The Fourth Annual Water Polo Season in Ghana concluded in grand style, following a week-long series of training sessions, seminars and clinics for players and collaborators.
The climax featured thrilling round-robin matches that saw teams from Awutu Winton SHS Water Club and other local clubs compete.
Notably, the ladies’ team, Lake Bosomtwe Ladies, also made an impressive showing, adding more energy to the games.
Since its inception four years ago, the Annual Water Polo Season has been at the forefront of promoting and developing the sport in Ghana.
Spearheaded by Prince Kofi Asante Sefa-Aboagye, the founder and driving force behind the Black Stars Water Polo initiative, the event continues to push the boundaries of what the sport can achieve in the country.
Reflecting on the journey and the effort it has taken to keep the project alive, Asante shared his thoughts during the event:
“This is a project of literal blood, sweat, and tears to make this happen. We’ve got our team from Central Region, our team from Asante Region, Lake Bosomtwe, and Accra Arts Center here, coming together for the fourth year in a row.”
Asante also expressed his gratitude for Tony Karaman, an experienced water polo referee and coach, who played a significant role throughout the week-long clinic.
“He’s been giving referee clinics all week and so he’s having a great time doing water polo in Ghana. He saw what I did and reached out asking if he could be part of this wonderful journey. He is an expert in water polo for a long time, so I am extremely happy to see him helping out in the best of his abilities.”
However, Asante candidly highlighted the challenges he has faced in sustaining the sport, revealing that the funding has largely come from personal efforts.
“It’s an uphill fight, but none of us are giving up really quick. With what I am doing, I try and solicit the funds alone, from my friends and family, and I do not get anything from the government. It is for the love of the sport and what it can do to change the lives of these young boys and girls.”
Despite the challenges, Asante paid tribute to those who have supported him and made the event possible.
“CAP7, Justice Outside, my entire San Diego community, and the global water polo community for supporting us.”
The Fourth Annual Water Polo Season has yet again demonstrated the potential of water polo in Ghana. Through the dedication of Asante and his team, the sport is gradually gaining recognition, and there is hope that it could one day put Ghana on the global stage.
