Interest, and as a result demand, for an colour city-based water polo competition has surged recently, so much so Orange Aquatic Centre has answered the calls and is set to start to a weekly competition.
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As it stands there’s set to be a senior competition along with an under 16s division, which will all run on Thursday evenings.
Newly-elected mayor Reg Kidd said the decision is a reflection of Orange City Council listening to the needs of the community, and it’s one that comes on the back of Kinross Wolaroi School’s continued success in the pool as well the undeniably successful Water Polo NSW under 16s girls’ State Championship Orange hosted in 2016.
After two heart-breaking grand final defeats on the trot Kinross finally won its first Open Adult Bathurst Water Polo in 2017, they’re one of a number of Orange sides which have travelled down the Mitchell Highway over the years to play.
“Several Orange teams have been travelling to Bathurst to compete and so it made sense to host a competition here,” Kidd explained.
“It’s a win for all, because once it’s established there’s an opportunity for people to travel into Orange to compete.
“Our residents (will also) have the convenience of having weekly training and games here in our fantastic facility.”
However, Orange Aquatic Centre Manager Beth Shea said while the interest has been strong enough to inspire the competitions’ establishment, ideally another two teams will be needed to ensure it runs smoothly.
“Ideally we’re looking for another dozen competitors and we’re also looking for referees and coaches,” Shea explained.
“Were organising a development opportunity with Water Polo NSW on Thursday night where people can come down and get some information about the competition and learn about refereeing and coaching.
“At this stage we’ll have a junior competition from 4pm to 6pm on Thursdays and a senior competition from 6pm to 8pm.
“We’ll have the shallow half of the 50-metre pool open for free swimming but lap swimming will be moved to the 25-metre pool during those designated four hours.”
Anyone with an interest is urged to contact Orange Aquatic Centre as soon as possible on 6363 3000.
Matt Findlay
Formerly a sports specialist, I'm based at Orange and shift between wide-spread range of subjects here and, often, across the entire Central West region of NSW as well. I have almost a decade of experience in the media and marketing industries both here in Australia and internationally, along with journalism I have experience in content strategy, brand development, and digital and social media. Along the way, I've been fortunate to win a handful of media awards and be nominated for several others too.
Formerly a sports specialist, I'm based at Orange and shift between wide-spread range of subjects here and, often, across the entire Central West region of NSW as well. I have almost a decade of experience in the media and marketing industries both here in Australia and internationally, along with journalism I have experience in content strategy, brand development, and digital and social media. Along the way, I've been fortunate to win a handful of media awards and be nominated for several others too.
