Over 125 players coming from six different nurseries of water polo kicked start this yearâs edition of the European Week of Sport with an Under 11Â water polo festival organised by SportMalta and the Aquatic Sport Association of Malta at the National Pool Complex.
The tournament spread over two days saw a round robin league between six teams namely, Marsascala, Neptunes, Gozitan Otters, Sirens boys, Sirens girls and St Julians. The main aim behind this tournament is to promote the game and give competition experience to the future talents this successful sport.
Hon Clifton Grima, Parliamentary Secretary for Sport and SportMalta Chairman Luciano Busuttil visited the tournament on day one where they appreciated the work being done by SportMalta, ASA, coaches and parents together with the enthusiasm of the young ones playing the league. Present also Maltaâs Ambassador for #BeActive Campaign and National Water Polo team coach Karl Izzo.
Gozitan Otters surprised everyone by winning all five matches with a narrow margin. Marsascala finished second although having same points as Sirens boys but having won the direct encounter. Sirens Boys finished third. St Julians placed fourth. To their credit, they played at times the best water polo during the tournament. Neptunes had their good moments but were not consistent. Big credit go to the female side of Sirens. They managed to give a decent competition in all matches. Their determination and enthusiasm was admirable.
At the end of the tournament SportMalta CEO, Mark Cutajar and ASA vice President Karl Galea, presented all the participants with a medal commemorating this yearâs European Week of Sport and a colourful t-shirt sponsored by the #BeActive Campaign. They both encouraged players and parents to participate more in sport and physical activity. They told the kids that they need to be the ambassadors of sport within society.
