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Plans afoot to stage inaugural water polo event in August

He revealed ambitions to establish a national water polo team by the end of the year

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by WILLIAM NJUGUNA

Sports21 May 2024 - 15:04

In Summary


  • •Marigiri said Kenya Aquatics are committed to developing water polo from the grassroots level to the national and eventually international stages.
  • •The tournament, which will be held in Rift Valley, is expected to draw a team from Hungary as well as participation from local clubs and universities.
Water polo enthusiasts compete at the National Aquatic short course championship in Thika

The Inaugural water Polo tournament will be held in August, according to Kenya Aquatics Secretary General, Collins Marigiri.

Marigiri said Kenya Aquatics are committed to developing water polo from the grassroots level to the national and eventually international stages.

The tournament, which will be held in Rift Valley, is expected to draw a team from Hungary as well as participation from local clubs and universities.

Marigiri outlined the federation's strategy to strengthen the sport locally including organising water polo coaching and officiating clinics.

"These initiatives aim to enhance the skills and capabilities of local coaches and officials," he said.

He revealed ambitions to establish a national water polo team by the end of the year —a move he said would be a significant milestone in Kenya Aquatics.

During the National Swimming Championship held in Thika, a demonstration water polo event was held, showcasing the talent of Y Lagoons— a team composed of former competitive swimmers who train at the YMCA in Nairobi. 

The team led by Jerry Collins demonstrated the thrilling potential of water polo to diversify aquatic sports beyond traditional swimming.

Marigiri said they are keen to expand swimming disciplines in the country.  “We believe if we take water Polo seriously and invest in it, we are likely to come up with a formidable team that can one day feature at the World Championship and Olympics,” added Marigiri.

He said they were keen to partner with the European countries that have dominated the sport.

“Croatia, Serbia and Hungary are some of the countries we are looking to partner with in a bid to develop and grow the sport," added Marigiri. 


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