More than 300 little waterpolo players joined the 1st edition of event in Somabay: a success for Mindset and Waterpolo Development
The "game of the ball in the water" has enthusiastically spread to North Africa: the first edition of HaBaWaBa Egypt, which concluded Sunday in Somabay, proved to be a massive success. It once again confirmed the HaBaWaBa project’s ability to make waterpolo engaging for both kids and adults.
Italian Bogliasco celebrating the U10 gold medal. In the picture above Sodic, winners of U12 tournament.
Organized to perfection by Mindset for Sports Development, the new partner of Waterpolo Development, HaBaWaBa Egypt saw the participation of 26 teams coming from Egypt, Italy and Montenegro, with more than 300 little athletes competing across two categories. Italian Bogliasco triumphed in the U10 age group category, gaining revenge over Sodic Sport Panthers, which they had lost to the U9 final of the HaBaWaBa International Festival 2025 against. However, Sodic still had reason to celebrate, securing the U12 trophy in an all-Egyptian final against New Giza.
Beyond competition, participants experienced Egypt as a premium destination, combining sport, leisure, hospitality, and cultural exchange within a world-class coastal setting.
“From its origins in Italy to its expanding footprint in Egypt, HaBaWaBa continues to prove how sport can connect nations while unlocking tourism opportunities - Mindset for Sports Development highlighted -. Events of this nature position Egypt not only as a competition venue, but as a family-friendly sports tourism destination, capable of attracting international communities year after year. Mindset for Sports Development confirmed that HaBaWaBa Egypt is set for sustained expansion, with a long-term vision to grow participation, diversify disciplines, and strengthen international partnerships. The goal is clear: to use sport as a bridge between cultures while supporting Egypt’s broader tourism strategy. With Somabay delivering an exceptional host environment and Egypt demonstrating operational excellence, HaBaWaBa Egypt continues to strengthen its position on the global calendar, establishing Somabay as a leading gateway for international sports tourism in Egypt, and reinforcing the country’s vast potential to host, inspire, and connect the world through sport”.
Waterpolo Development thanks all the clubs, coaches, and little waterpolo players for the enthusiasm which they participated with, and congratulates Mindset for Sport Development for the commitment and care dedicated to the event, ensuring its success. The HaBaWaBa Egypt adventure has only just begun: the "game of the ball in the water" will keep inspiring and uniting children from all over the world in the future.
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.
