January 2021
Covid-19 has been hard on all of us, including local sport organizations like Calgary Elite Synchro (CES).
Thank you to everyone who made a donation through the
Calgary Flames Support for Sport program in support of our Calgary Elite training program.
Your donations have been matched up to 50%.
We are grateful to the Calgary Flames Foundation COVID-19 Community Response Program and the Parks Foundation of Calgary for providing this opportunity to our club and our swimmers.
Covid-19 has been hard on all of us, including local sport organizations like Calgary Elite Synchro (CES).
Thank you to everyone who made a donation through the
Calgary Flames Support for Sport program in support of our Calgary Elite training program.
Your donations have been matched up to 50%.
We are grateful to the Calgary Flames Foundation COVID-19 Community Response Program and the Parks Foundation of Calgary for providing this opportunity to our club and our swimmers.
Recreational Synchro Class: Come Try It!
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Oct 2020 - Only a few spots left!
Looking for a new activity this fall? We will be offering a beginner recreation class at the Seton YMCA from 7:15 - 8:15 pm on Wednesdays. For more information please contact our head coach, Jan Debney. |
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Kudos Coaches and Athletes
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Sept 2020 - After an unexpected hiatus due to the global coronavirus pandemic, Calgary Elite Synchro (CES) is getting back in the water! We are so proud of our swimmers who kept active and safe through online land workouts this past spring. Our athletes also had the privilege of meeting online with both Jacqueline Simoneau and Claudia Holzner from Canada's Artistic Swimming National Team in June! What an inspiration.
And now, back to the pool, as safely as we can. Thanks to our CES coaches for making our time outside the pool as motivating as possible, and our relaunch strategy as safe as possible. We applaud you! |
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CES' JONNIE NEWMAN NAMED TO CANADA'S 13-15 NATIONAL TEAM
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July 2019 - CES is beyond excited to announce that Jonnie Newman has been named to Canada's 13 - 15 National Team. Jonnie is one of ten athletes named to the team from across Canada. The 13 - 15 National Team will be representing Canada in Slovakia this summer. CES is so proud of Jonnie and all of the hard work she put in to achieve this amazing goal.
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CES Finishes 2017/18 Season with a WOW!!!!
Huge congratulations to the CES U12 Team for their top 10 performance at the Ontario Open Age Group Synchronized Swimming Challenge (OOAGSSC) in Etobicoke in May. This team, which is primarily comprised of FIRST YEAR SWIMMERS (Wow!) came 9th overall competing against some of the best U12 teams in the country.
Following OOAGSSC, CES swimmer Jonnie went to the Canadian Espoir Championships in Surrey to represent our Club and Province in U12 solo. Jonnie placed 2nd in solo routine, 3rd in solo championship, 5th in figures and 1st in two (2) dryland testing events.
What a way to finish off the season U12 athletes!
Following OOAGSSC, CES swimmer Jonnie went to the Canadian Espoir Championships in Surrey to represent our Club and Province in U12 solo. Jonnie placed 2nd in solo routine, 3rd in solo championship, 5th in figures and 1st in two (2) dryland testing events.
What a way to finish off the season U12 athletes!
Unprecedented Results at Wildrose Classic by CES
CES saw unprecedented results at the Wildrose Classic in Calgary in April. CES athletes achieved gold medal results in the following events:
- U10 Figures
- U10 Solo Routine
- U10 Solo Championship
- U12 Figures
- U12 Solo Championship
- Novice Figures
- Novice Duet Championship
CES Has Outstanding Performance at Killarney Invitational
Calgary Elite's coaching team was AMAZED and incredibly proud of all of our athlete's performances at this weekend's competition in Calgary. Some of the highlights included:
- First place U12 Figures
- 2-top 10 finishes in U10 Figures
- 1st & 2nd place in Novice Figures
- 1st place in Novice duet routine
- 1st place in U12 solo routine & championship
- 1st place in U10 solo championship
- 2nd and 5th place in U10 solo routine
- 4th place U12 Team routine & championship
- 4th place U10 Team routine
Calgary Elite Wins Synchro Alberta Award
Calgary Elite Synchro was awarded the 2017 Small Club of the Year award in Edmonton on September 16th. Head Coach, Kim Hurtig & Technical Director, Kristin Johnson were on hand to accept the award.
