Synchronized Swim Club “where artistry meets athletics” Welcome from the GSSC Communications & Events Coordinator

Hello, my name is Sherry built through the club over As the season moves along, Butts and I am the GSSC the years. I look forward to a new Volume 1, Issue 5 Communications and Events Novice session starting in Coordinator. My daughter I have really enjoyed my January, our February January 1, 2012 Katelyn Butts swims on the executive position covering fundraising dance and 13-15 Competitive team. communications and events. attending our competitive My main job is to relay meets. Fun Facts: I have held the communica- communications from the tions and events role for executive and coaches to As a reminder, if you have  Winter Games, the past two years. It has our members. As well, I try any questions please send March 5-12, 2012!!! been so exciting to see the to ensure any incoming your email to me at commu- Swimmers had a fabulous club grow the last few questions get directed to nication@guelphsynchroswi showing at the Lisa years and to watch our the proper person. For m.ca Alexander Figures Meet swimmers progress year events, I generally work GSSC Fundraising Dance after year. My daughter with a group of coaches and on February 11, 2012 Katelyn has been swimming volunteers sharing ideas for Novice Program (Winter the GSSC for 5 years and our water shows and other Session) will start on rd this is her 3 year of com- club activities. Getting to January 21, 2012 petitive swimming - she know the parents and truly cannot get enough of coaches a bit better is al- Sherry Butts this sport. It is so nice to ways part of the fun. GSSC Communications

see the friendships she has and Events Coordinator Inside this issue:

Did You Know . . 2 Lisa Alexander Figures Meet Results . . . . Swim Meets 2

Competitor Age Category Total Score Placement Competitor Age Category Total Score Placement GSSC Executive 3 Taylor Varnai 10&Under 53.582 28 Bridget Wilson 13-15 53.667 77 Drew Trainor 10&Under 52.500 32 Clare Vais 13-15 53.665 78 Important Dates 3 Caroline Bendall 10&Under 52.332 34 Breanna Pratley 13-15 52.835 87 Supporting our Club 4 Luciana Mejia 13-15 50.750 99 Madison Solda 11-12 60.085 14 Samantha Ben 13-15 50.168 106 Reminders 5 Noelle MacDonald 11-12 49.832 101 Anna Hofstra 13-15 48.500 114 Julia Batista 13-15 48.085 115 Tobacco-Free Policy 5 Jocelyn Begin 13-15 58.835 21 2011-12 Sponsors 6 Katelyn Butts 13-15 58.415 25 Coral Meredith 16-20 55.833 44 Sarah Plant 13-15 57.000 37 Madison Andrews 16-20 55.668 46 Sophie Reimer 13-15 56.918 38 Rachel Rauser 16-20 53.250 55 Elise Letarte 13-15 55.083 58 Nicole Rauser 13-15 55.002 60 that the term “synchronized swimming” was first introduced to the Did You Know . . . . audience by the announcer, Norman Ross (Olympic freestyle champion in the 400m and 1,500m in 1920). Synchronized swimming grew as a sport from ornamental swimming and theatrical water ballets of the late 19th and early 20th Centu- 1934 – Kaethe Jacobi, in Germany, introduced competition in floating ries. In the early days, male swimmers performed round-dances in patterns with her Isar-Nixen (Isar Mermaids) in Munich. the water as a swimming art form, decorated with garlands or 1940 – Esther Williams, a US freestyle champion and film star, per- Chinese lanterns. formed a water ballet at the San Francisco World Fair. The first 1891 - Royal Life Saving Society of Great Britain (RLSS) published synchronized swimming competition was held in the USA. Williams a handbook for swimmers encouraging “ornamental swimming” or made many “aqua musicals” exposing the sport to the world. “scientific swimming”. *Synchronized swimming grew increasingly technical and athletic, with 1891 & 1892 – first contests held in Berlin and London (for men). music accompanying the routines. However, artistic swimming became accepted as better suited to 1952-1968 – Synchronized swimming sought a place in the Olympics women because they were more buoyant, especially in the legs, and and was featured as a demonstration sport. able to better make pictures with their bodies on the surface of 1951 – Canada and USA demonstrated the sport at the first Pan- the water. American Games in Buenos Aires 1907 - Australian Annette Kellerman was described as the first 1952 – Synchronized swimming joined the FINA group, adopting rules under-water ballerina when she performed in a glass tank at the in accordance with proposals from Canada, USA, Argentina and New York Hippodrome. countries where “ornamental” and “figure” swimming had caught the 1921 - A group of women opened the German national swimming public’s imagination. (A Peruvian proposal to ask the IOC for Olympic championships in Leipzig with an exhibition of figure swimming but status was rejected). the main impulse came from Canada. 1955 – Synchronized swimming celebrated its first official interna- 1924 – a world first, the Quebec provincial championship for figure tional competition appearance at the Pan-American Games in Mexico. and stroke competition, limited to women, was held in Montreal, It featured solo, duet and team events and the USA swept all three with the figures taken from the scientific swimming section of the titles. RLSS handbook. Top Canadian diver and water polo player Margaret 1967 – Synchronized swimming received much recognition, when Pam (Peg) Sellers played a pioneering role and, two years later, won the Morris (one of San Francisco’s Merionettes) was the first synchro- first official national championship in performing figures and nized swimmer to be inducted in the International Swimming Hall of strokes. Fame. 1923 – Katherine Curtis started a water ballet club at the Univer- 1973 – Synchronized swimming entered global competition, with the sity of Chicago (USA) and roughly around the same time Gertrude USA, Canada and Japan competing at the inaugural FINA World Goss introduced rhythmic swimming at Smith College in Northamp- Championships in Belgrade. ton, Massachusetts. 1984 – Synchronized swimming finally took its place as a full Olympic 1934 – Curtis took 60 swimmers, “the Modern Mermaids”, to sport at the Los Angeles Games. perform in the lagoon at the World Fair in Chicago. It was there Upcoming Swim Meets . . .

