Brisbane secures Australian Youth Water Polo Championships for an extended two years

Published Wed 13 May 2020

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

Launched in Brisbane in 2019, the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships 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 11-23 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 will work together with Water Polo Queensland to deliver this large scale event across Brisbane, working with local volunteers and the water polo community.

Water Polo Australia CEO Richard McInnes said: “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.

“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,” he said.

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,” she said.

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.

“Major events are crucial to rebuilding our economy into the future,” Ms Jones said.

“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 coronavirus 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,” Cr Schrinner said.

“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.”

Follow all updates from Water Polo Australia at www.waterpoloaustralia.com.a u or @WaterpoloAus on social media channels.

There will be announcement in the coming months for location and dates of Australian Youth Water Polo Championships in 2022 - stay tuned.