2018/19 Competitive Season Registration Details
Registration is now open for CES' competitive and pre-competitive programs for the 2018/19 swim season!!!!!!!
Program details (training schedule & pricing) can be found here.
The link to register can be found under our Programs page.
Please note that CES prides itself on being Calgary's only boutique synchronized (artistic) swimming club therefore registration space is limited to ensure we continue to offer the low swimmer-to-coach ratio that has made us the "little club with BIG results".
Questions? Contact our head coach Kim at headcoach@calgaryelitesynchro.com.
Program details (training schedule & pricing) can be found here.
The link to register can be found under our Programs page.
Please note that CES prides itself on being Calgary's only boutique synchronized (artistic) swimming club therefore registration space is limited to ensure we continue to offer the low swimmer-to-coach ratio that has made us the "little club with BIG results".
Questions? Contact our head coach Kim at headcoach@calgaryelitesynchro.com.
U12 Team Success at CWC & CoC Meets
The U12 Team did amazingly at both the CWC Transition Meet and the City of Calgary Figures Competition in November. What a tremendous start to the season girls. We are all so proud of you!!!!
Holiday Watershow Success
A HUGE thank you to the CES athletes, families & friends for a wonderful Holiday Watershow and Celebration. All of the athletes looked amazing and the CES Coaching Team was so proud!! Wishing you all the best this Holiday Season. We can't wait to see what exciting things 2017 will bring!
- The CES Coaching Team
- The CES Coaching Team
Registration for the 2017 Pre-Competitive Program is NOW available! Click here
FIRST PRACTICES BACK 2017
U10s: Tuesday, January 3rd
U12s: Wednesday, January 4th
U8s: Friday, January 6th
U12s: Wednesday, January 4th
U8s: Friday, January 6th
CES Summer Camp
Junior Team Back from Prague
The seven girls that represented Calgary Elite Synchro and Canada made their parents and coaches proud by securing 5th place (out of 17 teams) at the Christmas Prize. Their journey in pictures is in the Photo Gallery.
Way to go, 13-15 Team!
Twenty four teams from across the country competed in the 13 -15 National Age Group category at the National Qualifier in Victoria, BC March 23 - 27. Calgary Elite had a great competition and this group of girls placed 7th in the preliminary round and made the finals where they also finished a strong 7th.
Congrats to Louisa for a 4th place figure placement out of over 200 girls.
Congrats to Louisa for a 4th place figure placement out of over 200 girls.
Calgary Elite Teams Shine!
Our U8 team brought cheers from the crowd when they pre-swam at the Aquabelle challenge in February and they were joined by our pre competitive girls pre-swimming at the Wildrose Qualifier held at U of C March 6-8.
U10 Team of Hallie M, Georgia H, Simone, R and Teagan S. are having a great season. They have won both the Aquabelle Challenge and the Wildrose Qualifier. We can't wait to see them at the Wildrose Qualifier in Sherwood Park in April.
Hayley S, Cassie W, Grace A and Genevieve B form our 11-12 Provincial team. They swam a solid routine to a 4th place finish in the Wildrose Qualifier.
The 13 - 15 National Stream team (l-r: Maddie G, Kyra S, Autumn C, Roslyn B, Kelsey A, Louisa S, Madelaine M and Rachel G) are preparing for the National Qualifier in Victoria, BC beginning March 23.
They won a silver medal at the Provincials in February at Talisman Centre. Go Girls!
They won a silver medal at the Provincials in February at Talisman Centre. Go Girls!
Try Synchro!
