JGHS Water Polo

A Year in Review:

Water Polo Highlights and the Grand Finale Tournament at John Gray High School

As the academic year comes to a close, it's a perfect time to reflect on the thrilling journey we've had in the world of water polo. This season has been packed with incredible matches, stellar individual performances, and unforgettable team efforts. From the adrenaline-pumping openers to the nail-biting final tournament, let's see the highlights of this year's water polo adventures.

Introduction to Water Polo (December - Present)

The journey began in December with a vision to introduce and expand the sport of water polo within our schools. The initiative saw significant milestones and achievements that laid a strong foundation for the sport's future.

Boys to Men Program:

Launch:

The Boys to Men Program kicked off in January with 48 enthusiastic participants.

Training:

The program successfully introduced the fundamentals of water polo, fostering enthusiasm and engagement among the boys.

John Gray High School (February - Present):

Regular Training Sessions:

Since February, John Gray High School has conducted four hours of water polo training each week, held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

Expansion Plans:

Starting in September, water polo will be integrated into the school curriculum with four hours of training during school hours and an additional two hours in the afternoon. This initiative aims to build a robust water polo program within the school.

Cayman International School (CIS):

Engagement and Training:

CIS was informed about the upcoming tournament, and eight introductory sessions were conducted with their PT classes, explaining the rules and facilitating games to build interest.

Tournament Participation:

CIS will be encouraged to enter a team.
The First School Water Polo Tournament (June 18th)

Event Details:

Date and Venue:

Scheduled for June 18th at Governor's Beach.
Participants:

Grade 10 and 11 teams from John Gray High School will compete in this historic first school water polo tournament.
Objective:

The event aims to create a competitive yet friendly environment to showcase talent and encourage sportsmanship.

Proposed Schedule:

Monthly Tournaments:

A water polo tournament will be hosted at the beach once a month, following a round-robin format to engage and motivate participants. The goal is to include swim clubs and other interested groups.

Saturday Practices:

Extensive water polo practice sessions will be held on Saturday mornings, including a one-hour swimming fitness session followed by a one-hour technical play session.

Expansion Plans
New Schools:

Introduction Program:

The program is hoping to expand to Clifton Hunter High School and Grace Christian Academy, increasing the number of schools involved, leading to more teams and more exciting gameplay opportunities.

Future Plans:

Water Polo Club:

A water polo club will be launched in September, offering three weekly workouts at the beach, each lasting two hours. The club will be open to all interested participants, focusing on skill development and team building.

International Competitions:

Preparations are underway for participation in international tournaments, with possible events in the Bahamas or Florida. The ultimate goal is to have a team ready for the Carifta Games in 2025.

Sponsorship and Support:

Seeking Sponsors:

The initiative is actively seeking sponsors to support this voluntary program. Funding will help cover costs for equipment, travel, and training facilities, emphasizing the long-term benefits of building a strong water polo program in the Cayman Islands.

This water polo program aims to nurture young talent, promote physical fitness, and build a competitive water polo community in the Cayman Islands. With the support of CIASA, we can elevate water polo to a prominent sport, providing opportunities for youth to excel both locally and internationally.

As we look forward to the next season, we celebrate the achievements of all players, coaches, and supporters who made this year unforgettable. Here's to another year of exciting matches, emerging talents, and the ever-thriving spirit of water polo.