June 18, 2009

YOUNG ARTIST NAMED WINNER OF SYNCHRO EVENT ART CONTEST

HUNTERSVILLE – Seven-year-old Amy Harrell of Concord has been named the winner of a youth art contest held by Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics (HFFA) and the Children’s Arts Project (CAP) in conjunction with the upcoming UANA Pan American Junior Synchronized Swimming Championships at HFFA August 12-15, 2009. The contest invited area children to submit artwork for the Official Event Poster, which will be distributed throughout the area to help promote the family-friendly event.

Harrell’s artwork, which depicts synchronized swimmers in a star formation on a vivid blue background, was chosen from more than 50 entries. Harrell said her design was inspired by photos and televised footage of synchronized swimming.

In addition to having her artwork featured on the event poster, Harrell will receive a grand prize package that includes the following:

• Family passes to the UANA Pan American Junior Synchronized Swimming Championships
• One year-long family membership to HFFA
• A framed copy of the Official Event Poster
• Recognition in the Official Event Program
• A $50 gift certificate from the Children’s Arts Project to use toward classes, camps, or events

All children who entered the contest will receive a complimentary ticket to the UANA Pan American Junior Synchronized Swimming Championships. Artwork entered into the contest will be displayed at HFFA during the event.

“When we saw Amy’s artwork, we knew right away that we had a winner,” said HFFA Executive Director Molly Burroughs. “Her vision perfectly captured the nature of synchronized swimming with color and creativity. We are excited to welcome Amy and the Harrells to our HFFA family, and we congratulate all our participating artists for their fine work.”

About the UANA Pan American Junior Synchronized Swimming Championships:

Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics is hosting the best junior synchronized swimmers from the Americas and the Caribbean for three days of team, duet, and solo competition. It’s the Pan American Junior Synchronized Swimming Championships, and it’s coming to HFFA August 12-15. Event partners include Bojangles’ Chicken ‘n Biscuits, Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Charlotte, Just Fresh, LKN Sports Grille, Prickly Pear, and Red Rocks Cafe. Tickets go on sale June 1. For event tickets, schedules, and information, visit hffa.com/syncorswim.Check us out on Facebook and MySpace!

PHOTO CAPTION #1: Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics Executive Director Molly Burroughs congratulates contest winner Amy Harrell at the facility’s Outdoor Family Fun Pool.

PHOTO CAPTION #2: This winning artwork by seven-year-old Amy Harrell of Concord will be used on the promotional poster for this summer’s UANA Pan American Junior Synchronized Swimming Championships at Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics.

About Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics (HFFA):
Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics is about family, fitness and fun. Dedicated HFFA staffers produce an exciting variety of programs and partnerships that connect the community and enable members to experience and achieve the most in health, wellness, and total fitness. Built in 2001, the 88,000-square-foot HFFA facility features state-of-the-art aquatic and fitness components, including a 50-meter pool, a 25-yard warm water pool, an outdoor family fun pool, full-court gymnasium, complete fitness center, and group exercise studio.  As the only public facility in the Southeast with an Olympic-sized, 50-meter competition pool and 10-meter dive tower, HFFA regularly hosts aquatics events with up to 2,000 spectators for regional, national, and international swim and dive competitions. For more information, please call (704) 766-2222 or visit www.hffa.com.

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