SynchroNice / Third Edition / 2018

SYNCHRO NICE 161 It always makes us happy to see a sharp, crisp picture of a Synchro lift in front of stands loaded with spectators, cheering crowds with flags and banners. Often, we have to wait for Worlds to find such an ambiance, but once a year there’s the French Cup. Unfortunately, the lighting conditions are among the worst we find in our Tour through the season, but like no other competition the French know how to create a great atmosphere. So, we always come up with… let’s say unpredictable results in our pictures… Hardly sharp or crisp, but sometimes also great shots of the lifts with the cheering audience in the back. These are the pictures that sell our sport…. It’s because of these pictures young children get inspired and want to be part of this sport full of glitter & glamour. And this is where we have to give a huge compliment to Madame Sandrine Devaux and her OC. They invite the elderly and the youth to come to the Ice-rink and watch the training and the lower levels compete for free. So, an act of solidarity to the older inhabitants of Rouen, they get to have a nice afternoon watching young people skate and have fun, but by inviting school children as well, Sandrine and her team introduce and promote Synchronized Skating to a complete new generation. We, of course, do get better pictures because of the full stands, but this youth will go home enthusiastic and inspired and they will ask their parents whether they can go Synchro Skating as well. Here’s your new talent and growth of the sport. Chapeau Sandrine!  French Cup Sponsors are very important to organize a big happening like a Synchronized Skating competition. Whether you’re the French Cup or any other competition. These sponsors, the entry fees teams have to come up with and the selling of tickets all together have to cover the total costs of such an event. However, no matter where or what competition we visit, we mostly find more empty chairs than sold ones. Disappointing and probably a setback for any Organizing Committee, but it’s not good for the sport either and certainly not good for our pictures. Why not? 2018