The SynchroWA co-founder is one of 100 volunteers in the recreation sector recently honoured by the State Government for commitment to community work.
SynchroWA provides competitive programs at Claremont Pool and Beatty Park Leisure Centre in North Perth.
Andreotta’s passion for the graceful aquatic activity, combining swimming, dancing and gymnastics, began at age 10 in her home country, Canada.
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READ NOW‘I didn’t even know what synchronised swimming was initially,’ she said. ‘My mum suggested I give it a try because I was a good swimmer but didn’t want to pursue it competitively.
‘There is a lot to love about the sport. It offers variety, music, fitness, a creative outlet and best of all ” the chance to be part of a team. You build a lovely social network – there are people I swam with all those years ago that I’m still friends with today.’
Enjoying all spheres of the Olympic art form ” including coaching and judging ” Mrs Andreotta has also worked behind the scenes organising events for the World Championships in Perth in 1991 and 1998, and the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.
Promoting her sport at grass roots level, she co-founded SynchroWA four years ago.
‘There is a level of awareness for synchronised swimming locally but it’s not considered a major sport obviously ” it’s the little sister to swimming,’ Mrs Andreotta said.
‘SynchroWA has one competitive club, starting with five swimmers, and now consisting of 28. We are growing but there still is a long way to go. ‘