High Performance Initiative Report (March 2004 News Splash!) from Synchro Ontario President Lynn Hammond 

As you know, the Board of Synchro Ontario recruited membership for creation of a Committee to work solely on developing those athletes competing in the High Performance area.  Committee members include Coaches Kelly Hogan and Carrie Wilson, Judge Leslie Taylor, Board representatives Leanne McDonnell and Lynn Hammond and Executive Director, Leslie Makins.  We’ve been meeting and planning and developed the following opportunities for athletes in ALL tiers.  I’ve identified the opportunities and some of the plans below.

Tiers 1-5 : The top 25 from each of these tiers (selected from Figure scores at Tier Championships) will be invited to attend a camp designed to encourage and develop stronger skills.  Each tier will have a weekend camp.  Camps will be combined in the following manner and held on the dates identified below.  All camps will be held in Guelph. 

Tier 6 : The top 25 from Tier 6 (15 and Under) as well as those Open athletes who placed in the top 25 will be invited to attend a Weekend Camp.  Selection for participation will be based on Figure scores from each of Provincial Championships, Divisionals and Nationals at a 40/30/30 split respectively.  Tier 6 athletes will be combined with athletes identified in Tier 5.

Tier 7 : As in Tier 6, the top 25 athletes in Tier 7 will be invited.  Selection for participation will be based on Figure scores from each of Provincial Championships, Divisionals and Nationals at a 40/30/30 split respectively.  Tier 7 athletes will participate over 3 weekends spread throughout late summer and early winter.  Of the top 25, the top 10 will be selected to a team, which will travel internationally and compete in summer 2005.

All camps will see our best coaches involved and instructing.  Programs are being developed to ensure the athletes are provided an opportunity to enhance their current skill sets.  Criteria for participation beyond placement in figures includes a commitment that the athlete will be swimming in 2004-05.  For Tier 7 only, all athletes must be eligible to swim in the Junior category in 2004-05.

*Coaches will be able to come and observe the Tier 7 camp on August 28 and 29 free of charge. Space may be limited – dependent on the response to come and observe. Preference will be given to Tier 6 and 7 coaches. If you are interested in coming to observe please e-mail Kara Heald (kheald@osrc.com) your name and club affiliation to be placed on the list