Off the heels of some stellar synchronised swimming on display at the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Sports Complex during the 9th Asian Swimming Championships, comes great news for Dubai residents as Synquatics comes to life – the region’s first ever synchronised swimming programme.
Founded by former Olympic synchronised swimmers Sarah and Heba Abdel Gawad in collaboration with M&S Sports Services, Synquatics was recently launched at Safa Private School.
The twins have over five years of experience coaching synchronised swimming in Egypt and the UK, and together competed in the Duet competition at the 2000 Sydney Olympics after making waves in the region when they won the Mediterranean Cup in 1996 ahead of favourites from Spain, Italy and many other countries with a long tradition in synchro. Heba competed in Athens 2004 as well, without her sister after Sarah had retired from competing in the sport.
“We’re so proud to launch the first synchro programme in the Gulf region,” 30-year-old Sarah told Sport360° on the sidelines of the ongoing Asian Swimming Championships in Dubai.
“I think it’s about time synchronised swimming was properly introduced to the region. The interest has been huge since we launched the programme, especially after the London Olympic Games and now the Asian Swimming Championships.
“It’s such a lovely sport to watch, and people have been asking around for a long time about synchro classes. We’ve even had requests from males.
“Synchronised swimming is good for people who are passionate about combining gymnastics, ballet and swimming all in one sport. There’s a very technical side to it but also an artistic side, which makes it a very beautiful sport to be part of.”
The programme is open to girls as young as five years old, provided they are confident swimmers. One-hour sessions are available throughout the day on Saturdays. However, given the high demand, the twins are hoping to introduce sessions on Wednesdays, while several more venues are offering the use of their pools – meaning more classes will be on offer soon.
Swimmers will learn several key skills that will allow them to master control of the water using specific hand and leg movements. The session is completed with a choreographed routine on music.
The duo’s philosophy is based on coaching in a positive atmosphere. Sarah says that the old philosophy of “no pain no gain” doesn’t really help in the long run. “We believe in positivity,” says Sarah.“If you focus on technique rather than overtraining then you will get results.
“We guarantee a challenging, fun and creative class that you will be sure to enjoy. Heba and I provide a great mix of dry land and in-water training. Heba studied Sports Science and her work focuses on maximising peoples’ athletic potential – an area where there is not much knowledge about out there.
“Once we get to a certain level with our swimmers, Heba will then start working with them on maximising their peak performance. I’ve also been an English teacher for many years so I know how to engage with young people, and it’s been great so far.”
So, if the ongoing Asian Swimming Championships have whet your appetite, then head for a session at Synquatics.
WHAT: Synchronised swimming programme at Synquatics
WHERE: Safa Private School
WHEN: Every Saturday, sign-ups are per term
COST: Dh70 per session, current half-term until Christmas costs Dh280
CONTACT: [email protected], 0554485381, www.facebook.com/synquatics.
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