The french team men’s water polo will play its first match of the season in Reims this Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at 7 p.m. An unprecedented match for the aquafun complex, it is the first time that they have hosted an international competition. For the occasion, France will meet Spain as part of the World League competition. The UCPA Sport Station Grand Reims is hosting this group stage match.
A match 1h30 from the capital which represents a considerable advantage for the French. “We come from Paris so it’s great, we were able to train, eat and arrive this afternoon”, smiles Florian Bruzzo, the coach of the French men’s water polo team. This is also what pleased the french federation of swimming.
Not many structures in France can host matches like this. Nessim Charef, project manager of the French swimming federation
“We have had a lot of collaboration with the Reims stadium for several years, there, they have equipment that really corresponds to what we want to do an event of this style. Not many structures in France can accommodate games like this”, explains Nessim Charef, the project manager of the French swimming federation. The experience could therefore be repeated soon. “For us, it’s a first, but it can last for several seasons and for several games per season”he adds.
In sight of the 2024 Olympics
For the UCPA to receive such teams in its Olympic pool is a form of achievement. “Everything is really done to host these matches. We are able to host the biggest teams in the world”, Satisfied Guillaume Sellier, operations manager of the UCPA Sport Station Grand Reims. But the aquafun complex sees further and is already preparing for the Olympic Games. “We must not forget that the UCPA Sport Station Grand Reims and the sports infrastructures of the city of Reims are labeled land of games 2024, therefore to welcome athletes from the delegations”, adds the operations manager. The size of the pools is suitable for competitions and this pool has bleachers to accommodate spectators.
The team will be able to count on the public who will be present during the match on Tuesday, February 15. 700 spectators will come to support the French in this water fun complex which is sold out.