NORTH BATTLEFORD — A small crowd gathered at the Battlefords Co-op Aquatic Centre Thursday evening for the Battlefords Synchronized Swimming Club year-end water show, where young and old enjoyed the display of local talent.
For a photo gallery, follow this link.
According to the club’s vice president, Barrett Penner, the club, also known as The Water Doves, which has been around since the 1970s, has, like many other local youth organizations, been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Normally, we have 20-25 swimmers,” said Penner, “But because of the pandemic, we have lost about half of our kids. It’s been a challenge. As these girls have only been able to practice, and not compete.”
Challenges like this can be seen affecting youth organizations throughout the region, and across the country.
“It’s because they [the participants] have nothing to look forward to, ” such as competitions.
However, with COVID restrictions being lifted, a group of five were able to represent the swim club, last week in Regina at the provincials.
“Every single one of them did an amazing job,” said Penner, “and the majority of them placed very, very well.”
Synchronized swimming, as a sport, combines both the athletic and physical prowess of swimming with the discipline, dedication and artistic expression of dance. At Thursday night’s show, the girls clearly demonstrated both their ability and love of both with a short, well-choreographed show that had all eyes in the Aquatic Centre fixed solely on them.
In addition to the show, long-time Water Doves coach, Sheila Parker, was honoured with a gift presentation for serving the club for 25 years.
“I think that [the girls] learn a lot of things from synchronized swimming, “ Parker says. “They learn discipline, time management, being part of a team, cooperation, physical fitness, learning how deal with stress, nutrition ... all kinds of things that would help them stay well-rounded as a person, as well as artistic expression, and creativity.”
If you’d like more information about the club, check out their Facebook page: Battlefords Synchronized Swimming Club. And go get your feet wet.
