Olympians inspire at Youth Water Polo Champs

Olympic athletes from Australia, USA and Japanese have arrived in Perth for the Tri-Nations Water Polo Test Series, looking to not only notch up a few wins but also inspire the next generation.

More than 2000 water polo players from across the country will take part in the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships (AYWPC) over the next two weeks, but will also have the opportunity to see world class water polo live.

Three sold out double header test matches on Wednesday 11th, Friday 13th and Sunday 15th of January – featuring current and future Olympic players – will provide juniors a chance to see their heroes in action.

NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS) scholarship holder and captain of the Australian women’s team Zoe Arancini said her side will be taking in the atmosphere that the Aussie fans will surely provide, especially from enthusiastic youth players.

“It’s really exciting to have the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships here in my home town of Perth, to showcase the great pools and great weather we have here,” Zoe said.

“It’s great to see how much water polo has grown, in particular the AYWPC that has been around for a few years now. It’s fantastic to see especially with a home Olympic Games [Brisbane] on the horizon in 2032.

“The opportunity to play international water polo on home soil and for the chance for these kids to see the world’s best, is really great for our sport.”

Australian men’s team captain Nathan Power said the incredible opportunity to play in front of many young fans, on home soil, is not lost on his team.

“It’s awesome to be able to play on home soil. Getting to be amongst the atmosphere of the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships is really cool as well. It’s awesome to see so many people here, who are passionate about the sport,” Nathan said.

“We get to play in some awesome places around the world, but getting to play here in front of home fans… it can’t be matched.

“These kids are going to sit there and see however many people in the stadium, all watching us play [Tri-Nations Test Series] and that’s something that’s really cool because it’s going to drive their motivation moving forward as they continue on the path they are on with water polo.

“Brisbane 2032 will be on a lot of people’s minds here at AYWPC and I think that’s a really, really cool thing for them to be looking forward to.”

Also in Perth as part of the Stingers squad are NSWIS scholars Hayley Ballesty, Sienna Hearn, Genevieve Longman, Pascalle Casey, Clare Durston, Brooke McClean and Dani Jackovich who is on an NSWIS Training agreement.

The Australian Youth Water Polo Championships commenced on Monday 9th of January and continues through Thursday 19th of January.

Watch the AYWPC action live and on demand on Kommunity TV.

Tri-Nations Water Polo Test Series Schedule
Wednesday 11 January
6:00pm (AWST) – Aussie Stingers vs USA Women
7:30pm (AWST) – Aussie Sharks vs Japan

Friday 13 January
6:00pm (AWST) – Aussie Sharks vs Japan
7:30pm (AWST) – Aussie Stingers vs USA Women

Sunday 15 January
6:00pm (AWST) – Aussie Stingers vs USA Women
7:30pm (AWST) – Aussie Sharks vs Japan

Article courtesy of the AOC