Tasmania welcomes growth in Junior Water Polo

Tasmanian Minister for Tourism Scott Bacon has said the growth of junior water polo was a pleasing sign of the participation in sport and physical activity by young people.

Minister Bacon said the new format of the 16 and Under National Club Championships, being held in Hobart this week, was the result of a growing number of teams entering the competition.

He explained "Water Polo Australia has split the boys and girls championships because of the increase in the number of teams taking part.

"The Hobart Aquatic Centre is hosting the girls competition, which involves more than 300 players alone, with the boys event being held in Victoria."

Minister Bacon also said the titles were last held in Hobart in 2010 and hosting the competition again so soon is a great result for the sport in Tasmania, adding "the Tasmanian Government has provided support to Water Polo Tasmania in recent years to deliver participation and junior development programs and to purchase equipment.

"Sport and Recreation Tasmania has also provided funding to Water Polo Tasmania, through its National/International Sports Championship Program, to host national events."

"This helps provide more participation opportunities to the hundreds of young Tasmanians playing the sport and is also good for local business as well.

"It is a great example of how investing in sport and recreation generates substantial benefits for the wider community."

For more information go to http://www.waterpoloaustralia.com.au/