Los Alamitos, Ca.—August 17—One  of Southern California’s most exciting events of the summer opens this weekend in Long Beach and Los Alamitos with the kick-off of the 2007 FINA Men’s Junior World Championships, featuring 24 of the best men’s water polo teams from around the world aged 20 and under.

The tournament will provide insights into future Olympic water polo teams; winners of this tournament have historically medaled in future Games.  The tournament also promises to showcase various national styles of play, with teams coming from six continents.  Serbia, Croatia and Spain were the most recent teams to medal at the Championships, which were last held in Argentina in 2005. 

Water polo, singled out in an ESPN survey as one of the top ten most demanding of all sports, is known for athletes of incredible size, agility, strength, swimming speed and endurance.  It combines elements of soccer, basketball and wrestling in all-deep water.

As the 2007 FINA Men’s Junior World Championships prepare to kickoff this Saturday, August 18th, in Southern California, an Opening Ceremony has been announced that is sure to provide the perfect beginning to a week packed with exciting water polo action.  In addition, fans can look forward to an opportunity to meet the USA Women’s Senior National Team on August 22nd, fresh off of their gold medal performance at the 2007 Pan American Games.

The Opening Ceremony at the USAWP National Training Center, in Los Alamitos, on August 18th at 6pm PDT begins with a parade of selected athletes from each of the 24 participating countries led by a color guard contingent.  The mayor of Los Alamitos, Catherine Driscoll, will be among the speakers who will welcome the athletes, coaches, and fans to this world class event.  Spectators will then be treated to a synchronized swimming performance.

World championship water polo comes to Southern California on the eve of the 2008 Olympic Games when USA Water Polo hosts the 2007 FINA Men’s Junior World Championship (JWC) August 18-26 in Los Alamitos and Long Beach. The FINA JWC features the top water polo teams from 24 nations, each comprised of male athletes age 20 or younger. While a select few of these rising stars will play for their respective Olympic teams in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the action next month also provides a sneak peek at likely participants for the 2012 London Olympics.

JW Krumpholz of Team USA

Defending medal-winning teams from Serbia, Croatia and Spain will attempt to lead the field against fierce competition from Team USA and Top 10 finishers from the 2005 FINA JWC, Italy, Hungary, Greece, Australia, Russia, Japan and France. Other nations sending teams include Slovakia, Egypt, Brazil, Columbia, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Canada, Iran, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, Argentina, Germany and Kuwait, making it truly a one-of-a-kind international water polo experience.

“This tournament features the greatest young male water polo players in the world,” said Christopher Ramsey, CEO of USA Water Polo. “The teams will play more than 100 games over nine days, and we plan not only the highest level of competition, but also a festival atmosphere featuring world music and entertainment to celebrate this wonderful infusion of diverse world cultures.”

Held biannually, the FINA JWC was last held in Argentina in 2005. Recent championships have been held in Italy (2003), Turkey (2001), Kuwait (1999), Cuba (1997), France (1995) and Egypt (1993). Games will begin each morning at 9 AM, with the final game each day beginning at 7 PM.

America’s national junior team is coached by Doug Peabody with support from assistant coaches Dan Klatt and Tim Reed. Team USA is preparing for the championship by traveling to Spain, Slovakia and Croatia this summer for advanced training and competition.

Ticket prices for the FINA JWC range from $5-$15 per session for general admission, with special pricing available for VIP seating, all-day and all-event passes.