EINDOVEN (August 14, 2010) - The opening ceremonies officially commenced the 2010 IPC World Swimming Championships in Eindhoven, Netherlands. This competition, held every two years, showcases the world’s greatest aquatic athletes with a disability.

For the next seven days, the sensational Pieter Van den Hoogenband swimming stadium, named after Holland’s most famous swimmer, will host with a maxim of Swim, Splash, Shine. There is certainly a buzz in the air around this quaint, European city; they have opened their arms and graciously embraced the visiting countries.

Flag bearer Jean-Michel Lavalliere led the Canadian contingent into the pool, and soon thereafter, the Championships were officially opened. The audience was treated to two wonderful synchronized swimming displays. The first was by the newly crowned Junior National European champion duo, while the second two were finalists in the recent European Championships in Budapest, Hungary. Closing out the evening’s festivities was a Dutch rendition of Elton John’s ‘Circle of Life’—with the pianist and singer, themselves visually impaired.

“The Canadian squad is large, and strong, with a healthy mix of veterans infused with newcomers,” said Craig McCord, National Para-swimming coach.

“Benoit Huot, Donovan Tildesley, Summer Ashley Mortimer and Valerie Grand-Maison are all seeded first in at least one event for their respective categories, but by the week’s end, expect even more names to highlight Canada’s ever present, and always successful disability swimming teams.”

Preliminary session start Sunday morning, with accompanying finals later that evening.

Results are available at: http://www.wcswimming2010.com/WorldChampionships/LiveResults.aspx