KARDINIA Park will welcome hundreds of swimmers next weekend, as the Tri-States Junior water polo competition returns to Geelong.<\/p>\n
The Geelong Marlins will host the tournament on February 21 and 22 at the Kardinia Aquatic Centre, with a record-breaking 55 teams entered from across Victoria, New South Wales\u00a0and Tasmania.<\/p>\n
Teams entered vary from under-12 to under-16 age groups, with high quality competition ensured across\u00a0the board.<\/p>\n
“All the teams that come love it,” Marlins junior co-ordinator Deb Johnson said.<\/p>\n
“It’s a friendly atmosphere, they love the pool and they can come down and enjoy what the region has to offer.<\/p>\n
“It’s a great bonding weekend as well, it’s amazing how so many kids make lifetime friendships.”<\/p>\n
Beyond the Tri-State competition, Johnson said junior Marlins training has restarted for 2026 and urged those interested to come and try regardless of ability.<\/p>\n
“They can be any level of ability, we accept everyone.<\/p>\n
“We’ve got kids that represent the state, we’ve got kids that just come and train and want to have fun.<\/p>\n
Trainings run on Monday nights at Kardinia Aquatic Centre, with age groups ranging from under-12 to under-18.<\/p>\n
Johnson said water polo was a unique sport, with space for anyone keen to get involved.<\/p>\n
“It’s a team sport, you win as a team, lose as a team.<\/p>\n
“People just don’t realise how much fun it is \u2013 your swimming improves, your hand eye coordination improves and it’s a team that caters for all abilities.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
KARDINIA Park will welcome hundreds of swimmers next weekend, as the Tri-States Junior water polo competition returns to Geelong. The Geelong Marlins will host the tournament on February 21 and 22 at the Kardinia Aquatic Centre, with a record-breaking 55 teams entered from across Victoria, New South Wales\u00a0and Tasmania. Teams entered vary from under-12 to […]<\/p>\n