Deaflympics water polo update

From: Australian Water Polo Inc., Australia - May 13, 2004

Adelaide (May 14).--Some news and updates about the 2005 Deaflympic Games:

* The AWPI is having a busy month with USA teams (mens and womens) visiting Australia for a series of games. Good luck to both Aussie squads (mens/womens) with their preparations for Athens Olympic Games.

* Congratulations to Brisbane Barrcadus and Fremantle Marlins for being premier teams of 2004 NWPL season.

* National Camp - for the first time in history, a national camp will take place for deaf/hearing impaired water polo players! How exciting? It will held in Noosa from 21st May to 30th May including participation in the Australian Country Championships as an invitational team. Thank you to the following organisations:

* AWPI for their support to include us in the Australian Country Championships,

* Sunshine Coast WP Association for extending their warm welcome,

* Noosa Aquatic Centre for camp weekend pool access and

* Sunseeker Apartments for their support with accommodation.

* Our coaches - Tony Andrea (SA) and Eddie Denis (SA) - are looking forward to meeting the players in Noosa and helping them to develop their skills as well understanding game strategies.

* The tickets for 2005 Deaflympics will go on sale very soon on 31st May. They are cheap but you would need to be quick of the block to grab tickets (limited tickets for MSAC). To watch MSAC sports including water polo and swimming, all you need is to purchase a day-pass ticket $10 (except the last few days for finals $20). With the day-pass ticket, you can watch other sports at the same MSAC venue eg basketball, volleyball, badminton, table tennis, etc. Please have a look in www.deaflympics.com

* Deaf Sports Australia (DSA) have a section in its website specifically on the Australian Team for 2005 Deaflympic Games. It got all sort of information and forms. It will continue to grow and expand over the time. www.deafsports.org.au/2005_aust_team/

* Players - Please make an effort to fundraise as much as you can to reach the required figure $2,700. The earlier the better. We hope to brainstorm and share ideas during the Noosa camp

.* Daryl Page (NSW) from Tamworth, played an important role as a goalkeeper during the Grand Final game. The coach/captain made a positive mention of Daryl in the local newspapers for being "solid like a brick wall" and made fantastic saves. Congratulation Daryl and we look forward having you at Noosa!

* Sydney University's John Maloney provided some offensive/defensive tips other day to both David Brady (NSW) and Costa Tragotsalos (NSW) for their Noosa preparations. Great to hear there are people willing to assist and share with our deaf/hearing impaired players.

* Both Victor Belousov, 15yo, (VIC) and Dylan Beasley, 13yo, (VIC) are doing well with their water polo club. We look forward to their positive growth and development over the next few years.

* Geoff Scott (WA) received a medal at his club's end of season breakfast awards for being most consistent player. Congratulation Geoff!

* DAA recently received a number of enquiries from female players who indicated an interest in Water Polo for 2005 Deaflympics. Thats great but unfortunately there arent any women competition. Hopefully in the near future perhaps the 2007 World Championships.

* If you know any deaf/hearing impaired players who plays water polo or previously played water polo, please let DAA know. We would love to hear from them!!!

* Any good news or memorable experience in your water polo game or training, please let DAA know and we would love to hear from you.

* For more information or enquiries, please contact me: email: swimming@deafsports.org.au sms: 0412 752 906

Cheers,
Annabel Bishop
Deaf Aquatic Australia Inc
email: swimming@deafsports.org.au

© 2004 Australian Water Polo Inc.