"Synchronized Skating is a competitive branch of the skating winter sport. It features teams of 16 skating in synchronisation to perform various artistic formations. The composition of the teams can be mixed, there is no restriction on gender.The competition takes place over two days.
On the first day the teams present their compulsory programs, comprising six obligatory figures to be performed in front of the jury.
On the second day the teams present their free programs, composed of elements selected by the teams and lasting up to 5 minutes.
During this stage of the competition 12 elements must be included in the performance.
The competition is judged on similar principles to figure skating. Judges award points for performance and the final ranking is decided by these points.
On the days prior to the competition free practice will be open to the public.
This is a very young sport, being incorporated by the International Skating Union (ISU) only in 1990.
The first World Championship was held in 2000 in Boston and has been held every year since then.
The dominant figures in the sport come from Sweden, Finland the USA, Russia and Canada.
Gold medals in the World Championships so far have been divided between Sweden and Finland.
The Hungarian National Skating Association will host the World Championship in Hungary’s largest sports hall, the Papp László Sportaréna, with 22 teams taking part.
Further information: sysworlds2008.hu
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Source: budapestinfo.hu
27.03.2008