New sport - canoe polo

It is a cold Saturday afternoon in December and a group of Malta Canoe Federation (MCF) members gathers in Valletta to play a game most Maltese have never heard about - canoe polo.

Even though the federation lacks funds and support to launch such innovative sport, it is still possible to savour the full thrill of the game which at this embryonic stage is played at the Valletta waterpolo pitch with two hoola-hoops as goalposts.

The game resembles the traditional waterpolo but the trick is that it is played on kayaks. In canoe polo, no player can retain possession of the ball for longer than five seconds. The options are to pass on the ball to a team-mate or to 'dribble' by passing it forward and following it while protecting possession from the challenges with the paddle. Inevitably, there are many hits and tussles with canoes and paddles alike.

Internationally, the game has made great progress since it was conceived in 1970 by Great Britain and Germany as an alternative to the cold winter training.

The Maltese pioneers do not follow the complete regulations at this stage but in their game there is the full essence of canoe polo, namely, teamwork, kayak stability and control, exciting action and a good workout. The game is a little rough by nature but with proper gear the risk of injury is minimised.

The MCF anticipates that this new sport is bound to become popular here. The federation has already been in touch with canoe polo organisations in Sicily where a league competition and other events are held regularly.

Through this relationship the MCF hopes to offer better equipment, training and advice to its members in the future. More details on canoe polo may be found at www.canoepolo.com