Southern View: October 05, 2023

Thursday October 5 2023 7
Synchro Dolphins take silver
THE PROVINCE’S future in
synchronised swimming looks
to be in good hands, following
Canterbury Dolphins’ success at
last week’s Artistic Swimming
Nationals in Auckland.
The Canterbury Dolphins,
a team of five swimmers, took
second place in the Dolphin
Combo under 16s competition,
against six other teams from
across the country.
The talented young synchro
swimmers showcased their
abilities during a three-minute
routine set to a medley of
Mission Impossible, James Bond,
and Pink Panther tunes.
All but two of the girls joined
the team in recent months.
12-year-old Georgie Halliwell
was introduced to the sport
earlier this year by her school
friend Emily Betteridge, 12.
Emily has been a part of
Canterbury Artistic Swimming
for two years, alongside
teammate Alex Macfarlane, 12.
“It’s like underwater
gymnastics,” said Emily about
the sport.
“And you’re doing it in perfect
sync with the rest of the team –
it’s challenging! We count, and
we listen to the music.”
Georgie shared her excitement
about participating in the event.
“Synchronised swimming is a
combination of all my favourite
things, with swimming, music,
and creating routines all being
important,” she said.
“It’s really fun being part of a
team, and we train hard.”
The team’s dedication is
evident in their rigorous training
regimen, which consisted of five
hours a week throughout the
year.
Coach Jo Biddle expressed her
pride in the girls’ dedication and
focus.
“I’m super proud of these girls
and how they’ve truly committed
themselves to achieve these
remarkable results,” she said.
“They’ve come a long way
and have truly earned this
recognition.”
Team member Kayla Camm-
Rule also demonstrated her
PROUD: Canterbury
Dolphin swimmers
in the pool, from
front to back – Ayla
Burgess, Emily
Betteridge, Kayla
Camm-Rule, Georgie
Halliwell, abd Alex
Macfarlane.
Kayla Camm-Rule
(right) placed third
in 13-16 Figures.
individual prowess, impressing
the judges to take third in the 13-
16 years Figures competition.
Canterbury Artistic
Swimming is on a high as
these young athletes continue
to make waves in the world
of synchronised swimming,
showcasing their talent,
dedication and passion for
the sport.
Kōrero mai, let’s talk about our
Safer speed plan
Way safer for everyone
We’re planning to make more speed limit
changes in some areas across Christchurch.
Lower speeds can save lives and prevent serious injury.
Reducing our speed makes a major difference in a crash.
People make mistakes on our roads, and those mistakes
shouldn’t cost our neighbours, whānau or pets their lives.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency have changed the way
speed limits are set. This gives us an opportunity to plan an
area-wide approach for speed changes.
We’re asking for feedback on our 10-year vision and
principles for safe speeds across Christchurch and Banks
Peninsula, as well as our first three years of implementation.
To read the plan and give feedback by
25 October, visit
letstalk.ccc.govt.nz/saferspeedsplan