Contact Us to get more information about trying the great sport of synchronized swimming. We will be hosting Synchro camps in the summer of 2015 and are happy to put your swimmer on our interest list.
Or come for a free practice to see what synchro is all about, meet our teams and learn more about competitive synchro.
With synchronized swimming you gain more than skills in the water. Our girls form lasting friendships, develop life skills, get fit, have fun and more!
Or come for a free practice to see what synchro is all about, meet our teams and learn more about competitive synchro.
With synchronized swimming you gain more than skills in the water. Our girls form lasting friendships, develop life skills, get fit, have fun and more!
Proud Moments
The Calgary Elite 13- 15 Team recently spent some time together outside of the pool. They enjoyed an afternoon painting pottery at Color Me Mine.
Louisa S. (pictured doing the splits) has been successful at the US 13-15 National Team trials. Louisa placed 8th and landed in the Top 10, after she competed strongly in 13-15 Figures Competition, Land Skills Testing, and Water Skills Testing.
Hayley S. (pictured here with Coach Elena Spronk and CES Head Coach Kristin Johnson) was honored by Synchro Alberta with the 10 and Under Athlete of the Year Award for 2014.
Kyra S (front row left) and Louisa S (back row right) were named to Team Alberta and competed at the UANA Games in Riverside, CA in August 2014.
Espoir National Championships
Congratulations to our 13 -15 National Age Group Team of Louisa S, Kyra S, Maddison G, Rachel G, Madelaine M, Autumn C, Nadia K and Asia P.
The team swam a clean routine for a 12th place finish at the Espoir Championships in Kamloops, BC at the beginning of June. The girls achieved their goal and earned the honor of pre-swimming at the Finals.
Way to go - we are proud of you!
The team swam a clean routine for a 12th place finish at the Espoir Championships in Kamloops, BC at the beginning of June. The girls achieved their goal and earned the honor of pre-swimming at the Finals.
Way to go - we are proud of you!
As our 11-12 and 13-15 Teams put in their last few practices before heading to Kamloops for the Espoir National Championships, we begin planning for next year!
Our pre registration form is available on our "Programs" page. Returning swimmers, please pre-register by Friday, June 13. New swimmers will be able to pre-register following that date
GOOD LUCK GIRLS - WE KNOW YOU WILL SWIM WITH HEART!
Our pre registration form is available on our "Programs" page. Returning swimmers, please pre-register by Friday, June 13. New swimmers will be able to pre-register following that date
GOOD LUCK GIRLS - WE KNOW YOU WILL SWIM WITH HEART!
Watershow
Calgary Elite Synchro showcased their team routines, solos and duets at Talisman Centre on May 4. There was a special presentation by our Pre-competitive girls who have been swimming on Sundays and learning the basics of synchronized swimming. Well done, everyone! It was great to the skill development through the age groups.
Good Swim Girls!
The 13-15 Team competed in Montreal March 12 - 16 for the National Qualifier. The team, back row (l-r) swam their Mozart routine to 11th place.
Congratulations to the team and to Rachel and Louisa and Kyra and Maddison whose duets qualified to compete at the Espoir National Championships in Kamloops in June.
Congratulations to the team and to Rachel and Louisa and Kyra and Maddison whose duets qualified to compete at the Espoir National Championships in Kamloops in June.
Great Job!
Congratulations to our 10U team (l-r) Jane T, Lauren M, Hayley S, Genevieve B, and Grace A. They placed first at the Wildrose Qualifier in Edmonton at the end of February.
Kudos to our 11-12 team for their 3rd place finish! Pictured (l-r) Cassie W, Kaylee D, Anastasia S, Samantha T, Hope L, missing Tegan K. Can't wait to see your swim in Lethbridge!
Jane T and Hayley W won the 10U Duet at the Wildrose Qualifier.
L-R - Halle M, Simone R, Teagan S and Jenais P are Princess who Wanna have Fun and had a great swim in Edmonton.
