From August 25th to August 31st, 2024, young athletes from Capital Wave Water Polo and Vortex Water Polo participated in Experiences Canada’s first-ever Water Polo Exchange led by Waneek Horn-Miller, a CBC Olympic Primetime Panelist and former Canadian Water Polo Olympian. This historic Exchange provided 30 Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth aged 13-15 with safe and accessible travel across Canada with all travel costs covered. Athletes from Capital Wave Water Polo Club left their hometown of Ottawa, Ontario and travelled to Winnipeg, Manitoba to train and play with members of Vortex Water Polo Club.
Youth had the opportunity to explore Winnipeg and participated in Water Polo Day Camp Sessions. Their Exchange itinerary included cultural and educational sites including visits to the Forks, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, and The Leaf.
“We visited so many different cultural places and learned a lot about Winnipeg, Manitoba… To me, this trip was a temporary release of the stress of school and club water polo starting again.”
– Yasmine, Youth Participant, Capital Wave Water Polo Club
Youth were also invited to the Manitoba Legislative Building to meet Glen Simard, the Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage.
For 87 years, Experiences Canada has been offering youth opportunities to explore Canada in ways they never imagined. Exchanges offer life-changing experiences: enabling young Canadians to build personal skills and self-confidence; form new friendships; deepen their knowledge of a second language, of other histories and cultures, and inspire them to become more actively engaged in their communities.
“I made so many friends and so many memories that will last a lifetime… All the tips I got to learn will help me become an even better player. This camp showed me a whole new side of water polo that I never knew. As much as I love being in the water, going to the [Canadian Museum for Human Rights] and the [Manitoba Legislative Building] and all the other things I got to do with the Ottawa Capital Wave Team was so much fun.”
– Holly, Youth Participant, Vortex Water Polo Club
Experiences Canada funds travel for sport teams across Canada to promote physical activity and connect young athletes across the country. During a sports-themed exchange participants engage in their sport as well as learn about the history and heritage of Canada and develop an appreciation for Canada’s regional diversity.
“The Winnipeg Exchange was one of my favourite parts of the summer, I loved getting to know new people and bond with my teammates… I also learned so much from Mish and the other coaches. I can’t wait until we have another Exchange and get to experience new things and go to new places”.
– Skawennahawi, Youth Participant, Capital Wave Water Polo Club
Apply for a 2024-25 Youth Exchange today: https://experiencescanada.ca/exchanges/!
See more of their Youth Exchange adventures on Instagram: @Wave 2 the World.
Generously funded by Canadian Heritage.
