(Ottawa, ON – February 3, 2020) – Water Polo Canada is pleased to announce that the 2020 UANA Junior Pan American Championships will be held from July 5-12, 2020 at the Kinsmen Sports Centre in Edmonton, Alberta. Sixteen teams representing nations from across North, Central, and South America are expected to travel to Edmonton for this eight-day tournament. The 2020 Junior Pan Am Championships will determine the men’s and women’s water polo champions for the Pan American region as well as determine the qualifying nations for the 2021 20 and under FINA Junior World Championships.
“We are thrilled to welcome Water Polo Canada’s athletes, coaches, and families back to Edmonton for the 2020 Junior Pan American Championships,” said Doug McLean, Director of Edmonton Events, “We are dedicated to helping grow the sport of water polo and it is an honour to gather so many passionate and enthusiastic athletes in Edmonton to celebrate the game.”
The City of Edmonton and Water Polo Canada have a rich history of hosting partnerships. Edmonton has hosted many of the most prestigious national and international water polo competitions, including the 2016 UANA Junior Pan American Championships and the 2012 Men’s Olympic Qualification Tournament. With the support of our local partners at the Government of Alberta and Edmonton Events as well as the Government of Canada, Water Polo Canada is thrilled to bring the 2020 Junior Pan American Championships to Edmonton this summer.
“We are very excited to be coming back to Edmonton in 2020 for the Junior Pan American Championships. The 2020 Junior Pan Am Championship will play a crucial role in continuing to strengthen the water polo community in Edmonton and Alberta. The Alberta Water Polo Association has done a remarkable job over the last few years and we are looking forward to working with them again this summer. The Junior Pan American Championships represent a fantastic opportunity for the local community to come out and support the next generation of Canadian athletes as they compete for gold in front of their friends and families,” commented Martin Goulet, Water Polo Canada’s Executive Director.
“It’s always an honour to host a major sporting event in Canada, which allows our athletes to compete against top athletes from around the world in front of Canadian fans. Our government is proud to support the UANA Junior Pan American Championships, an event that will inspire our youth to become more active and bring
economic benefits to Edmonton and the region,” said the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage.
The last time this event was held on Canadian soil in 2016, the Canadian men’s and women’s team achieved the incredible feat of claiming double gold for Canada, with both teams edging their long-time rivals from the United States, 17-16 and 11-10, respectively. Many members of the 2016 Junior squads have since made their way to the Senior Program, and they are now competing with Senior Men’s and Women’s National Teams.
Further details on the competition, including the tournament schedule, will be released in the coming months. Follow the Water Polo Canada website and social media for updates.
Alberta Water Polo to host Future Stars Camp
In conjunction with the 2020 Junior Pan American Championships, the Alberta Water Polo Association will host a 14 and under advanced water polo camp for the future stars of the sport on July 8-11, 2020, in Edmonton. This four-day camp will offer a similar structure to a national or collegiate-level practice, including two water sessions per day, dryland strength and conditioning, video review, goal-setting and nutrition.
For details and registration: http://albertawaterpolo.ca/page.php?page_id=120039
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For further information and media requests, please contact:
Mylène Turcotte-Fitzgerald
Communications & Marketing Manager, Water Polo Canada
613-748-5682 x 325