AusLeisure

After successfully hosting the event for the past two years, Brisbane has secured the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships (AYWPC) for 2021 and 2023.

Launched in Brisbane in 2019, the AYWPC is now the hallmark event on the national water polo calendar, growing to attract close to 3,000 competitors from 190 teams across Australia to take part in the two-week water polo festival.  

Tourism and Events Queensland together with Brisbane Marketing have successfully secured the event for an additional two years, with the 2021 event to be held from 11th-23rd January.  

While major sporting events and junior participation is currently on hold due to COVID-19, Water Polo Australia is working with all stakeholders on ensuring the event is delivered in accordance with public health directions and government advice in 2021.

Water Polo Australia Chief Executive Richard McInnes enthuses “we are very pleased to again be partnering with Tourism and Events Queensland and Brisbane Marketing to host the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships in Brisbane – an event that in only two years has grown to become the largest annual water polo festival in the Southern Hemisphere.  

“Brisbane has provided the ideal backdrop for AYWPC, with world class venues, plenty of accommodation, great activities for our spectators and fans to enjoy as well as fantastic weather.  

McInnes  adds “naturally we are working on contingencies and different operating models as Australia prepares to come out of COVID-19 restrictions, recognising that the way we deliver major events will be changed.   

“What those changes are, we don’t know right now, but we are committed to working with all levels of government, health providers and our venues to ensure all event participants can enjoy the sporting festivities in a safe environment.”

Triple Olympian and Brisbane local, Bronwen Knox, said she is thrilled her hometown will once again play host to such a great water polo showcase.

“I’ve attended the last two Australian Youth Water Polo Championships, coaching and also playing in the Test Series, and I can see first-hand the great opportunity the event offers our junior water polo players.

“Brisbane has so many great water polo pools and there is so much in our city that people can enjoy, I hope to welcome everyone back in 2021.”

Queensland Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said events would play a major role in reigniting Queensland’s tourism industry once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted noting “major events are crucial to rebuilding our economy into the future.

“The Australian Youth Water Polo Championships has proven time and again to be a huge drawcard for domestic tourists.

“This event is a huge boost for our local tourism industry and will deliver great flow-on benefits for local businesses in 2021 and 2023.”

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said hosting the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships in 2021 and 2023 would deliver an economic boost for Brisbane following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The 2020 Championships attracted over 5,200 visitors to Brisbane and the return of this event will be critical to supporting our local accommodation, tourism, retail and hospitality businesses.

 “Brisbane looks forward to once again creating a welcoming festival atmosphere for participants, their families and spectators, and we can’t wait to see this national event in full swing again.”   

Fast Facts                                                                                                               

Event name:  Australian Youth Water Polo Championships

Dates: 11th-23rd January 2021 and 11th-23rd January 2023 (There will be announcement in the coming months for location and dates of Australian Youth Water Polo Championships in 2022)

What events are contested? The 12&U, 14&U, 16&U and 18&U National Aged Championships

Who competes? The event is a Club based age group Australian Championships, which will feature water polo Clubs from across the country

How many competitors? 3000 competitors with around 200 teams

Where will the event be held? Brisbane venues include: Brisbane Aquatic Centre, The Valley Pool, Sommerville House, Stuartholme and other training locations.

What other events will be held? There will be courses, seminars and other competitions held across the course of the two-week festival.

For more information go to www.waterpoloaustralia.com.au or @WaterpoloAus on social media channels.

Related Articles

13th May 2020 - Community aquatic, recreation and sport industry alliance seeks 12-month stimulus package from Federal and state governments

12th May 2020 - Industry alliance provides guidance on community aquatic, recreation and sport operations in eased Coronavirus environment

11th May 2020 - 1breadcrumb app offers tourism and sporting industries a digital solution post COVID-19

7th May 2020 - Sport NZ provides guidance on activity under Alert Level 2

7th May 2020 - Western Australian Government releases factsheet on how easing of Coronavirus restrictions will impact community sport and recreation

5th May 2020 - Deakin University launches survey to assess how Australians are coping without sport

24th April 2020 - Coach calls for elite swimmers to be given access to pools

1st December 2019 - Road to Tokyo begins with Australia Swims campaign

17th September 2019 - Suncorp Super Netball season sees sport reach largest ever audiences

8th August 2019 - Brisbane to host major water polo events in lead-up to Tokyo Olympics

7th August 2019 - South Brisbane’s Parkinson Aquatic Centre named Queensland facility of the year

15th November 2017 - Innovation takes water polo to open water

18th August 2017 - AIS performance manager to lead surfing’s charge to Tokyo Olympics

8th September 2014 - Anti Wave marks 44 years of supplying high performance aquatic equipment

2nd October 2013 - Tasmania welcomes growth in Junior Water Polo

18th June 2012 - Queensland Government dumps Chandler ski jump facility plan

12th March 2012 - Anti Wave innovates with new generation swim starting block

14th April 2011 - Major Works commence at Brisbane’s Sleeman Sports Complex

18th March 2011 - Australia’s Anti Wave equips major aquatic events

---

Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.