2021 AUSTRALIAN YOUTH WATER POLO CHAMPIONSHIPS WILL NOT BE RESCHEDULED

Water Polo Australia has today confirmed that the 2021 Australian Youth Water Polo Championships will not be rescheduled in 2021.

After the event was cancelled in April due to COVID-19 border restrictions imposed, WPA looked at options to hold the event in the June-July school holidays.

However after consultation with Clubs and other stakeholders, a decision has been made to not proceed in 2021.

Water Polo Australia CEO Richard McInnes said while it is disappointing, plans are already well underway for the 2022 event.

“Since the decision was made to cancel the event in April, WPA has been working with stakeholders to look at the feasibility of holding the event in June-July School holidays in Brisbane,” said McInnes.

“Unfortunately given availability of teams, scheduling and a range of other factors, proceeding in 2021 is not a viable option.

“We know a lot of people will be really disappointed but the nature of the COVID world we currently live in means we need to be adaptable.

“Work has already commenced to welcome all competitors and clubs for the 2022 Australian Youth Water Polo Championships.

“Water Polo Australia would like to thank our strategic partners Tourism and Events Queensland and Brisbane Economic Development Agency for their continued support.  They helped us launch this event and grow it to what it is now and we very much look forward to returning to Brisbane in 2023

“We would also like to thank all our host venues Brisbane Aquatic Centre, The Valley Pool, Stuartholme, Langlands, Somerville House and Musgrove as well as Water Polo Queensland, who are all pivotal in the delivery of this event,” he said.

Further updates on the 2022 Australian Youth Water Polo Championships will be provided in the coming weeks as planning continues.