Competitive (13-15) Swimmers Competitive (10 & Under) Swimmers All Swimmers (Recreational included) Ontario Winter Games - Trials (Jan. Waterloo Invitational (Jan. 28, 2012) Varsity Synchro Meet (Competitive and 29, 2012) West Regionals (Mar. 24-25, 2012) Developmental only) - Jan 14 @ UofG Pool Ontario Winter Games (if team qualifies) Hilton WorldWide Invitational (sometime between Mar. 5-12, 2012) (Apr. 20-22, 2012) College Royal - Mar. 17 (1-3) @ UofG Pool

West Regionals (Mar. 24-25, 2012) Age Groups (May 17-20, 2012) Year End Water Show - April 25 (5-7) @ Hilton Worldwide Invitational (Apr. Trilliums (12 and under meet only) (June 9- UofG Pool 20-22, 2012) 10, 2012)

Age Groups (May 17-20, 2012) Novice Pre-Competitive

Developmental (13-15) Swimmers Novice Figure and LTAD Meet (Mar. 3, Waterloo Invitational (Jan. 28, 2012) 2012) West Regionals (Mar. 24-25, 2012) Novice Routine Meet (May 5, 2012) Age Groups (May 17-20, 2012

Volume 1, Issue 5 Page 2 2011-2012 GSSC Executive Executive Members Non-Voting Executive Members Volunteers Needed!!!

President: Shelly Andrews Head Coach: Katherine Frost We are looking for volunteers to sit on our Manager: Kate McDonald fundraising committee. This committee will Marketing/Website Coordinators: Treasurer/Banker: Adele Begin work together to coordinate fundraising Lisa Plant initiatives and events. Secretary: Joanne Trainor Fundraising Coordinator: Registrar: Andrea Rauser Throughout the swimming season we will be Louise McIntyre asking parents to volunteer some time to Communications/Events Liaison: Fundraising Committee Members: Sherry Butts assist with events. Susan McLeod Novice (Recreational) Coordinator: Remember that all pre-competitive, Nancy Middleton Louise McIntyre developmental and competitive team

Clothing Coordinator: Greg Meredith parents need to fulfill your required volunteer hours.

Important dates January 2012 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Duets/Solos - NO SWIM Comp-VicDavis NO SWIM VicDavis (5:30-9) GSSC Table at Stone (5:30-7:30) GSSC Table at Road Mall (info & regis- Stone Road Mall tration) (info & registration) 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Comp/Dev-VicDavis Duets—UofG Dev -UofG (5-7) GSSC Exec. Comp-VicDavis VARSITY (8-12) (7:30-9:30) Comp - UofG (5-8) Meeting (5:30-9) SYNCHRO MEET Pre-Comp—Vic Davis 6:00pm (Univ. of Guelph) (9-12) MacKinnon 720 GSSC Table at Stone Road Mall (info & registration) 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

Comp/Dev-VicDavis Duets—UofG Dev -UofG (5-7) Comp-VicDavis Novice (Rec) - UofG (8-12) (7:30-9:30) Comp - UofG (5-8) (5:30-9) (12:30 start)

Pre-Comp—Vic Davis Pre-Comp—UofG (9-12) (12-3) Solos—UofG (1-3) REGISTRATION— Winter Session (12-3) “Try Synchro” (1-2) 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Comp/Dev-VicDavis Duets—UofG Dev -UofG (5-7) Comp-VicDavis Novice (Rec) - UofG (8-12) (7:30-9:30) Comp - UofG (5-8) (5:30-9) (12:30 start)

Pre-Comp—UofG

(12-3) Waterloo Invitations (Dev/Comp Teams) 29 30 31 Feb. 1 2 3 4

Ontario Winter Games Duets—UofG Dev -UofG (5-7) Comp-VicDavis Novice (Rec) - UofG (7:30-9:30) Qualifier (13-15 Comp Comp - UofG (5-8) (5:30-9) (12:30 start) Team & Duets) - Elmira Pre-Comp—UofG (12-3) Solos—UofG (1-3)

Volume 1, Issue 5 Page 3 Supporting Our Club

aising Fundr

Fundraising Dance

Guelph Synchro will be hosting a fundraising dance on Saturday, February 11th, 2012 at the Bullring, .

