World's best young water polo players in Perth

Perth will welcome more than 450 athletes from 24 countries for the 2012 FINA World Youth Water Polo Championships, which start this Saturday.

  • 2012 FINA World Youth Water Polo Championships start Saturday

  • More than 450 players from 24 countries

  • Supported by State Government, through Eventscorp

Perth will welcome more than 450 athletes from 24 countries for the 2012 FINA World Youth Water Polo Championships, which start this Saturday.

Acting Tourism Minister Troy Buswell said this was the first time a youth or junior championship for men and women would be held at the same time and in the same location, which was a great coup for the State.

"Challenge Stadium will host 19 men's teams and 15 women's teams from visiting countries such as New Zealand, Canada, USA, Italy, Croatia, Brazil and South Africa as they compete against Australia for the title of world champions," Mr Buswell said.

"Spectators are in for a treat with up to 15 games to be played each day, starting on Saturday, December 1.

"In addition, the championships will attract more than 1,300 interstate and international visitors, adding vibrancy to our extraordinary State."

The Minister said the State Government, through Eventscorp, was proud to support the championships

"Western Australia is no stranger to staging world-class aquatic events, with Perth being the first city ever to have the honour of hosting the FINA World Swimming Championships twice, in 1991 and 1998," he said.

"I would also like to congratulate Water Polo Australia Ltd for securing the championships to Perth and organising what promises to be a successful event."

      Fact File

Acting Tourism Minister's office - 6552 5300