Land Legacy Championship

The Manitoba Provincial Championship competition has been renamed in honor Gerry Land and the legacy she, and her family, continue to leave the sport of artistic (synchronized) swimming.

Gerry’s odyssey began back in 1947 at the YWCA. There, a group of girls wanted a sport other than speed swimming. A Royal Winnipeg ballet dancer, and then swim instructor at the Y, Shelia Killoug was convinced, through the perseverance of Gerry and friends, to form a club with her as their coach. This began a lifelong affair with the sport Gerry came to love. A long list of successes followed, including being a member of the first Duet to represent Manitoba at the National Synchro Championships.

After retiring as an athlete, Gerry continued to be an avid supporter of her sport, coaching for the YWCA SYNCHRONETTES, the club she so proudly represented. The club gradually evolved and became the Manitoba Aquadians and ultimately Winnipeg Artistic Swimming (Synchro).

Gerry held many positions on the Provincial Sport Board of Directors: she was secretary, judges chair, and President. All of these positions made her a well-respected member of the synchro community. This led to national and international roles. Gerry obtained her Level 4 Official standing both as a National Referee and Judge. She was selected to judge at Pan-Am Games in Mexico City. She held all of her roles in the sport with honor and dignity.

Gerry retired from the sport continuing tirelessly to give her time and share knowledge by volunteering locally. She mentored up and coming athletes and instructors with patience and tolerance. With swimming as a lifelong passion, she has never failed to share this love with others – teaching adapted aquatics and supporting nervous adults to experience the water.

Having a strong sense of family and community, daughters Karen and Jen, became immersed in synchro as athletes and coaches. This love continues to be passed along the Land family through granddaughters Sarah and Michelle.

Gerry has served this sport with pride and dedication. Her perseverance and commitment helped a fledgling group of girls in the province of Manitoba grow their sport into a community of over 500 athletes, coaches, volunteers and officials. This has earned her our respect, admiration and gratitude.