Catherine Kerr Classic

Festival de Synchro was renamed to the Catherine Kerr Classic in honor of the memory of Catherine Ross Kerr who passed in 2014. She began her swimming career, one that would last a lifetime, by winning her first national speed swimming championship at 14. Cay, believing swimming was a life skill, continued to swim and compete in synchro for several decades.

Because of World War ll, she was unable to represent her country in either World Championships or the Olympic Games but won many Provincial and National Championships none the less. Becoming a Masters Competitor, she at one point not only claimed the Canadian record for every event but also held four World Records.

Cay believed in giving back to the sports she loved. As such, she was the Founding President of the Manitoba Section of the Canadian Amateur Synchronized Swimming Association and the Manitoba Sports Federation. In addition, Cay was actively involved the organization of the Canadian Aquatic Hall of Fame has returned to its original home at the Pan Am Pool.

Teaching swimming to many, she still found the time to volunteer as a coach, official and administrator at provincial, national and international levels. In recognition of her many accomplishments she was inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame in 1985. Cay displayed the qualities of those who bring honor to their sport, their gender, their community and country, inspiring people both young and old and drawing the admiration of many.