Burning Bright Update
MSSA’s final tally for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation was $3090.00. We are pleased to be part of Ontario Synchro Swim campaign. Their press release follows:

Ontario synchro swim clubs raise over $36,000 for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation
Toronto, ON – November 18, 2005 – Synchro Swim Ontario member clubs across the province have raised an astonishing $36,613 during the 2nd annual “Burning Bright for Breast Cancer” a province-wide charity initiative during the month of October in support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

For the second consecutive year during October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Ontario synchro swim athletes participated in an event at their local club where they incorporated a common theme of keeping a candle burning within the pool for a minimum of one hour, in which swimmers handed off the torch in a relay format. The candle symbolized keeping the flame alive for creating a future without breast cancer. In 2004 synchro clubs raised just over $29,000 for the Foundation.

“Burning Bright for Breast Cancer” not only raises money for breast cancer research and community health initiatives -- it also promotes a healthy and active lifestyle, which is one way people can reduce their risk of developing breast cancer,” said Sharon Wood, executive director of the Foundation’s Ontario Chapter. “We are delighted by the commitment and support of Synchro Swim Ontario’s member clubs and are excited to continue to work with them.”

The Olympium Synchronized Swimming Club from Etobicoke was the club with the most pledges collected with a total of $8,352. Kathaleen Carpenter of Olympium Synchro was the athlete with the most pledges collected with a total of $877.

"The overwhelming support of the synchro community is evident in the levels of participation across our province and in the achieved results, which once again exceeded our expectations”, said Synchro Ontario President Lynn Hammond.  "It's fantastic to see how our swimmers rose to the challenge to do something for the community at large.  Synchro Swim Ontario is comprised of such hard-working and dedicated members, and this is a testament to their character and commitment”, added Synchro Swim Ontario Executive Director Leslie Makins.  “As our swimmers join together to make a difference, so we join with other contributors seeking a future without this disease and supporting those who have been touched by it."

Synchro Swim Ontario will be making the official cheque presentation to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation at 2:50 p.m. on Saturday, December 3rd at the Wilfrid Laurier University Pool in Waterloo, ON during the Lisa Alexander Figure Meet.