Photo: Kelowna Water Polo Club
The Kelowna Classic Lake Water Polo Tournament is back for a second year this weekend, putting together a 13-team tournament in the lake off City Park.
Across those teams, 140 people have signed up for the tournament, including four youth teams and nine adult teams from around B.C., Alberta and Ontario.
Organizer and goalkeeper Ben Halsall is excited for the growth of the tournament between this year and last year and he hopes to make this an annual event for people who love getting out on the water.
“It’s really a fun mix of beginner water polo players and more experienced players. It’s a tournament for the whole community to get involved with,” said Halsall.
“It’s always been my dream to have a tournament on the lake. If you look back at the history of the lake, the old classic pool that Kelowna had, that kind of activity, the Regatta, that kind of stuff. It really fits in nicely with that history, so we are trying to reactivate that space.”
The tournament will feature a round-robin format on Saturday, July 13, followed by playoff action on Sunday, where an official winner will be crowned for both the youth side and the adult side of players.
“We have a beautiful trophy carved out in cedar that’s going to the winner. We have medals and all that fun stuff too…It’s going to be a fun event, and one that the people of Kelowna don’t get to see every day,” added Halsall.
As everyone gets excited for the second annual water polo tournament on Okanagan Lake, there will be bleachers on the beachside for interested spectators.
“This is the best place to come and watch water polo. Outside in the sunshine watching waterpolo on the beach is way more fun than the noisy deck at the poolside,” said Halsall.
“If you’ve got kids who are thinking about what sport they want to try in the fall, then come check out water polo, it’s a fantastic sport for kids who love team sports.”
The Kelowna Water Polo Club also plays at Tugboat Beach every Wednesday and Saturday and is encouraging people to come try it out this summer.