Synchronised Swimming In Visakhian Style 

The Visakha Vidyalaya, one of the pioneers of the synchronised swimming concept is getting ready for its next show this May. Having initiated the concept back in 1994, the school had had its first show in 1995 and has come a long way performing under different themes. ‘Out of the woods’, the theme for this year will come to light at the end of this month. 

The performances will be directed by Rovini Illukumbura who too has been a past pupil of the school and captain of the swimming team twice. Having a passion to take the sport to greater heights, Rovini believes that much more could be done in terms of developing the sport. “It is not easy to do this. We have only seen these kinds of sports at Olympics. But I am happy that we were one of the pioneers of this concept and we have come a long way since then. Synchronised swimming is not only about swimming because there is a gymnastic component included as well. So they need to have the physical as well as the mental strength to perform.” 

With the support of the captain and the vice captain of the senior swimming team, Rovini finds it encouraging to work with the girls who are equally passionate about the sport. “We are in the process of getting down a foreign coach to train them new techniques and develop the sport. The proceeds of this event will eventually be used for this purpose as well. We don’t have these kinds of sports in Sri Lanka, so we are encouraging the students to do more of it. Eventually I want to see them going in to Olympics and representing Sri Lanka. Also I would like to mention the support rendered by the parents. I basically don’t have to worry much about anything because they giving their fullest support to make this event a success,” she said. 

Many other schools too will join hands in making this event a success. The project is done in collaboration with the Interact Club of Visakha Vidyalaya and the organisers invite everybody to come and witness this one-of-a-kind event. 

What : Visakha Vidyalaya Synchronised Swimming show 
When : May 27, 28, 29 
Where : Visakha Vidyalaya Swimming pool complex 
Time : 6.30pm onwards 

Tickets are priced at Rs. 750, Rs.1000 and Rs.1500 and can be purchased swimming pool complex. 

By Kamanthi Wickramasinghe 
Photographs by Waruna Wanniarachchi