Welcome Home Team Manitoba

Dear Team Manitoba Athletes, Families, Coaches, Chaperones, Volunteers, and Supporters:

Now that we have all returned home from the Canadian Water Polo Championships in Montreal, I have had some time to reflect on what we accomplished together. I wanted to take a moment, not just as the President of the Manitoba Water Polo Association, but also as a proud parent, to thank every single person who made this journey so memorable.

To our Athletes... Congratulations.While medals were not brought home this year, I truly believe each of you delivered a performance you should be incredibly proud of. The determination, resilience, teamwork, and sportsmanship you displayed throughout the tournament represented Manitoba with class. Watching you support one another, celebrate each other's successes, pick each other up after difficult moments, and compete with heart was inspiring.The camaraderie within our teams was something special. It wasn't something that could be coached—it came from each of you. It created an environment that every parent, coach, and volunteer was proud to be part of.

As a parent, I couldn't have asked for a better experience.

As President, I couldn't have been prouder to represent you.

To our Chaperones and Parents... thank you.

Travelling with a large group of athletes is never easy, and throughout the trip many of you stepped forward whenever help was needed. Your patience, flexibility, encouragement, and willingness to support not only your own children but every member of Team Manitoba did not go unnoticed.

I would especially like to recognize Scott, Melissa, Jenn, and Kristen. The professionalism, care, and dedication you showed—particularly during our return travel when unexpected challenges arose—was exceptional. You handled every situation with calmness and compassion, always putting the athletes first. On behalf of MWPA and every family, thank you.

Laura, I also want to personally thank you for the incredible care you showed one of our athletes who was injured during the trip. The comfort, reassurance, and kindness you provided demonstrated exactly what being part of Team Manitoba is all about.

Scott, your planning and organization before and throughout the championships were remarkable. The amount of preparation required to coordinate a trip of this size is immense, and your efforts helped everything run smoothly.

Sophie, thank you for your coordination and leadership throughout the event. Planning the outing and giving the kids a taste of Montreal is unmeasurable.

Adam, your positivity, enthusiasm, and team spirit were contagious. You brought energy wherever you went and helped create an atmosphere that made this trip enjoyable for everyone.Together, you formed one of the strongest chaperone teams I have ever had the privilege of working with. Your dedication and commitment made a lasting impression on me, and I will remember your efforts for many years to come.

To our Coaches Jayden and Lex... thank you.Entrusting our children to someone else is one of the greatest acts of faith a parent can make. Throughout this championship, you accepted that responsibility with professionalism, passion, and heart.Although we did not return with medals, I believe you gave our athletes something even more valuable—a belief in themselves.We travelled with the smallest rosters in the competition, yet our athletes competed with courage, determination, and pride. That confidence came from your leadership. You challenged them to be better, to work harder, and to believe they belonged on that stage.I sincerely hope the fire you helped ignite continues to grow in the years ahead.Thank you both for your commitment to our athletes and to the future of water polo in Manitoba.

To our MWPA Staff and Volunteers...There is an enormous amount of work that happens behind the scenes long before the first whistle blows. Travel arrangements, registrations, communications, accommodations, scheduling, uniforms, finances, logistics —the list seems endless.

I had the opportunity to meet with Water Polo Canada staff throughout the championships, and I can honestly say that organizing an event of this magnitude comes with many challenges.

Without the dedication of our MWPA staff and volunteers working tirelessly behind the scenes, this trip simply would not have been possible.Thank you for everything you do, much of which is never seen.

Finally...

To every family who trusted us with your children... Thank you.

To every volunteer who gave their time... Thank you.

To every coach who invested countless hours... Thank you.

To every athlete who wore "Manitoba" in their hearts... Thank you.

This championship reminded me that success is measured by far more than medals. It is measured by friendships built, confidence gained, memories created, and the pride we feel representing something bigger than ourselves.

I returned home with a heart full of gratitude and immense pride.

I am honoured to have been there with all of you.

The photographs from our trip capture not only the competition, but the friendships, laughter, teamwork, and memories that made this championship so special.

Thank you for making Team Manitoba something we can all be proud of.

I look forward to seeing what we accomplish together in the seasons ahead.

With tremendous pride and gratitude,

David Paz, President

Manitoba Water Polo Association