AUSTRALIAN WATERPOLO LEAGUE CANCELLED

Water Polo Australia has today made the difficult decision to cancel the Australian Waterpolo League, due to lockdown and unfolding COVID-19 cases in Brisbane.

Slated to be held from 31 March - 7 April 2021, the Australian Water Polo League was set to have 10 teams from Western Australia, South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland participating.

While alternative locations and various scenarios have been investigated, the number of people impacted by the COVID situation in Brisbane as well as recent border restrictions and three day lock down in Brisbane has made proceeding with the event not feasible.

Water Polo Australia is still monitoring the situation closely in relation to the Australian Youth Championships due to start on the 7 April, and will be awaiting the outcome of the Brisbane lockdown before making a decision on Friday 2 April 2021.

Water Polo Australia CEO, Richard McInnes, said while every attempt has been made to salvage the Australian Waterpolo League, safe delivery of the event was key.

“It is deeply disappointing that we have had to cancel the Australian Waterpolo League, one of our marquee events on the calendar, but today’s announcement from the Queensland Government has meant that we couldn’t deliver the event in Brisbane from the 31 March.

“While there were options investigated about alternative locations, many of our people from athletes, coaches and referees have been within the Brisbane area and are required to adhere to the Queensland Government restrictions imposed.

“This decision was not made lightly, but given that our athletes and coaches all have work/study commitments and aren’t full time players, we needed to make a decision that catered to all involved without impacting adversely their personal lives.  We will be in touch with anyone who has already purchased tickets to the AWL to arrange a refund, but that may take a few days for us to get to.

“I would also like to acknowledge Brisbane Economic and Development Agency, our AWL event partner for their support and understanding over the last few days and we look forward to continuing to work closely with them in bringing events to Brisbane.

“At this point in time we are still proceeding with plans for the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships due to start on the 7 April in Brisbane.  We are acutely aware of the time and financial investment our community has in both of these events and will do all we can to ensure the event goes ahead.  We will be monitoring the situation in Queensland closely, seeing what comes from the lockdown and will be making a final decision on Friday 2 April,” he said.

All ticket holders will be contacted directly in relation to refunds.