Artistic Swimming

BC SUMMER GAMES

Artistic Swimming

In Canada, synchronized swimming development is based streams which are divided into age groups. At the BC Summer Games athletes are in the Provincial or National Stream and compete in two age groups: 11-12 and 13-15. All athletes compete in figures and at least one routine event.

The BC Summer Games serves as a pre-cursor to develop athletes towards the Canada Winter Games. Notable BC Games alumni include former national team member Sandy Gill. Synchro BC is the provincial organization responsible for synchronized swimming from the recreational to competitive levels in the province. See their website for more information – www.synchro.bc.ca.

Artistic swimmer smiles in the pool after finishing her routine.

Synchronized swimming combines techniques of swimming, gymnastics, and dance into a routine of elaborate moves in the water accompanied by music. The sport developed from “water ballet” which was demonstrated at several world exhibitions at the turn of the century and grew in popularity with Esther Williams’ aqua musicals in the 1940s and 50s. In 1954, Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA) recognized synchronized swimming as an official aquatic sport and it debuted at the 1973 World Aquatic Championship and then at the Olympic Games in 1984.

A typical competition consists of figures (which are a series of positions and transitions performed individually in front of judges) well as solos, duets, and team routines. The competitive rules and manner of judging are similar to figure skating and gymnastics. Technical and free routines are judged on two dimensions, technical merit and artistic impression. The marks for technical merit and artistic impression are averaged to create a routine score and then added to the figure score to obtain a championship score.

By the Numbers

Eggbeater – kick used to tread water allowing stability and height above the water
Sculls – hand movements used to propel the body
Figures – positions performed individually without music
Gelatin is used to keep hair in place while performing

8,500 volunteers per
Games cycle.

Volunteer

5,000 participants per
Games cycle.

Participate

45 sports included across BC
Winter and Summer Games.

Our Sports

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Notable Alumni

Julia Johnson

Speed Skating 2006 BC Winter Games

Julia Johnson

Speed Skating 2006 BC Winter Games

Julia Johnson

Speed Skating 2006 BC Winter Games

Julia Johnson

Speed Skating 2006 BC Winter Games

Technical Package

Rules and technical information for participating in the BC Games are specific to each Games and are established for each Games.

Technical Packages provide details of the eligibility requirements for competition as well as event and competition information. In order to fully understand the rules and requirements for participation in the BC Games, it is expected that the BC Games General Rules will also be read.

Technical Packages include:

Contact Information

Rules

Eligibility Criteria

Registration Deadlines

Venues

View Technical Package

How to qualify for the Games

Qualification for the Games varies from sport-to-sport.

Generally qualification events for the Games are held beginning 6 months prior to the Games up to about 5 or 6 weeks prior to the Games, depending on the sport. Qualifications for the Games are coordinated by the Provincial Sport Organization (PSO) and managed by the organization or the Zone Representatives – refer to the technical package for the respective sport (BC Winter Games; BC Summer Games) for contact information.

Step 1: Find
Your Sport

See if your sport will be at the next Games and what the eligibility is with our sport packages.

Our Sports

Step 2: Find
Your Zone

The team that you attend with will depend on what geographical Zone you live in.

Find your Zone

Step 3: Contact
PSO

Your Provincial Sport Organization (PSO) can tell you when your Zone qualification event is. Contact information cab be found in the technical packages.

Learn More

Step 4: Attend
Zone Tryout

Zone qualification events are usually held beginning 6 months prior to the games up to about 5 of 6 weeks prior to the event. Check with your PSO to be sure.

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BC SUMMER GAMES

Artistic Gymnastics

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