Teambuilding
Most Promising Coach
Our own Elena Spronk (pictured on the right with head coach Kristin Johnson) was awarded "Most Promising Coach of the Year" at the annual Synchro Alberta banquet on September 20.
We are very proud of Elena and couldn't agree more! Elena coached last season's U10 team and duet to silver medals by the last competition of the year. The girls improved tremendously and loved being being with Elena both in and out of the pool.
We are very proud of Elena and couldn't agree more! Elena coached last season's U10 team and duet to silver medals by the last competition of the year. The girls improved tremendously and loved being being with Elena both in and out of the pool.
Provincial Team Annoucement
Calgary Elite Synchro proudly announces our 13-15 team has been selected to be part of the Provincial Team attending the Walnut Creek Synchro Camp in California at the end of July.
They took 6 of the 10 spots and they are: Autumn Collier, Maddy Garland, Rachel Gagatek, Rebecca Loughlin, Louisa Strutynski and Kyra Stevens.
Way to go girls!!!
They took 6 of the 10 spots and they are: Autumn Collier, Maddy Garland, Rachel Gagatek, Rebecca Loughlin, Louisa Strutynski and Kyra Stevens.
Way to go girls!!!
13-15's National Team at Espoir - Ottawa
Our 13-15 National team returned from Espoir in Ottawa as well. They had a great competition and the entire team made the Provincial Team: Autumn Collier, Maddy Garland, Rachel Gagatek, Rebecca Loughlin, Louisa Strutynski and Kyra Stevens. Way to go girls!!!
Go to our Gallery to see more pics.
Go to our Gallery to see more pics.
U12's at Espoir - Ottawa
Our U12 team just got back from Espoir in Ottawa, ON. This was their first time to a National stream competition and they represented the club so well placing 6th.
They even got to meet the Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper.
Go to our Gallery to see more pics!
They even got to meet the Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper.
Go to our Gallery to see more pics!
Debbie Muir
Our 13-15 team got a visit from Debbie Muir just before they leave for Nationals (Espoir). Thanks Debbie!!!
Debbie is one of the most successful coaches of all time, recognized for leading the Canadian National Synchronized Swimming Team to four Olympic medals plus seven world championships. She has been inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame, the prestigious International Swimming Hall of Fame in Fort Lauderdale, and was named one of the top ten coaches in Canadian history, the only woman to receive this remarkable distinction...and the list goes on.
Debbie is one of the most successful coaches of all time, recognized for leading the Canadian National Synchronized Swimming Team to four Olympic medals plus seven world championships. She has been inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame, the prestigious International Swimming Hall of Fame in Fort Lauderdale, and was named one of the top ten coaches in Canadian history, the only woman to receive this remarkable distinction...and the list goes on.
13-15 Training Camp
May 8 to 13, 2013 our 13-15 National Team went to Las Vegas for a training camp.
These girls trained really hard but had some fun too!
A couple of highlights were: watching 'Le Reve' with a backstage tour from Clare, who trained at Canada's National Training Centre before trying out for this Cirque du Soleil production. They also got a visit from Bill May, a top synchronized swimmer in the US who made the Olympic team only to be denied the chance to compete because of Olympic rules. He now stars in another Cirque du Soleil production 'O', and dropped by to help the athletes.
An amazing experience all around!!!
These girls trained really hard but had some fun too!
A couple of highlights were: watching 'Le Reve' with a backstage tour from Clare, who trained at Canada's National Training Centre before trying out for this Cirque du Soleil production. They also got a visit from Bill May, a top synchronized swimmer in the US who made the Olympic team only to be denied the chance to compete because of Olympic rules. He now stars in another Cirque du Soleil production 'O', and dropped by to help the athletes.
An amazing experience all around!!!
2013 Spring Trophy
May 10 to 12th, 2013 was the Spring Trophy in Calgary, AB. This was the last competition of the season for our Wildrose teams who range in age from 6 to 12 years of age. We were so proud to have 4 teams representing Calgary Elite Synchro.
