Water Polo West Kamloops Regional Development Camp Builds Momentum Across BC

Canada Games Aquatic Centre, Kamloops — October 17–19, 2025

Last weekend, the Water Polo West Kamloops Regional Development Camp made a splash at the Canada Games Aquatic Centre, bringing together athletes, coaches, and parents from across British Columbia for three days of skill development, coaching education, and community spirit.

From October 17 to 19, the pool deck buzzed with energy as players young and old came together to learn, play, and grow the sport of water polo in the BC Interior.

Water Polo West is supporting the development of the sport in Kamloops, Vernon and Kelowna

Jumping In: Adult Try-It Session

The weekend kicked off Friday evening with a fun and welcoming Adult Try-It Water Polo session. Local players — some trying the sport for the first time and others returning after years away — dove in for a friendly introduction to the game.

Among those taking part was Cecily Jonker, who last played for the Junior Women’s National Team in 2003, and came out to help build water polo in Kamloops and reconnect with her roots in the sport.

“It was so great to see people of all backgrounds getting back in the water,” said one organizer. “The smiles, laughter, and sense of community really set the tone for the weekend.”

Saturday Sessions: Skills, Coaching, and Connection

Saturday featured full training blocks for 14U and 16U/18U athletes, led by Branko Pekovic, Head Coach for Team BC and an Olympian with the Serbian Men’s National Team.

Pekovic’s international experience and calm, focused coaching style brought out the best in the athletes. Sessions emphasized defensive awareness, transitions, and team communication, helping players refine the fundamentals that support high-level play.

Joining him on deck were several top BC coaches: Kristen Smart (Head Coach, Kelowna Water Polo Club), Sarah Lauman (Vernon Water Polo Club), and Ben Halsall (Kelowna Water Polo Club). Together, they created an engaging and high-energy environment that encouraged confidence and teamwork.

Goalkeepers also received dedicated instruction focused on positioning, reaction time, and reading the play — a highlight for many participants.

At the same time, Water Polo Canada’s Community Sport Coach Course was in full swing, led by Evan Andrews, an international referee and high-performance coach educator. Coaches and parents from Kelowna and Vernon participated, developing practical on-deck skills and mentorship experience. Many joined Saturday’s sessions to apply what they learned directly with athletes in the pool.

National Development Centre Athletes training in Kamloops

Sunday: Pathways to Team BC and Beyond

Sunday wrapped up with the National Development Centre (NDC) sessions, which focused on preparing athletes aiming for Team BC and national-level programs. Players from the Interior and Lower Mainland worked side by side, building connections and learning the level of commitment required to compete at the next stage.

“It was amazing to see so many athletes and coaches working together to build water polo in the Interior,” said one organizer. “The energy on deck was incredible — everyone left feeling inspired and connected.”

Team BC head coach Branko Pekovic and 18U player on deck in Kamloops

A Growing Water Polo Community

The Kamloops weekend showcased the growing momentum of water polo in the BC Interior. With experienced coaches mentoring new ones, returning players sharing their passion, and parents stepping up to support from the sidelines, the event reflected a shared goal: to build a strong, sustainable future for the sport in the region.

Water Polo West extends heartfelt thanks to all the athletes, coaches, parents, and volunteers who made the Kamloops Regional Development Camp such a success — and for helping grow the game across British Columbia.

Canada Games Aquatic Centre setup for training

Next Up: Kelowna Youth & Adult Jamboree — December 6–7, 2025

The next big opportunity for local players will be the Water Polo West Youth and Adult Jamboree, hosted at H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre in Kelowna on December 6–7, 2025.

The event will feature friendly games and skill sessions for both new and experienced players — a perfect chance to get in the water, meet the community, and continue building water polo across the Interior.

Stay tuned for registration details coming soon at waterpolowest.ca.