HaBaWaBa, Andrea's first time: "To be a goalie is the best"
Posillipo number 1 Ciuoffo had never played as keeper, but he was man of the match against Ortigia
HaBaWaBa International Festival starts with a real HaBaWaBa story. It’s about Andrea Ciuoffo, 8 years old, new goalkeeper of Posillipo Coccodrilli U10: he’s “new” not because the Neapolitan club bought him from another team, but because today, against Ortigia, Andrea played his first game as goalie of his sports career (which started just 6 months ago…). He has become a number 1 by chance: his predecessor, the starting goalie of Posillipo, could not come to Lignano Sabbiadoro and so the Neapolitan coaches Gianmarco Abbate, Davide Truppa and Elios Marsili chose little Andrea to replace him.
“I prefer to save”, he tells after being the man of the match of his first game at HaBaWaBa: Andrea made at least 7 decisive saves, including a penalty, and helped Posillipo to beat 8-6 Ortigia. It's too early to say, but maybe a star has been born. In the meantime, Andrea has certainly discovered a new passion. “About waterpolo I like to save and shake hands with the opponents at the end of the game", Andrea says. He’s a true HaBaWaBa player, even in his spirit.
Andrea wants to win (foto Prandi Service)Andrea and his teammates of Coccodrilli U10 Posillipo (foto Prandi Service)
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.