This was the first competition ever for our youngest team (Nic's team) and we want to give special mention to them.
All the athletes did a great job and big thanks to the coaches!!!
There are more photos in our photo gallery.
U10:
Elena's team placed 3rd
Nic's team placed 8th
U10 Duet placed 2nd
U10 figures:
4th Kaylee Doan
5th Hayley Stevens
U12 team placed 4th
This was the first competition ever for our youngest team (Nic's team) and we want to give special mention to them.
All the athletes did a great job and big thanks to the coaches!!!
There are more photos in our photo gallery.
U10:
Elena's team placed 3rd
Nic's team placed 8th
U10 Duet placed 2nd
U10 figures:
4th Kaylee Doan
5th Hayley Stevens
U12 team placed 4th
2013 Canadian Open Championships
April 24 to 28, 2013 was the Canadian Open Championships in Quebec City, Quebec. Calgary Elite Synchro's Junior athlete competed in the figures category. Rachel Yaremko had a great competition placing 40th out of 157 swimmers from across Canada. Way to Go Rachel!
This is her practicing in Quebec.
This is her practicing in Quebec.
U12's Going to Ottawa
Our U12 team has qualified for Espoir. They will be going to Ottawa at the end of May to represent Alberta and compete against other U12 teams from all over Canada.
Congrats girls!!!
Congrats girls!!!
Athlete Recognition Program
Synchro Alberta has created a program and partnered with Team Aquatic Supplies to recognize athletes in the Wildrose Champions stream based on their skill development in the figures event.We are so excited to announce that two of Calgary Elite Synchro's athletes are being recognized: Hayley Stevens and Kaylee Doan.
Great job girls!
Great job girls!
Wildrose Classic
Our U10 & U12 girls competed in Edmonton April 12 to 14th and had fantastic results. Great job to the athletes and coaches we are so proud of you all. Safe journey home.
Special Mention:
U10 figures: Kaylee Doan 3rd, Hayley Stevens 5th
U10 duet: Hayley Stevens & Jane Thomlinson 2nd
U10 team: 2nd place
U12 team: 3rd place
U12 solo: Asia Pieper 4th place
Special Mention:
U10 figures: Kaylee Doan 3rd, Hayley Stevens 5th
U10 duet: Hayley Stevens & Jane Thomlinson 2nd
U10 team: 2nd place
U12 team: 3rd place
U12 solo: Asia Pieper 4th place
National Qualifier
March 19 to 24, 2013 was the National Qualifier that brought 38 clubs from across Canada to compete. There were 455 athletes in total making it the largest Synchronized Swimming Competition ever in Canada. It was an amazing experience for our athletes and coaches. Great job girls!!!
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Long-Term Athlete Development Plan
Calgary Elite Synchro follows this model that Canada Sport for Life has developed. The attachment below provides more information on the program.
Pre-competitive Program
If you are interested in synchronized swimming we have a pre-competitive program. Go to our 'Program' page for more information.
Calgary Elite Synchro's Watershow
On Dec. 16th the parents, family and friends were treated to a watershow by the clubs swimmers. The girls showed off what they have learned so far. Routines are still in the works, but it was great to see how they are progressing.
The highlight was a routine swam by all girls to "We Wish You A Merry Christmas". It was fun for the girls to swim with each other as they don't normally get to. The ages ranged from 6 to 18.
Calgary Elite Synchro wishes all their swimmers, coaches and families a very Merry Christmas and look forward to an exciting New Year!
The highlight was a routine swam by all girls to "We Wish You A Merry Christmas". It was fun for the girls to swim with each other as they don't normally get to. The ages ranged from 6 to 18.
Calgary Elite Synchro wishes all their swimmers, coaches and families a very Merry Christmas and look forward to an exciting New Year!
Small Club Performance
On Sept. 28th, 2012 Calgary Elite Synchro was awarded Best Small Club Performance from Synchro Alberta.
This was our 3rd win in a row. We thank Synchro AB for all their support and congratulate all the clubs in Alberta for another fantastic year in Synchro!
