As a parent, I am constantly exploring the
athletic and artistic options for my two young sons. My background as a
swimmer, water polo player and triathlete has me thinking of all the great
things those aquatic sports have provided and has me itching to create
more opportunities for them and anyone else who may not have the
opportunity to compete like I once did.
We currently live in a rural area where the
school population is between 200-300 students, there is no pool, no swim
team and no water polo team. In fact, the closest water polo options are
probably at least one hour away while the nearest swim team is probably a
30-minute drive. A few locals have had the opportunity to train with a
"nearby" high school team and compete unattached at various swim meets,
but there are obviously many hurdles to overcome in order to participate
in these aquatic sports.
No offense to the "usual" sports offered where
we live like baseball, basketball and soccer, but I would prefer that my
sons also have the opportunity to swim and play water polo. As I sat down
to write an article about it, I decided I should try make a quick list to
figure out some immediate options and see if the NISCA audience could add
a few more options for my children and others just like them. Here are the
few options I have come up with:
1. Neighborhood 3-on-3 water polo tournament
2. Volunteer program at YMCA
3. Start a club team
4. Free agent tournaments
5. Join a neighborhood team as a "ringer" or
get special approval to participate
6. Travel long distances to join a current club
7. Attend as many camps as possible
Can you think of any other options? Send an
e-mail to illpolostaff@gmail.com if
you would like to comment and possibly be included in a future article.
