Saho Harada, a Japan national team synchronised swimming team member, is currently forming part of a dedicated group of water sports coaches at the Kellogg’s-sponsored KMS Skolasport programme being held at Tal-Qroqq.

Harada brings a wealth of knowledge and experience having successfully competed in the 2004 Athens Olympics winning the silver medal, and four years later, winning a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Synchronised swimming is a blend of meticulously coordinated acrobatics, swimming and dance.

“Most people define synchronised swimming as dancing in the water but there is much more depth than what meets the eye,” Harada contended.

“The synchronised swimmer is expected to accomplish various athletic feats and the sport requires finesse, grace, flexibility, movement coordination and timing to excel in this discipline.

“The programme designed by Skolasport is intended to guide the participant from the basic deckwork on land to more advanced choreography movements in the water. We have a thriving and energetic junior squad of synchronised swimmers who are showing progress and are well on their way to compete on national level.”

This female-only sports discipline was developed in the United States in the 1930s.

KMS Skolasport is accepting applications for training sessions which are held on Saturdays.

One may obtain more details from the Programmes Section at the Kunsill Malti għall-iSport offices (tel. 22036000) or via e-mail programmes@sportmalta.org.mt.