ISLAND Aquatics Synchro Club completed a very successful synchronised swimming season by making the finals of the UANA Pan American Synchronised Swimming Championships held recently in California, USA.

The five-member (age group 12 and under) team routine of Nyouka Baugh, Hannah Smith, Maryann Baker, Felice Coombs and Laila Bailey performed their Angry Birds routine which had previously won gold at the Florida Regional Age Group Competition in April of this year.

Two 12-and-under teams from Jamaica competed, and based on their higher scores, the Island Aquatics team advanced to the final and finished in fifth place behind teams from the USA, Mexico, Canada and Colombia.

The team was accompanied by head coach Olga Novokshchenova and chaperone/practice judge Sharon Smith. A highlight of the UANA competition was the grand finale which saw each country performing one routine in the gala event. Island Aquatics’ Nyouka Baugh was selected to represent Jamaica and performed her solo which had won bronze in the Florida competition.

Other successes this past year included a silver medal for the duet of Nyouka Baugh and Felice Coombs in Florida, as well as gold medals at the Island Aquatics Synchro Jamaica International Competition held in January, and the Jamaica International Synchronised Swimming Competition held last October in Kingston.

Novokshchenova is pleased with the progress of the young swimmers and the opportunities presented for much needed international competition. The UANA Pan American Synchronised Swimming Championship is an important meet for the Jamaican swimmers and at this their second consecutive year of participation, the swimmers improved their scores in both figures and routines by six points over last year’s performance.

The head coach also expressed her hope that the swimmers will be able to take advantage of more opportunities for development in the coming year with the continued assistance of local sponsors.

The Island Aquatics swimmers train in Kingston and Portland and their preparation includes travel between both parishes to prepare the team routine supported by volunteer coaches, Novokshchenova and Tochino.

As the new season opens next month, Island Aquatics Synchro Club wishes to express its sincere appreciation to its corporate and private sponsors who have been committed to the vision for the sustainable development of strong and accomplished female athletes — Dekal Wireless, Reggae Jammin, Dolphin Cove, San San Property Owners’ Association, The Jewel Runaway Bay Hotel, PA Benjamin Manufacturing Company Ltd, Peak Bottling and CGM Gallaghar Insurance Brokers (Jamaica) Limited.

The next event is the Seventh Annual Island Aquatics Synchro Jamaica Invitational Meet January 31 – February 1, 2015.