South America: waterpolo grows with HaBaWaBa Brasil

The 6th edition concluded on Sunday was participated by over a thousand little players coming from 6 countries: a resounding success for ABDA and WPD

As colorful and engaging as ever, HaBaWaBa Brasil once again confirmed the soundness of the “game of the the ball in water”, the project created by Waterpolo Development and excellently developed in Brazil by ABDA Projecto Futuro. habawaba brasil 2025 2The 6th edition of the South American leg of HaBaWaBa International Circuit was the biggest ever: 1,064 athletes and 228 coaches participated in the 5 days of competitions and events, with 76 teams competing in the U11, U13, and U13 girls categories, coming from 6 countries, namely Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru and Uruguay. A resounding success for ABDA, a long-time partner of Waterpolo Development, which proves how HaBaWaBa represents an extraordinarily effective tool for the development of waterpolo – and its values – in areas and countries where it has historically struggled to take root. ABDA organized the event with its usual care, adding a long series of workshops and parallel events to the three tournaments: these included clinics on capoeira, jiu-jitsu, yo-yo and robotics, as well as an exhibition by the local fire department. The coaches, on the other hand, were able to participate in a lecture by Matheus Louro on the topic “How to build mentally strong athletes”. habawaba brasil 2025 5In the pool, ABDA ruled. The home team won all three competitions: the ABDA Lakers triumphed in U11 ahead of Club Athletico Paulistano and Clube International de Regatas; in U13, the ABDA Warriors were on the podium, followed by SESI Riberao and Club Athletico Paulistano; in U13 girls category, the ABDA Liberty preceded Rio Aquatics Women's and SESI Jundiai Women's. Finally, ABDA Sky won the Fair Play award. Only Nova Geraçao, club coming from the city of Ribeirao Preto, managed to snatch from ABDA the trophy for the youngest waterpolo player, which went to little Bernardo Silva Farias, born on September 6, 2019. Waterpolo Development congratulates the winning teams, all participants, and ABDA for the perfect organization of the event: the next appointment with the “game of the ball in the water” in South America is scheduled for December 2026, with the 7th edition of HaBaWaBa Brasil. However in a few days the HaBaWaBa International Circuit will celebrate its arrival in North Africa: the start of the 1st edition of HaBaWaBa Egypt is scheduled for December 18 in Somabay, Hurghada. Because HaBaWaBa never ends!

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Common questions

What is the HaBaWaBa International Festival?

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.

All questions

Register for the festival.

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