The two girls who were in the photo symbol of HaBaWaBa PLUS 2019 met again in Genoa: they are opponents, friends, bond forever by sport
After the HaBaWaBa PLUS 2019 we posted the photo of Asia Avenoso, goalkeeper of Italian team Locatelli, and Laura Kardos, player of Hungarian Dunaujvaros, hugging each other at the end of the tournament final between their two teams. In the picture, the Italian player was comforting the Hungarian, who had just lost the game on shootouts. That image well represented the values that HaBaWaBa has been promoting for years: fair play, friendship, the desire to meet who is different from us, who comes from another culture or another country.Laura Kardos and Asia Avenoso in Genoa
After 2 years, Asia and Laura met again a few days ago in Genoa, where Dunaujvaros went to train, hosted by Locatelli. Last July Kardos became European U15 champion with Hungary, while Avenoso will triumph in the Italian U16 league with Locatelli few days later meeting her Hungarian friend.
Their hug has been repeated, turning into another demonstration of the power of sport: HaBaWaBa and waterpolo create bonds that last a lifetime, not only with your teammates but also with your opponents. They bring us closer together, push us to dialogue, enrich us. Asia and Laura should be thanked for reminding us that in the simplest way: their hug is the best legacy that HaBaWaBa can leave us.
The biggest youth water polo event in the world: for U9, U11 and U13, held every year in Lignano Sabbiadoro (UD) and drawing teams from five continents.
When is the next Festival?
From 13 to 20 June the week for U9 and U11, from 20 to 27 June the week for U13.
Do boys and girls play together?
U9 and U11 tournaments include girls’, boys’ and mixed teams. The U13 event is split into a girls-only tournament and one for boys-only or mixed teams.
How do you enter the Festival?
Open the page of the event for your team (U9-U11 or U13) and follow the Registration Guide: it contains the information, duties, costs and deadlines. A club can enter more than one team in a single tournament.
Where do teams stay during the Festival?
Teams, made up of players, coaches and officials, all stay inside Bella Italia & EFA Village. Parents, family and supporters travelling with the team can enter the village by paying admission.
What is the Champion’s Passport?
It is a code of ethics: the values of sport to respect in order to be part of the HaBaWaBa community.
What is the aim of the HaBaWaBa project?
To spread the values of sport among children and create a deep bond with water polo through an unforgettable experience.
