SYDNEY TO HOST SYNCHRONISED SWIMMING AUSTRALIA OPEN

Sydney will welcome the biggest national synchronised swimming championships ever held in Australia this weekend at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre.

The 2015 Synchronised Swimming Australia Open and Age Group Championships will be held from Friday 24 until Sunday 26 Aprilfeaturing teams from Australia, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, New Zealand and Malaysia.

Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres said synchronised swimming combines speed, strength and endurance with the precision, flexibility and acrobatic athleticism of gymnastics.

“Sydneysiders have the opportunity to see our current and future Olympians over three incredible days of events at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre,” Mr Ayres said.

“The event will include performances and routines from competitors as young as 8 years old all the way through to Masters.

“With admission only $4 and children under four free, this is the perfect opportunity for families to get out and see world class sport in our own backyard,” Mr Ayres added.

Head of Synchro Australia Brian Miller said the competition will showcase athletes in their preparation for the Rio 2016 Olympics.

“The national championships in Sydney promises to be a strong competition and one that will allow synchronised swimmers from across Australia to stage their talents,” Mr Miller said.

“In addition to the competition events, our national team will perform technical routines comprised of the highest level of difficulty and most challenging technical elements and which form part of the national team selection for these Olympic hopefuls on their Road to Rio 2016.”