KNYSNA NEWS - The upcoming canoe polo tournament during the Knysna Oyster Festival will be about more than fast-paced action on the water - it will also celebrate an extraordinary achievement for the local club.

Ten players from the Knysna Canoe Polo Club have been selected to represent South Africa at the Canoe Polo World Championships after successfully completing a year-long national selection process involving training camps and tournaments across the country.

For a town the size of Knysna, this achievement is remarkable.

The local club will host its annual Oyster Festival Canoe Polo Tournament at the Waterfront, in front of Drydock, from 10 to 12 July. The tournament is free to spectators and promises plenty of excitement.

For those unfamiliar with the sport, canoe polo combines elements of kayaking, water polo and rugby. Two teams of five players compete in kayaks, passing the ball before shooting at a goal suspended 2m above the water. The game is fast, physical and highly tactical, with quick passing, spectacular saves and constant end-to-end action.

Canoe polo was introduced to Knysna in 1996, and the club has developed a reputation for producing talented players through dedicated coaching and a strong club culture.

This year's national squad includes three players in South Africa's first-ever U21 women's team to compete at the world championships: Lila Webster, Giulia Lutolf and Yaelah Sharpley.

The U21 men's squad features David Clulee, Ayden Gething, Luca Lutolf, Luca Phitidis, Dru Guberman and Daniel Smit. James Truby and Jack Ligeti have been selected for the senior men's team.

Club members train up to five times a week. Those pursuing international honours commit to additional fitness programmes, skills training and national squad camps throughout the year.

Club officials say having 10 players selected for South Africa is something the entire Knysna community can celebrate. "It shows that you don't have to come from a big city to compete at the highest level. We hope it inspires more young people in Knysna to get involved in canoe polo and discover what is possible through hard work and commitment."

The community is encouraged to support the local players by attending the free tournament, during which they can experience one of the country's fastest-growing water sports first-hand.

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