Ottawa, December 15, 2009 – Synchro Canada will hold a national competition on Prince Edward Island for the first time since 1994 with its biggest event of the year: the Canadian Open Championships, April 28 to May 4 at the CARI Centre in Charlottetown.

At that competition, about 140 synchronized swimmers from across Canada including the best in the Tier 7 junior category aged 16-18 and the top seniors will compete from April 28 to May 2. Some of these athletes will also vie for a berth at the junior selection camp set for May 2-4.

Synchro Canada will ultimately select from that camp, the team for the FINA World Junior Championships set for Indianapolis August 9-16, 2010.

The last national synchronized swimming event held on Prince Edward Island was the Canadian Masters Championships in June 1994.

"Synchro Canada is pleased to return to Prince Edward Island!" said Synchro Canada’s Chief Operating Officer Catherine Gosselin-Després. "The P.E.I., population displayed its professionalism and its passion for sport when they organized the 2009 Canada Games. We are confident the local organizing committee will assure the event is a success in Charlottetown. We are also inviting the public to attend and encourage our Canadian synchronized swimmers."

"The City of Charlottetown works hard to promote sport and active living and we are pleased welcome the Canadian Open Synchronized Swimming Championships," said Charlottetown Mayor Clifford Lee. "Sport builds a healthy and economically stimulated community and this event will showcase Charlottetown’s ability to host another event of this caliber."

Synchro Canada would like to thanks its sponsors: Speedo, Sport Canada, Adup Display and MKI Travel.

About Synchro Canada
Synchro Canada is the national organization that governs synchronized swimming in Canada and that represents more than 130 clubs and 6400 members all across Canada. A member of FINA, the world’s governing body of aquatic sports, Synchro Canada promotes the quest for excellence through the development of athletes and synchronized swimming ambassadors. For more information, check out Synchro Canada’s website at www.synchro.ca.

For information:
Patrick Godbout
Synchro Canada
Communications Manager
Email: patrick@synchro.ca
Cell.: (514) 213-9897