The Tribune

THE recent success of a training camp for our national water polo team in Budapest, Hungary, may prompt an invitation to the Hungarians to visit Nassau in the very near future.

The Bahamian water polo team has just returned from Budapest, Hungary, following a rigorous and fast-paced two-week training camp and competitions.

Bahamian water polo head coach Laszlo (Lotty) Borbely said the entire experience proved to be very successful.

“Everyone agrees it has been an excellent time, and with new friendships made, it is hoped that the Bahamas could host the Hungarians sometime in the foreseeable future. The boys learnt very valuable ball and tactical skills - on the fly  - and in a competitive environment.

“The intense game-play experience, the endurance built from the long hours of training and the competitions, will serve them well going forward in preparation for their international tournaments such as CARIFTA and the Caribbean Island Swimming Championships (CISC) to be held in Nassau in 2016.”

Training hard in the build up to their games meant six-hour sessions daily with their local water polo host team, the ‘Happy Hippos’ at the Sport 11 Sport Centrum in the South-West of Budapest. 

A welcome break came on Wednesday July 22, when the team watched from the poolside as the Hungarian senior national water polo team beat Japan in a thrilling televised international water polo match at the Hajos Alfred National Swim Complex located on famous Margarita Island. 

Later in the same pool, the Bahamian players’ own tough match followed against the local, ‘Komplex’ Water Polo Team where the exposure to very experienced players proved to be an eye opener for the young visiting team. “Playing against such high calibre athletes is invaluable,” coach Lotty advised the boys. “It’s about experiencing and learning from the best.”     

At the close of the two-weeks, a grand finale was held where a fast-paced round robin competition involving three local teams proved a fun and exciting end to the camp experience. The participating teams were made up of different ages, gender and nationalities that gave a good sense of integration, healthy competition and friendly play.

“Everyone played exceptionally well, helped with all the enthusiastic spectators watching from the sidelines,” said coach Lotty.

Winners received gold, silver and bronze medals and all team members received commemorative medals. Souvenir T-shirts from both countries were exchanged between the players and coaches.

The Bahamian team, now back in Nassau, will attend the upcoming Mantas Swim and Water Polo Summer Camp at the Queen Elizabeth Sport Centre in the BKK pool August 10-21.

This summer camp is designed to host and accommodate both boys and girls of any age who have swimming and water polo experience, and also interested beginners.  

Details can be found at http://bahamaswaterpolo.com/summer-camp-2015.