It takes the entire Synchro community to grow the sport and it is fantastic that every year Synchro AB holds the Alberta Aquatic Conference in conjunction with Swim Alberta to provide valuable information to coaches and clubs so we can provide better programs to develop young athletes. The conference also recognizes special achievements from clubs, coaches, swimmers and volunteers.
This was our 3rd win in a row. We thank Synchro AB for all their support and congratulate all the clubs in Alberta for another fantastic year in Synchro!
It takes the entire Synchro community to grow the sport and it is fantastic that every year Synchro AB holds the Alberta Aquatic Conference in conjunction with Swim Alberta to provide valuable information to coaches and clubs so we can provide better programs to develop young athletes. The conference also recognizes special achievements from clubs, coaches, swimmers and volunteers.
Fit Kids May Make Better Grades: Study
By By Serena Gordon
HealthDay Reporter | HealthDay – Sat, Aug 4, 2012
FRIDAY, Aug. 3 (HealthDay News) -- Middle school students who are physically fit are likely to score higher on standardized tests measuring reading and math abilities, a new study has found.
And, the average scores went up in correlation with levels of fitness, the findings showed.
"The more physically fit kids were, the higher their scores," said the study's lead author, Trent Petrie, director of the Center for Sport Psychology at the University of North Texas in Denton.
"Parents should encourage their kids to be physically active. There are some real cognitive and academic benefits that come from physical fitness," Petrie said.
Results of the study are scheduled to be presented Friday at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association in Orlando, Fla.
The study included more than 1,200 middle school students from five schools in a suburban area of Texas, with 561 boys and 650 girls.
About 57 percent of the children were white, and nearly one-quarter were Mexican American. Nine percent were black and about 2 percent were of Asian descent.
The school district provided the researchers with information on the children's race, age, grade level and whether they qualified for the free school lunch program, which was an indicator of the family's socioeconomic status. The schools also provided scores to the tests, which were given between one and four months after the researchers had assessed the children's levels of fitness.
Fitness tests were administered during physical education classes to determine the youngsters' heart and lung health (cardiorespiratory fitness), as well as their body mass index (BMI), an indicator of how much body fat a person has. The children also filled out questionnaires that helped the researchers determine factors such as self-esteem and social support.
After accounting for factors such as age, sex, family income and self-esteem, the researchers found that for both boys and girls, higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness predicted better scores on both the math and reading tests.
For boys, perceived social support also seemed to boost their reading scores, the investigators found.
In girls, while being physically fit predicted higher reading scores, so too did a higher BMI -- which indicates more body fat. "We were a little surprised by this finding," Petrie said.
"It was not as strong an association as the one with physical fitness," he added. The authors suspect it may have something to do with girls this age entering puberty, which may be related to a higher BMI and slightly higher cognitive (brain) development. He said he plans to look for this relationship again in larger studies to see if it was a chance finding, or if the association holds up.
"While we can't say 100 percent that physical fitness causes better academic performance, we can say that there is a strong and predictive relationship between physical fitness and academic performance," Petrie said.
"It's hard to tease apart the exact reason for this association," said Becky Hashim, an attending clinical psychologist and assistant professor in the departments of psychiatry and pediatrics at the Children's Hospital of Montefiore, in New York City.
"It may be that the children are getting more oxygen. When the heart and lungs are working at a higher capacity, it may allow the brain to work at peak performance. Children who are less fit may be sleepier during school," she noted. "I personally feel that there's probably a strong relationship between the confidence you get from being able to do something physical well and academic performance."
Whatever the reason behind this association may be, "there's certainly no harm in pushing physical fitness," Hashim added.
"Physical fitness may make you feel better, give you more confidence and improve your performance across the board," she said.
Petrie agreed. "Physically fit kids are happier, have higher self-esteem, tend to have better relationships, and now we're beginning to see, there also seem to be benefits cognitively and academically. Our study sends a strong warning to policymakers to reconsider the utility of physical education classes for kids," he said.
