Delta ISO counted 4,109 attendees in the last edition: among them 1,941 little waterpolo players in 156 teams coming from 17 nations and 5 continents
A two-week festival of sport that involved more than 4,000 people coming from 5 continents: this was HaBaWaBa 2024, an event that once again showed the extraordinary power of the “game of the ball in the water” to unite people through enthusiasm and noblest values of sports. We’re publishing here all the data about the attendees in the event, provided and certified by Delta ISO, Waterpolo Development's partner who has been in charge of HaBaWaBa's IT and accreditation system for years.HaBaWaBa teams at the closing cerei of HaBaWaBa International Festival (pic by Giacomello Foto).
Counting the first week, dedicated to HaBaWaBa International Festival and its U12 tournament, and the second one, when U10 and U13 competitions of HaBaWaBa PLUS took place, a total of 4,109 people attended at Bella Italia & EFA Village in Lignano Sabbiadoro. Then, we have to add to them more than 200 staff members: volunteers, referees and juries - three key elements which HaBaWaBa would not be possible to carry on without - the members of Waterpolo Development, Delta ISO, Giacomello Foto photographers and the video team led by Dimitris Papas.
As usual, the kids stole the scene: the HaBaWaBa was attended by as many as 1,941little waterpolo players (1,093 in the first week, 848 in the second one). Those players were divided into 156 teams (87 U12 teams, 23 U10 teams, 46 U13 teams) coming from 17 nations and 5 different continents: Australia, Croatia, Bosnia Herzegovina, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Montenegro, Palestine, Monaco, Romania, Singapore, Switzerland, Turkey and United States.
Kids were accompanied by 258 coaches (148 in the Festival, 110 in the PLUS) and a plenty of fans: the Family passes released by the organization totaled 1,862 (1,052 in the first week). Adding the 48 event’s guests you get the final number of 4,109 attendees for the 2024 edition of HaBaWaBa.
A number that once again confirms Waterpolo Development's event as the biggest kids waterpolo event in the world.
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.
