets, designer sunglasses, spa and yoga items to a tarot card reading guaranteeing that delighted patrons would leave with an array of delights won due to their generous bids. Once dessert was finished and hockey scores updated, the house lights lowered to begin the first act. Written by Irish playwright Sam Cree, The Mating Season was a comedy of errors featuring the twists and turns of a matchmaking widow set in the 1960s. The volume of laughter filling the room was evidence that this play tickled the funny bone of even the most earnest of patrons.
Despite the nasty storm blowing outside and the simultaneously televised Gold Medal Round of the Men’s Olympic Canada /USA Hockey Game (which we won!), the revenues from this event exceeded all expectations. When tallied the event revenues totaled $5730.00 in ticket sales and $1320.00 in silent auction bids for a grand total of $7050.00. All monies raised from this event will be of great benefit to the club.
This annual fundraising event was a wonderful break to dreary winter week. In recognition of the dedication of the fundraising team, organizers, volunteers and ticket purchasers, DSSC President Denise Nickerson applauded everyone for their hard work and perseverance. The accomplishment of this event will assist the DSSC in moulding the Canadian Olympic synchronized swimmers of the future.
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