HOAD HONOURED AS PATRON OF WATER POLO AUSTRALIA
Published Tue 08 Feb 2022
Water polo legend Tom Hoad AM has been honoured by Water Polo Australia (WPA) being appointed Patron of Water Polo Australia.
Hoad was selected to play at four Olympic Games, Rome 1960, Tokyo 1964, Mexico 1968 and Munich 1972, before going on to coach the national team to an additional four Olympics from 1976 to 1988.
Following on from his illustrious career as a player, Hoad has continually given so much back to his beloved sport. He remains heavily involved in water polo at an international, national, state and local level.
The WPA Board, along with the support of all State Associations, has bestowed upon Hoad the honour of Patron, for his incredible achievements, prominence and passion for the sport.
The role of the Patron is to advocate the vision and values of WPA as outlined in the National Strategic Framework, as well as supporting stakeholder relations, both government and private, to enlarge support for water polo.
WPA President Trent Birkett said: Tom is Mr Water Polo - he has dedicated his life to our game and has been recognised most recently by being inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.
“Tom has done it all, from being a player, coach, administrator, hosting international tournaments to coaching local juniors.
“Tom will be a wonderful advocate for water polo and I look forward to working together.
“I would also like to thank our previous Patron, Peter Montgomery AM, who has and continues to support water polo so passionately,” Birkett said.
The WPA Board will seek Tom’s input in setting the operation direction and strategic priorities of water polo in Australia.
As Patron, Hoad will be invited to key milestone events and tournaments, such as the annual awards and international fixtures during the year.
WPA will also engage Hoad with respect to International relations, in particular with FINA, LEN and individual countries.
