Water Polo for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community
The MWPA is committed to providing a safe and affirming environment for our 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Allies are welcome. This is a brave space where all of our participants are free to be themselves without fear of judgment.
Fall/Winter 2026/27
We have secured pool space on Fridays again at CKRC and are still waiting on our request to add Tuesdays.
Where: Cindy Klassen Recreation Complex (CKRC), 999 Sargent Avenue
When: October 2 to December 4 (Fridays) 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Who: age 16+
Membership Fee: Annual MWPA and Water Polo Canada Community Athlete Membership
$40 total (for insurance purposes)
Program fees:
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10 weeks for $120
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5 weeks for $75 (doesn’t have to be consecutive)
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one-time drop-in $20
This program is suitable for beginners and those that may have played years ago. No previous water polo experience is required, however individuals must be able to swim in deep water. Time will be spent learning the rules, basic skills and strategies to play water polo at a recreational level.
We hope to attend at least one tournament in the spring - which could be the International Group of LGBTQIA+ Aquatics (IGLA+) in Montreal July 30 - August 5, 2027.
Never tried water polo before? Water Polo Canada offers a "free trial" membership for insurance purposes, we just ask that you pay $20 towards the pool time and coaches.
To support our commitment to participation by members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, if finances are preventing you from joining, please send an e-mail in confidence to office@manitobawaterpolo.com
FAQs
What do I need for equipment? All you need is your bathing suit. Water polo caps will be loaned to the players. Any kind of bathing suit is acceptable. Some choose to wear rashguards or tank tops and shorts - whatever makes you feel comfortable!
For safety: You should remove or cover piercings, remove jewelry and make sure the nails of your hands and feet are short. Goggles are not recommended because of the risk in getting a ball in the face.
After practice: drink lots of water and stretch those muscles!
Resources
The Triggerfish club in Toronto has put together a series of educational "Chalk Talks" that are available online: https://www.triggerfishwaterpolo.ca/skills-library
Basic Rules of the game: https://www.waterpolo.ca/content/Water-Polo-Basic-Rules