Water Polo Canada – Ottawa, ON, January 10, 2019 – In September 2018, the Ontario Government announced its support for the 2019 National Championship League (NCL) Events being held in Ontario. Water Polo Canada (WPC) has received a grant of 20,000$ from the Ontario Sport Hosting Program to support the hosting and legacy of the four WPC National Championships Events taking place in the spring of 2019.

The province has been a dedicated partner of the Water Polo Canada’s National Championship League (NCL) since its inception in 2014. The NCL represents the highest calibre of domestic water polo in Canada and is the centerpiece of WPC long-term athlete development model. In the spring of 2019, the City of Markham will welcome the 2019 Senior National Championships and the 14 and under Eastern National Championships and the City of Ottawa will host the 2019 16 and under and 2019 19 and under Eastern Conference Championships. These events will bring 800 athletes and 150 coaches, officials, and event staff to Ontario in a celebration of sport.

Sport Hosting funding is a major piece of WPC’s hosting strategy as it plays a crucial role in supporting the legacy pieces that will benefit Ottawa, Markham, Ontario and the sport of water polo. These legacy pieces include increasing the hosting capacity for the cities of Ottawa and Markham, developing sustainability for the local water polo clubs through volunteer and staff training and legacy equipment, and developing human capital through referee and coaching training. The funding will also improve the visibility of the sport of water polo through live streaming, media coverage, and in-person attendance with the goal of getting more people involved in water polo, sport, and healthy active living.

“The impact of the Ontario’s Sport Hosting Program cannot be minimized for our organization. The 2019 NCL Championship Events being held in Ontario are critical to the development of our athletes, coaches, and officials, and the growth of the sport of water polo. We are extremely grateful for the support of the Ontario Government, and we look forward to hosting these great events in the spring” said Martin Goulet, Water Polo Canada, Executive Director.

“Our Government for the People is proud to support the 2019 NCL Eastern Championships. Through our Sport Hosting Program, we are generating a positive economic impact to communities throughout the province, and helping our athletes refine their skills to compete internationally,” said Michael Tibollo, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “The Sport Hosting Program contributes significantly to our sport and tourism sectors, which are important economic drivers here in the province of Ontario. I look forward to seeing our athletes compete at the upcoming NCL events!”

About the Ontario Sport Hosting Program
Ontario’s Sport Hosting Program helps bring major sport events to the province, grow local economies and allow more Ontario athletes to compete at home.

About Water Polo Canada
Water Polo Canada (WPC) is the National Sport Organization for Water Polo in Canada. Its purpose is to nationally lead the growth and the pursuit of excellence for the sport of water polo while respecting the following set of values: Accountability, Leadership, Respect, Excellence, Integrity, and Teamwork.

– 30 –

MEDIA

Mylène Turcotte-Fitzgerald
Water Polo Canada Communications
mfitzgerald@waterpolo.ca
613-748-5682 x 325