Just seven months until Deaflympic Games

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

Adelaide (June 13).-- Some news and updates about thelatest for January's Deaflympic Games in Melbourne:

* The tickets for 2005 Deaflympics are now on sale. Be quick and grab the tickets now before it sell out. Tickets are selling fast. They are cheap! To order tickets, please go to www.deaflympics.com
* Congratulations to NSW for being premier teams (both mens and womens) at the Australian Country Water Polo Championships in Noosa last month.
* National Camp (Deaf Water Polo) - it was an educational week for everyone. Everyone went on a deep learning curve. Thank you to the following organisations:
* AWPI for their support to include us in the Australian Country Championships.
* Australian WP Country group for their support and encouragement.
* Sunshine Coast WP Association for extending their warm welcome.
* Noosa Aquatic Centre for camp weekend access to the pool.
* Sunseeker Apartments for their support with accommodation.
* Queensland Deaf Society for the loan of mini-bus.
* SASI (SA Sports Institute) for the loan of caps, balls and video camera.
* Volunteers - eg interpreters, bus-driver, video-filming, shopping, etc.
* Our coaches, Tony Andrea and Eddie Denis, for their patience and admirable efforts.

The camp highlights are as follows:
* First time participated as a team.
* Deep learning curve by all players.
* Lots of support and encouragement from other teams for our preparation toward 2005 Deaflympics.
* Daryl Page from Tamworth, winning the MVP award for his admirable and gutsy efforts.

The players came up with a name and logo for the Australian Deaf Water Polo Team. It will be revealed soon - keep an eye out for it.

* Deaf Sports Australia (DSA) will release its new revamped website. Please keep an eye out for it www.deafsports.org.au
* Players - Please make an effort to fundraise as much as you can to reach the required figure $2,700 each (better to round up to $3,000 to include travel).
* Fundraising target for the AUS Team is $40,000. Donations and sponsorships are more than welcome. Please contact Annabel for more information about tax-deductible donations or donation of items/merchandises for our fundraising activities.
* Rodney Adams (VIC) indicated that the Noosa camp has given him confidence and be recognised as a valued player within his team (Monash Uni).
* Sydney Uni Water Polo Club has been hearing positive stories and news about the Deaf Team's participation in a recent tournament. They have three players in their club.
* USA Deaf Water Polo Team had appointed Marc Ruh as its Head Coach - same coach from the Rome 2001 team. He coaches water polo teams at Mt Sac in Southern California. Marc also went to the 2003 World University Games as assistant coach with USA team.
* 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.