WILLEMSTAD – The second edition of the International Summer Water Polo Tournament, organized by Federashon Aquatico Kòrsou, took place last week at the Bennie Leito Pool and once again proved to be a major success. The tournament welcomed 17 teams from Peru, Trinidad, and Curaçao, with guest players from Bonaire and the Netherlands. 

The matches were held across five age categories: under 10, 12, 14, 16, and seniors, featuring both girls’ teams and mixed teams. 

A Highlight for the Youngest Players 

A special highlight of the tournament was the participation of three U10 teams, composed primarily through the school water polo project. Competing in a smaller pool, the young athletes played eight spirited matches, showcasing the rising talent of the next generation of water polo players. 

Exciting Finals Across All Categories 

The finals on Saturday delivered high levels of excitement: 

U12 Final: Curaçao A and Peru battled it out in a tight match, with Curaçao A winning 6-4. Curaçao B secured third place. 

U14: A dramatic semifinal ended in a 7-7 tie, with Trinidad advancing after a penalty shootout (11-9). The final saw Trinidad A defeat Trinidad B by 19-14, while Curaçao took bronze. 

Girls U16: Trinidad narrowly edged out the competition, winning 4 of their 7 games. 

Mixed U16: Peru dominated the field, defeating Curaçao with a commanding 23-6 win. Trinidad finished third. 

Competitive Spirit in the Senior Division 

The senior division included three evenly matched teams with a mix of local and guest players. Over eight matches, teams competed in intense and balanced games that brought plenty of enjoyment and sportsmanship. 

Awards and Recognitions 

All teams received trophies and medals, with a new addition this year: the Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award. Three standout athletes were recognized for their tactical awareness, teamwork, and sportsmanship: 

Zoe Torres (Peru) – Girls category 

Marvel Goeloe (Curaçao, age 12) 

Gioanni Felician (Trinidad) – Goalkeeper 

The tournament was officiated by a professional team of local referees and jury members, including a growing number of young referees-in-training. Additional support came from Darcy de Wind, a former Curaçao swimmer and now a top-level referee in the Netherlands. 

Looking Ahead 

With the help of over 25 dedicated volunteers, the event was a celebration of sport, collaboration, and international friendship. Federashon Aquatico Kòrsou expressed pride in the successful and inspiring week of water polo. 

In October, a youth team from Curaçao will travel to Peru to participate in an international youth tournament, continuing to build on the momentum of this summer’s achievements.