São Paulo – The water polo team of the Social Service of Industry in São Paulo (Sesi-SP) will compete in a tournament in Egypt’s capital, Cairo, this week. The team traveled to the country last Sunday (12) and will participate in the Gezira International Water Polo Tournament from January 14-19.
They will be the only team from Brazil to participate in the tournament. The invitation came from the home team, Gezira, which organized the event and has won seven local championships over the last 15 years.
Besides Brazil, competitors are Savona from Italy, Jadran Herceg Novi from Montenegro, Vasas from Hugary; Tenerife Echeyde from Spain, as well as the host team.
Brazil starts against the Egyptian team on Tuesday (14) and then faces the Spanish team on the next day (15). On the 16th morning, Sesi plays against Montenegro, and in the afternoon against the Italian team. Ending the classificatory phase, Brazilians will play against the team from Hungary. The quarterfinals, semi-finals and finals will occur on the 18th and 19th.
“I believe this will be a good competition for our group. It’s important for us to feel some of this international approach. We have some goals this year regarding the team and the athletes’ preparation for the pre-Olympics. This will be our lab. It’s not a well-known competition yet, but this is a process we always face in the sport. As it takes place and interest increases, it gains recognition,” the Brazilian team’s coach André Avallone was quoted as saying in a press release.
Since 2008, Sesi-SP has worked on the sport and trained athletes. Out of current team players, 80% came from the institution’s basic categories and the Atleta do Futuro program. Sesi is the current Brasil Open de Polo Aquático champion.
Translated by Guilherme Miranda
