The world of elite international women’s water polo hits Riverside, California this May 19-25 when the first-ever FINA Intercontinental Qualification Tournaments kicks off in Southern California. Boasting some of the top teams on earth, including defending Olympic gold medalists, Team USA, the tourney serves as a qualification event for the FINA World League Super Final to be held in June in Kunshan, China. Among the teams joining the United States are the reigning Olympic bronze medalists Australia, defending Super Final gold medalists China, and 2016 Olympic Games host, Brazil.
“We are very excited to host a qualification tournament of this magnitude,” said Adam Krikorian, USA Water Polo Women’s National Team Head Coach. “To bring together these water polo powers in the same place for a week of competition will be a great challenge for our team and a fantastic opportunity for water polo fans. We are honored to have Riverside as our host, a fast-growing hotbed for the game, and I’m fired up for all the action this May.”
“Riverside is looking forward to welcoming the world’s best water polo players. We know FINA and these extraordinary athletes will find themselves perfectly at home in our city, where we pride ourselves on providing unmatched hospitality.” said Debbi Guthrie, Director of the Riverside Sports Commission.
Competition will take place at the Riverside Aquatics Complex on the campus of Riverside City College with a full schedule and ticket information to be announced in the coming months. The full field for the tournament includes the United States of America, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Kazakhstan, Japan, South Africa, and Venezuela. For more information be sure to visit www.usawaterpolo.org in the coming months.
About USA Water Polo
USA Water Polo, Inc. is the national governing body for water polo in America, overseeing our United States Olympic program as well as 20 different championship events annually, such as Junior Olympics and Masters National Championships. With more than 40,000 members, USAWP is also the sanctioning authority for more than 500 Member Clubs and more than 400 tournaments nationwide. USAWP is committed to the development of the sport throughout the US. It fosters grass-roots expansion of the sport, providing a national system of affiliated clubs, certified coaches and officials.
Official USA Water Polo Sponsors & Suppliers
24 Hour Fitness, Active Media, American Pistachios, Bare Fruit Snacks, Beachside Produce, Big Fish Payroll Services, Colorado Time Systems, Crown Awards, Deckside Pool Services, Jamba Juice, Justin’s, Katin USA, KT Tape, Liberty Mutual Insurance, Malibu Wellness, Mikasa, Nestlé Nesquik, Ospraie Management, PowerBar, S & R Sport, Sea Air Federal Credit Union, Special Event Contractors, TicketPrinting.com, TYR, United, Waiākea, Water Marque, & ZOLL AED.