Gianazza, Xenaki & Co.: the HaBaWaBa Stars in Paris 2024
As many as 21 waterpolo players in the last Olympics participated in the Festival as kids: there were only 2 in Tokyo 2020
After the European and World Championships played in winter, also Paris 2024 Olympics represented a prestigious stage for the HaBaWaBa Stars, the international waterpolo players who participated in HaBaWaBa as they were kids: they were as many as 21, coming from 6 different countries.
France international Romain Marion-Vernoux (ph. A. Masini - DeepBlueMedia). Above the Italian Condemi, Bettini and Gianazza.
It was a big leap forward compared to Tokyo 2020, which only 2 of HaBaWaBa Stars in Paris participated in, Montenegrin Petar Tesanovic and Miroslav Perkovic. This kind of growth leads us to think that the number of waterpolo players with a past at HaBaWaBa is expected to increase further in the future.
In Paris 2024 some of the HaBaWaBa Stars confirmed their exceptional talent: we’re talking about Italian Francesco Condemi, Montenegrin Marko Mrsic or Greek Eleni Xenaki, nowadays of the best centerforwards on the international scene. Other Stars were authentic surprises: Tommaso Gianazza, at his first international tournament, was one the best of the Italian Settebello, while the French quartet composed of Juliette Dhalluin, Ema Vernoux, Valentine Heurtaux and Lara Andres demonstrated that they can play at the same level with the best teams in the world.
Other former HaBaWaBa players, however, appeared to be in the midst of a path that could turn them into true champions: Italian Dafne Bettini and Agnese Cocchiere, French Romain Marion-Vernoux and Enzo Nardon, Japanese Kai Inoue and Romanian Andrei Tepelus seem ready to become pillars of their national teams in the new Olympic four-year period.
Anyway the Olympics also reserved some disappointment for some HaBaWaBa Stars: Thomas Vernoux and Sofia Giustini, players who debuted at an international level at a very young age showing indisputable abilities, certainly did not play the best tournament of their careers. However sport always offers an opportunity for redemption: to achieve that, you need talent and determination, qualities that the HaBaWaBa Stars certainly do not lack.
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.
