Fast…Physical…Exciting
Early beginnings Water polo first originated in England during the 1870’s. Legend has it the sport was developed by spirited young men who wanted to play rugby and cool off at the same time. Early forms of play saw players riding on floating "horses’ made of wooden barrels.
First Olympic team sport Men’s water polo was the first team sport entered into Olympic competition. Those were the Games of 1900. After a long wait--100 years to be exact--women’s water polo made it’s Olympic debut in Sydney, Australia in 2000.
Today’s hot new sport Although water polo originated more than 100 years ago and historically has been long dominated by eastern European countries it is a hot, new sport in both Canada and the U.S. Players and spectators love the fast paced action and physical nature of the game. Whether it is the motion and jockeying for position, the wicked shooting or the rugged defense, water polo intrigues fans and even the uninitiated find it exciting.
Best conditioned athletes in the world A game of extreme physical contact, it has been called " the most physically demanding and mentally challenging of all sports" by leading exercise physiologists.
Canada is recognized as a water polo powerhouse Canada is fast becoming recognized as a water polo power house. The caliber of our teams is increasing dramatically and now poses a serious challenge to the eastern European stronghold of the past. National Teams from Youth to Senior levels consistently medal in international competition, World Championships, World Aquatic Championships and the Pan Am Games.
Hooked from the start It seems all water polo players tell a similar story, one of being hooked from the very start. Beginning as early as 8 years old and playing well into their 30’s and 40’s, it has been said that water polo is a game that takes a few moments to learn and a lifetime to perfect.
