The Prince will be among the many avid supporters and spectators at next week’s LEN European Nations Trophy in Manchester when the British Women’s team go head-to-head with Slovakia.
The Royal guest will also meet with individual players and key figures within the sport and business communities.
Prince William is passionate about the sport and while at St Andrew’s University was a keen member of the water polo team. In 2004 he was selected to represent Scotland Universities in an international tournament and while serving in the Army also played water polo.
In 2005, many athletes decided to pursue their Olympic dreams and gave up education and employment to move to Manchester where British Swimming’s High Performance Water Polo Centre is based.
However, following a funding cut of 75%, many face real financial hardship as they continue to prepare for London.
As a result of the funding cut, the water polo programme itself has been split with the women continuing to prepare in Manchester while the men will eventually be based offshore with professional clubs to continue their development.
Prince William’s support of British water polo has been greeted by British Swimming Chief Executive David Sparkes.
“The support of Prince William, as someone who has regularly played water polo, is welcomed by everybody at this critical time for British Water Polo – particularly the athletes,” said Sparkes.
“The athletes were obviously disappointed to learn their budget was cut by 75% by UK Sport but despite this set back both the women’s and men’s teams have shown dogged determination to continue.
“Recent successful results for the men at tournaments in Turkey and Poland have demonstrated this resolve and a hard fought triumph over one of our arch rivals France after a 30-year wait is testament to that.
“The Prince’s support will further lift the spirits of our water polo players and coaches, and will renew their commitment and determination to be there in 2012 competing with distinction against the best in the world.”
Prince William’s show of support will be welcomed by the British Gas Women’s Team who will have home advantage during the LEN European Nations Trophy at the Manchester Aquatic Centre.
Britain will open their tournament on Tuesday 7th July against Belarus before facing Portugal the next day and rounding off their group matches against Slovakia.
Switzerland, Croatia, Czech Republic and Ukraine will contest the other group with the final match being played on Sunday 12th July.
-ENDS-
For further details contact Dave Richards, British Swimming Media Manager, on 01509 632237, 0778 992 6136 or email dave.richards@swimming.org
For details of the LEN European Nations Trophy CLICK HERE
About British Swimming
British Swimming is the National Governing Body for Swimming, Diving, Synchronised Swimming, Water Polo and Open Water in Great Britain. It is responsible internationally for the high performance representation of the sport. The members of British Swimming are the three Home Countries national governing bodies of England (ASA), Scotland (Scottish ASA) and Wales. (Welsh ASA) British Swimming seeks to enable its athletes to achieve gold medal success at the Olympics, Paralympics, World Championships and Commonwealth Games.
About British Gas
British Gas, the biggest energy supplier in the country, has the lowest carbon intensity of any of the major UK energy suppliers in terms of tonnes of CO2 emitted per megawatt hour of electricity supplied to customers. The company is one of the biggest investors in renewable power generation, principally offshore wind. Its recently completed Lynn and Inner Dowsing development, off the Lincolnshire coast, is the UK's largest offshore wind development. British Gas is committed to energy efficiency. Our Energy Savers Report provides free expert advice on how you can cut energy use in the home and, in turn, save money. So far, the report has shown over 2 million people how they could make an average saving of £175 a year. To complete a report go to www.britishgas.co.uk/energy-efficiency/energy-savers-report
About Speedo®
The world’s leading swimwear brand, Speedo® is passionate about life in and around the water, creating revolutionary new technologies, designs and innovations. Supporting swimming from grass-roots through to elite level, including the phenomenal Michael Phelps, Speedo® is owned by Speedo Holdings B.V and distributed in over 170 countries around the world; SPEEDO, the ARROW device, FASTSKIN, LZR PULSE, SPEEDO ENDURANCE, FLIPTURNS, FASTSKINFSII, SPEEDO BIOFUSE, SWYM and LZR RACER are registered trademarks of Speedo Holdings B.V. The LZR RACER suit has worldwide design rights and patents pending.
