March 09, 2012|By Ryanne Milani, The Baltimore Sun
"This is a fantastic sport that athletes can participate in throughout their lifetime," she said. "Synchronized skating teaches teamwork, commitment, dedication, perseverance and time management. I know I personally credit synchro with shaping my work ethic and sense of commitment, and some of my closest friends I met through skating."
Both groups will hold tryouts in the coming weeks. Chesapeake Synchro's will be April 21 at Ice World in Abingdon, and DC Edge's will be March 25 and April 1 at Cabin John Ice Center in Rockville.
"I want everyone to try it one time," said Julie Kocur, Chesapeake Synchro's treasurer. Both her daughters skate with Chesapeake, and she loves the passion and enthusiasm they have for the sport.
"It doesn't matter what level you are or how old you are, there's a team for you," she said. "[Synchro] is open to everyone."
xcxrmilani@baltsun.com
About the sport
•Modern synchronized skating was formed in 1954 by Dr. Richard Porter in Ann Arbor, Mich. His team was called the Hockettes.
•There are more than 500 teams registered in the United States.
•Teams from Africa, Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe and the United States compete internationally.
•Teams are made up of 12 to 20 skaters.
•There are 14 skill levels, from Beginner 1 to Adult. The level is determined by the skaters' age and skill.
•Thirty-five colleges, including Maryland, participate in U.S. Figure Skating's synchronized skating sectional championship each year.
