Ms Saho Harada, a Japanese national synchronized swimming athlete, forms part of the dedicated water sports coaches at the Kellogg’s sponsored KMS Skolasport programme  being held at Tal-Qroqq Sports Complex. Ms Harada brings a wealth of knowledge and experience having successfully competed in the 2004 Athens Olympics winning the silver medal, and four years later winning the bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Synchronized swimming, also known as water ballet, is a blend of meticulously coordinated acrobatics, swimming, and dance. The sport requires tremendous grace, core strength, flexibility, breath control, split-second timing, and endurance.

Ms Harada commented: “Most people define synchronized swimming as dancing in the water but there is much more depth than meets the eye. The synchronized swimmer is expected to accomplish many athletic feats and it requires finesse, grace, flexibility, movement coordination and timing to excel in this discipline. Part of the workout routine involves the swimmers supporting other swimmers all the while without touching the pool floor.”

“The programme designed by KMS Skolasport is intended to guide the participant from the basic deckwork on land to more advanced choreography movements in the water. We have a thriving and energetic junior squad of synchronised swimmers who are showing progress and are well on their way to compete on national level,” added Ms Harada.

This female only sports discipline, also called ‘synchro’ by sports enthusiasts, was developed in the United States in the 1930s.  During the Olympics and in world competitions, two panels of five judges examine the routine on execution and style. Scores, on a scale of 100, are awarded based on technical execution, choreography, synchronization, difficulty of movements, and manner of presentation.

KMS Skolasport is still accepting applications for Synchronized Swimming which is held every Saturday morning for 9-16 year old girls, and any other available courses. KMS Skolasport programme ends on 30th May 2014. The application fee is €15 covering April and May 2014. Terms and conditions may apply.

For further information about synchronized swimming classes, which are also going to be held in summer, or any other sport disciplines practiced at the KMS Skolasport, one can contact the Programmes Section at the Kunsill Malti ghall-iSport Head Office on tel. 2203 6000 or via e-mail: programmes@sportmalta.org.mt or visit the KMS website: www.sportmalta.org.mt.