Contact: Eugenia Gillan Phone: 978-886-7075

Andover/N. Andover YMCA Hosts 100+ Athletes at NESSA Synchronized Swim Meet this Weekend!

Mix unflavored Knox gelatin, super hot water so the gelatin looks nice and shiny when painted on, (but not so broiling hot
that the swimmer yells in agony at her weary Mom who works at lightening speed to finish "knoxing" before the gunk
hardens) and apply the final touch, a custom made headpiece! What??? Yes, this is just some of what happens behind the
scenes at a synchronized swim meet! There are also beautifully choreographed routines, custom made swim suits, a specially
designed sound system so swimmers can hear music while they're upside down underwater, and a sense of camaraderie and
team spirit you feel when you walk through the doors.

If you are not familiar with the sport of synchronized swimming there is an excellent opportunity for you to check it out this
weekend as the ANA Synchers host one of the largest events in the region, the New England Synchronized Swimming Association
Age Group Championship, May 5-6 at the Andover/North Andover YMCA.

The nationally ranked ANA Synchers will host swimmers from other top Massachusetts teams including the Aqua Divas of
Watertown, Cambridge Synchro of Cambridge, the North Shore Selkies of Ipswich, the Synchro-Maids of Worcester, as well as
the New Hampshire Aqua Divas of Nashua. Over 100 athletes are expected to compete in this exciting event!

For those of you unfamiliar with the sport of synchronized swimming, it calls on skills similar to those of a gymnast and triathlete
and requires incredible strength and stamina. Synchronized swimming was first introduced as an Olympic sport at the Los Angeles
games in 1984 and has been one of the United States most successful sports since its inception.

Intrigued by knoxing? Want to know what an eggbeater is? Hint: When you're talking about synchronized swimming it has nothing
to do with eggs! Come join us at the Andover/N. Andover YMCA this weekend. We'll be happy to introduce you to the world of
synchronized swimming. The NESSA Age Group Meet is open to the public on Saturday, May 5 from 1-6 pm and Sunday, May 6
from 9-5 pm. Saturday - compulsory figure competition, Sunday - routines competition. There is no admission charge. Concessions
are available.

For more information find ANA Synchers online at www.anasynchers.org. If you are interested in becoming a synchronized swimmer
or coach, please contact head coach Eugenia Gillan at 978-886-7075.