Flair

Sacha Walters, Staff Reporter

Diahann Campbell, chairman of Synchro Stars, one of two synchronised swimming clubs in Jamaica, wants to get the sport into the mainstream.

Campbell got involved with the sport when her now 12-year-old daughter Breann saw some girls doing synchronised swimming and declared, "I can do that. I'd love to do that. I've seen it on TV. Let me try." That was two years ago, and since then Campbell has remained steadfast about taking the sport to another level in Jamaica.

"I made a commitment that whether or not she is involved I'd give the sport minimum four years to help develop it," said Campbell, a human resource professional.

Although it has been in Jamaica for over 10 years, she believes that many young girls are missing out on a great personality builder, simply because the sport isn't popular.

"It hasn't been a front runner sport and it has not been marketed or sold that the average Jamaican can do that." However, she said this is far from the truth. In addition to being athletically demanding it provides social benefits as well.

Poise, finesse

"It gives them, poise, finesse, posture and confidence," she said. In her 15-member club, girls range from age 6 to 17. "Because we have a website, the girls have to be interviewed for the website. these things help with their schooling," she said. Girls can represent their country as young as six years old and can begin the sport once they can swim and take instructions.

"It's one of the hardest aquatic disciplines there are, you know, because of some of the splits and moves and throws they have to do. It takes core strength."

This is where other athletes can reap the benefits from the sport. It improves competitive swimming techniques and some international football players use the sport to strengthen their skills.

Campbell said boys have joined their summer camps to improve their competitive swimming techniques.

The sport also affords the girls a creative side, where they perform for a crowd dressed in jazzed up swim costumes and waterproof make-up.

However, Campbell believes without education about the sport, these benefits will not be transferred to as many Jamaicans as it can.

MAKING A SPLASH

The club wants to make a big splash in this awareness drive by hosting The Synchronised Swimming Championships from October 7 to 9 at Bournemouth Swim Complex in Kingston.

"What we hope is that by bringing this international contingent to Jamaica we are going to show the different levels, so synchronised swimming can take off. We might not be as good the US yet, but with this foundation, we will," she said. Currently, they receive most of their training expertise from overseas coaches who come in and do short stints.

Vicky Pickal is currently coaching the club. "She has in her group somebody from the US national team." Campbell wants it to reach a level where Jamaica is producing its own coaches.

The championship will not only bring awareness but display the lighter side of the sport.

"We hope to use the expertise from the championship to have a show, to show the social part of it. So you'll see a fun side to it," she said.

Clubs from the United States, Peru, Aruba, Curacao as well as Jamaica will be participating. They have already signed Claro, the Jamaica Tourist Board and Puma as sponsors and are currently recruiting others.

sacha.walters@gleanerjm.com