Because this study was presented at a medical meeting, the data and conclusions should be viewed as preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.
More information
Read more about keeping kids active at the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
HealthDay Reporter | HealthDay – Sat, Aug 4, 2012
FRIDAY, Aug. 3 (HealthDay News) -- Middle school students who are physically fit are likely to score higher on standardized tests measuring reading and math abilities, a new study has found.
And, the average scores went up in correlation with levels of fitness, the findings showed.
"The more physically fit kids were, the higher their scores," said the study's lead author, Trent Petrie, director of the Center for Sport Psychology at the University of North Texas in Denton.
"Parents should encourage their kids to be physically active. There are some real cognitive and academic benefits that come from physical fitness," Petrie said.
Results of the study are scheduled to be presented Friday at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association in Orlando, Fla.
The study included more than 1,200 middle school students from five schools in a suburban area of Texas, with 561 boys and 650 girls.
About 57 percent of the children were white, and nearly one-quarter were Mexican American. Nine percent were black and about 2 percent were of Asian descent.
The school district provided the researchers with information on the children's race, age, grade level and whether they qualified for the free school lunch program, which was an indicator of the family's socioeconomic status. The schools also provided scores to the tests, which were given between one and four months after the researchers had assessed the children's levels of fitness.
Fitness tests were administered during physical education classes to determine the youngsters' heart and lung health (cardiorespiratory fitness), as well as their body mass index (BMI), an indicator of how much body fat a person has. The children also filled out questionnaires that helped the researchers determine factors such as self-esteem and social support.
After accounting for factors such as age, sex, family income and self-esteem, the researchers found that for both boys and girls, higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness predicted better scores on both the math and reading tests.
For boys, perceived social support also seemed to boost their reading scores, the investigators found.
In girls, while being physically fit predicted higher reading scores, so too did a higher BMI -- which indicates more body fat. "We were a little surprised by this finding," Petrie said.
"It was not as strong an association as the one with physical fitness," he added. The authors suspect it may have something to do with girls this age entering puberty, which may be related to a higher BMI and slightly higher cognitive (brain) development. He said he plans to look for this relationship again in larger studies to see if it was a chance finding, or if the association holds up.
"While we can't say 100 percent that physical fitness causes better academic performance, we can say that there is a strong and predictive relationship between physical fitness and academic performance," Petrie said.
"It's hard to tease apart the exact reason for this association," said Becky Hashim, an attending clinical psychologist and assistant professor in the departments of psychiatry and pediatrics at the Children's Hospital of Montefiore, in New York City.
"It may be that the children are getting more oxygen. When the heart and lungs are working at a higher capacity, it may allow the brain to work at peak performance. Children who are less fit may be sleepier during school," she noted. "I personally feel that there's probably a strong relationship between the confidence you get from being able to do something physical well and academic performance."
Whatever the reason behind this association may be, "there's certainly no harm in pushing physical fitness," Hashim added.
"Physical fitness may make you feel better, give you more confidence and improve your performance across the board," she said.
Petrie agreed. "Physically fit kids are happier, have higher self-esteem, tend to have better relationships, and now we're beginning to see, there also seem to be benefits cognitively and academically. Our study sends a strong warning to policymakers to reconsider the utility of physical education classes for kids," he said.
Because this study was presented at a medical meeting, the data and conclusions should be viewed as preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.
More information
Read more about keeping kids active at the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
Year End Party!!!
Fun in the Sun
Thankfully the weather cooperated and gave us a beautiful sunny day as we wrapped up the year. The girls and coaches worked so hard all year and it was time to celebrate and reflect on a wonderful year.
Have a great summer!!!
Thankfully the weather cooperated and gave us a beautiful sunny day as we wrapped up the year. The girls and coaches worked so hard all year and it was time to celebrate and reflect on a wonderful year.
Have a great summer!!!
Espoir
Silver at Espoir!!!
