U.S National Team II and Junior National Team To Compete at United Airlines Open
International teams expected to compete as well

U.S. National Team II and the U.S. Junior National Team will compete in this year's United Airlines Open Synchronized Swimming Championships to be held July 15-19 at the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way, Wash.

This elite caliber, international competition attracts more than 350 of the nation's top synchronized swimmers as well as top international contenders. Each will vie for titles in solo, duet, trio and team events in the 14-15, 16-18 and Open divisions. Also, new last year was the addition of the fan-favorite combination routine, which incorporates five different routines into one seven-minute program.

"We are looking forward to having the combo routine competition," said Nancy Campi, local co-meet manager. "This will be the first viewing of this competition in this area."

The event lasts five days and carries with it an estimated economic impact of more than $750,000. The event is hosted by the Pacific Northwest Association with Campi and Peggy McKasy serving as co-meet managers. Past event hosts include Detroit, Mich. in '02, Hilo, Hawaii in '01, New Haven, Conn. in '00 and St. Peters, Mo. in '99.

"Federal Way and the Pacific Northwest have a strong tradition in synchronized swimming. Having hosted National events in the past, we have a great group of volunteers who have knowledge of running events and will put forth great efforts to make this event run smoothly," Campi said. "We are excited to be hosting an event that will bring with it some of the top athletes in the nation."

The Seattle area is a synchro stronghold, having hosted the 1999 U.S. Olympic Team Trials and the 2001 Esynchro Junior World Championships. The Pacific Northwest Association alone has hosted many National meets including the 1996 and 2002 Age Group Championships. The Seattle area is also home to synchro's first two Olympians - Tracie Ruiz-Conforto and Candy Costie - who won Olympic gold in 1984.

Competition begins at 8 a.m. most days. The Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center is located at 650 SW Campus Drive in Federal Way.