Synchro PEI grows program, with the help of a few boys

For the first time ever on P.E.I., boys are taking to the pool to try their hands at a sport long thought of as a girls-only activity.

Four boys have enrolled in Syncho PEI's recreational program this year, but the girls aren't too worried.

"It's OK," said Skylar Couture, whose little brother Caleb joined the program."It's not like they're going to take over every sport or anything."

Six-year-old Caleb Couture said one of the reasons he joined was because his sister Skylar doesit. He also wants to win.

"I want to win a synchronized swimming trophy and place it on my shelf so my friends can see it," he said.

I would love to see the sport grow, and if it grows with boys or with girls I think it would be awesome. Doreen Walsh, Synchro PEI

The other three boys moved to P.E.I. recently from China. Doreen Walsh, Synchro PEI's rec co-ordinator, said their families liked what they saw in training sessions and signed them up.

She hopes more will follow.

"I think it's awesome," she said."We've never had boys in this sport before on P.E.I. but it is becoming more prevalent in other provinces, so that's something we're trying to work on here."

Synchro PEI has had as many as 80 people registered. It dipped to 12 a few years ago and is back up to 32 this year, including the four boys.

"I would love to see the sport grow, and if it grows with boys or with girls I think it would be awesome," Walsh said. "It was big thing on P.E.I., but it's building again."

The rec programis for kids aged six to 12. They practice twice a week.

Jane Bondt, a coach for rec program, said it helps as a base for other sports such as water polo or diving.

"It's a very good way to teach water orientation, improving their swimming skills, having lots of fun while they're doing it," she said.

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