May 23 to 27, 2012 our 12 & Under team travelled to Toronto for Espoir (Nationals). Here they represented the top routines in Alberta and competed against the top routines in Canada. We are so proud of how well these girls performed and congratulate them on a fantastic competition.
Figures - 20th Kyra Stevens, 27th Autumn Collier, 41 Rebecca Loughlin, 52 Rachel Gagatek
Team - 3rd in Routine & 2nd in Championship: Autumn Collier, Rachel Gagatek, Rebecca Loughlin & Kyra Stevens
Duet - 4th in Routine & 6th in Championship: Kyra Stevens & Rebecca Loughlin
Espoir Banquet
Heading out to the Espoir banquet at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament. All the athletes and coaches attend for a bit of fun.
Congratulations, Louisa - USA National Team Member!
Louisa S. headed south of the border following the Canadian National Qualifier to complete the final stage of try-outs for the US 13-15 National Team. After competing in figures and routine, she was named to the 10 member team.
They will train and compete this summer at the UANA games. Louisa - we will be cheering you on as you compete this summer. You have worked so hard and have accomplished what few other swimmers do. We are so happy for you!
They will train and compete this summer at the UANA games. Louisa - we will be cheering you on as you compete this summer. You have worked so hard and have accomplished what few other swimmers do. We are so happy for you!
Elena Spronk's 12U "Lady Gaga" team of Grace A, Genevieve B, Hayley S, and Cassie W were excited to be on the podium to receive a bronze medal
Genevieve had a beautiful solo swim for a 5th place finish
Hard work pays off!
Genevieve had a beautiful solo swim for a 5th place finish
Hard work pays off!
Calgary Elite Provincial Teams have great finish at Canadian Prairie Invitational May 8-10 in Saskatoon
The 10 and under "sailor-theme" team, coached by Val Titov, won a silver medal in Saskatoon to wrap up their successful year.
Team: Hallie M, Georgia H, Teagan S and Simone R
The "Fireworks" duet by Teagan and Simone brought home the gold
Solos by Simone and Hallie were 3rd and 9th respectively
Great work girls!
Team: Hallie M, Georgia H, Teagan S and Simone R
The "Fireworks" duet by Teagan and Simone brought home the gold
Solos by Simone and Hallie were 3rd and 9th respectively
Great work girls!
Big Plans for 2015-2016!
Calgary Elite Synchro is very excited to be planning two spectacular opportunities for its athletes next season.
Our current 13-15 NS team is competing at the Christmas Prize in Prague in December!
Our 10U and 12U teams are heading to Las Vegas in November to work with the Water Beauties. Along with training in and out of the pool, the
girls will be seeing "O" and working with and meeting the cast and much, much more! It's a chance of a lifetime - Contact Us to learn more.
Our current 13-15 NS team is competing at the Christmas Prize in Prague in December!
Our 10U and 12U teams are heading to Las Vegas in November to work with the Water Beauties. Along with training in and out of the pool, the
girls will be seeing "O" and working with and meeting the cast and much, much more! It's a chance of a lifetime - Contact Us to learn more.
13-15 Team Earns 5th Place Finish at Espoir!
Our proud 13-15 National "Jungle" Team reached their goal of
earning a ribbon placing at Espoir. This was a first for this team
and we are so proud of them.
Next on their bucket list is a an international competition, which
will occur in December when they represent Canada and Calgary Elite Synchro at the Christmas Prize in Prague.
Synchro Alberta Awards
We were extremely proud to be honoured by Synchro Alberta at the AGM in October. Valerie Titov was awarded Most Promising Coach and our Club was awarded the Best Small Club award. A lot of hard work and dedication went into these awards and we are very proud of Valerie and all the coaches who made us the great small club that we are.
Christmas Water Show
The athletes presented their routines for the first time in front of an audience of friends and family in December. It was great to get a preview of what the girls have been working on. For some of our athletes this was the first time they have performed in front of a crowd.