BRISBANE TO HOST AUSTRALIA VS USA WATER POLO TEST IN BUILD UP TO 2020 OLYMPIC GAMESÂ

Published Thu 08 Aug 2019

In an exciting addition to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games build up, Water Polo Australia today announced the Aussie Sharks and Aussie Stingers will host the USA water polo teams in Brisbane next January.

The three test match series will be held as part of the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships (AYWPC) which is the largest junior water polo competition in the southern hemisphere attracting more than 3,000 participants from across the country.

The two nations share a long standing rivalry in water polo, even more so in the women’s after Australia famously edged out the USA to claim gold at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. It was the first year that women’s water polo was introduced to the Olympic Games and Australia’s women’s water polo team took home the gold medal by one point.

Water Polo Australia CEO, Joelie Chisholm, said the Australia-USA test match series will headline a great two week festival of water polo.

“In 2020 we will celebrate 20 years since the inclusion of women’s water polo at the Olympic Games and what better way for us to mark that occasion in Australia then delivering a rematch of the infamous Australia vs USA women’s gold medal match we witnessed at the Sydney 2000 Games,’ said Chisholm.

“Both our Aussie Sharks and Aussie Stingers have recently delivered strong performances on the international stage, our women taking bronze at the FINA World Championships with the men’s team winning bronze at the 2019 FINA World League Super Final.

“With under a year to go until the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, we are thrilled to be able to host the USA and provide local sporting fans the opportunity to see our players in action ahead of the Games.

“Brisbane provided the ideal backdrop for our inaugural Australian Youth Water Polo Championships and we are excited to be returning to this great city for two weeks of national water polo competition,” she said.

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said today’s announcement was proof of Brisbane’s international reputation as a world-class event host.

“Events like these support tourism jobs in our state,” she said.

“Water polo has a strong international following. This event won’t only bring thousands of people to Brisbane – the flow-on for local businesses will be great.

“The world class facilities and renowned lifestyle we have here in Brisbane is certainly a selling point for participants and spectators.

“At the moment, all eyes are on Queensland. Hosting this major Olympic lead-up event will be another chance to show what Queensland is capable of hosting on the world stage.”

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said Brisbane was recognised for hosting major sporting events and water polo competitors, fans and family members could expect a festival atmosphere in the city.

“Brisbane is a destination for the whole family and I encourage the competitors and spectators visiting our city to take advantage of our fantastic tourism offerings,” he said.

The event was secured by the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland, in partnership with Brisbane City Council, through Brisbane Marketing.

Tickets go on sale today for the Australia-USA Test Matches and the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships - click here. All AYWPC competitors and Officials will receive FREE entry into the Test Matches.