Tickets are $10 each. If you require tickets please contact Louise McIntyre.

Hope to see everyone there . . . . Groov’n to the 80’s.

50/50 draw, door prizes, toonie toss

Elmira Chicken & MacGregor Meats

Fundraising to Date GSSC will be selling Elmira Chicken and MacGregor Meats at the end of February.

More details will follow.

Your support will assist GSSC in coaching development, a team training consultant and to increase awareness about synchronized swimming in our community.

Volume 1, Issue 5 Page 4 REMINDERS . . . .

Child Fitness Tax Credit Inclement Weather Novice Program - Winter Registration Synchronized Swimming qualifies for Please listen to CJOY 1460, MAGIC the Child Fitness Tax Credit. All 106.1. or visit our website Registration for the Winter Session parents will receive their official tax www.guelphsynchroswim.ca for of the Novice Program has begun. receipt by email in February 2012 by inclement weather class cancella- Registration forms can be found on the Club’s Treasurer. tions. the GSSC website under the “Forms”

We do not cancel classes just tab. If you have any questions, please because school buses are not run- You can submit your registration form c o n t a c t t h e T r e a s u r e r a t ning. We only cancel classes if the along with a post-dated cheque (dated [email protected] University of Guelph closes their for Jan. 3, 2012) to the Novice

pool. Director over the next couple of For more information on the Child weeks, or leave it in the GSSC Fitness Tax go to the government Classes cancelled due to inclement Mailbox at the University Pool. website: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca weather are not rescheduled.

GSSC launches new Tobacco-Free Policy

Commitment Policy Athletes (when representing the club The Guelph Synchronized Swim Club All Guelph Synchronized Swim Club or while in club uniform) understands and recognizes that there performances, swim meets, competi- Parents (while attending a sanctioned are health hazards associated with the tions, fundraisers and any other event club event) use of tobacco products, which includes sanctioned by our organization will be When athletes, coaches, and parents the breathing of second hand smoke. tobacco-free. Tobacco free is defined are attending out of town events, the One of the purposes of our club is to as no smoking, snuffing, dipping, or above named individuals are considered promote a healthy and active way of chewing tobacco by athletes, coaches, to be acting in an official capacity and living to our members so it is our re- officials, volunteers, parents, specta- representing the club, even away from sponsibility to model and encourage to- tors and others. the event venue, if they are in the pres- bacco-free lifestyles. ence of minor club members. Behavioural Expectations Overall, the Guelph Synchronized Swim We encourage our coaches, parents, The Guelph Synchronized Swim Club Club will: volunteers, spectators, athletes, and all recognizes that role modeling can have 1. prohibit all tobacco use by everyone others involved, to diligently maintain a significant impact upon the young indoors and promote a tobacco-free environ- members of the club. Hence, the follow- ment at all times. ing individuals and groups are to refrain 2. prohibit outdoor tobacco use by from using tobacco while participating those in club uniform We regard synchronized swimming as in a sanctioned club event: 3. “discourage” outdoor tobacco use by being a healthy sport and as such, we Coaches (when coaching, representing parents when they are in the pres- believe we have a responsibility to our the club or while in club uniform) ence of minor club members. athletes and the participants of our sport, to demonstrate healthy choices. Executive Members (while attending a For the complete copy of the Tobacco- In the best interest of the health, sanctioned club event and/or repre- Free Policy please visit: well-being and safety of our athletes, senting the club) http://guelphsynchroswim.ca/wp- coaches, volunteers and members at Officials/Judges (when officiating content/uploads/2010/05/GSSC- large, we have implementation of the for the club) TobaccoFreePolicy.pdf following Tobacco-Free policy. Volunteers (while working / repre- senting the club)

Volume 1, Issue 5 Page 5 “where artistry meets athletics” Mailing Address: MailingGuelph SynchronizedAddress: Swimming Club @GsscGuelph GuelphPO Box Synchronized21044 Swimming Club PO35 HarvardBox 21044 Road

35Guelph, Harvard Ontario Road N1G 4T3

Guelph, Ontario N1G 4T3

E-mail: [email protected] http://www.facebook.com/groups/135789279806438/

Zehr’s Tapes

Zehr’s gives GSSC $1 for every $450 in Zehr’s tapes. eb! he W on t .ca Place your Zehr’s tapes in an envelope with your e’re swim W nchro swimmer’s name on the outside of the envelope and phsy submit it to Louise McIntyre or place them in the /guel tp:/ GSSC mailbox at the University of Guelph pool. ht Thank You for Your Support!

“Thank You” to our 2011-2012 Sponsors

Janice Jurus, CFP Financial Consultant [email protected]

(519) 823-1347

Brad Butts, AACI, P. App. Wellington Appraisal 340 Woolwich Street, Guelph 519.766.1500 http://www.wellingtonappraisal.com/

Volume 1, Issue 5 Page 6