Pool hosts national water polo titles

The Peninsula Leisure Centre has been chosen to host the Water Polo National Championships later this month bringing more than 150 competitors and officials to the Peninsula for the event.

Gosford Council's leisure and lifestyle marketing officer Mr Andrew Stuart said to host the event was a great honour since it had been held at Homebush and Ryde in previous years.

"This is great news for council and the Peninsula community because the event will no doubt attract a large number of competitors and their families as well as competition officials to the area," Mr Stuart said.

"We are very much looking forward to staging this event."

The national championships will take place from May 17 to 21 and include competitors from five states including boys and girls aged 15 to 17, according to Mr Stuart.

He said competitors would stay with host families living in the area throughout the duration of the event while officials had secured accommodation at Terrigal.

"The Peninsula Leisure Centre held a similar water polo competition and due to its success it seems we have secured the national championships," Mr Stuart said.

"The five-day competition will be free to all spectators to encourage as many locals and visitors to come along and enjoy the event.

"Access to the 50 metre pool will be restricted throughout the competition however other facilities in the centre will operate as normal.

"The winning team at the end of the competition will participate in a four-day training camp at the centre as part of their prize."

Clare Graham, 6 May 2010 Interviewee: Andrew Stuart, Gosford Council