Coral Springs welcomes 29 teams for international water polo event. What to know
Coral Springs is set to host 29 teams from five Caribbean countries and the U.S. this weekend as the CARIFTA Water Polo Championships will be held at the city’s aquatics center.
The annual competition is being hosted by the Aquatic Sports Association of Trinidad and Tobago, but the event is being played in Coral Springs because of a five-year agreement between the Caribbean nations.
Teams with players as young as 12 have been preparing for months. Some have already competed in the Battle of the Bay, held in Ocala, and the Nightmare on I-Drive in Orlando.
The 2025 CARIFTA Water Polo Championships will be held Friday, Nov. 7, through Sunday, Nov. 9, at the Coral Springs Aquatics Center. Here’s what you need to know:
What is CARFITA?
CARIFTA stands for the Caribbean Free Trade Association, a group of English-speaking Caribbean countries founded in 1968.
When the organization was replaced by the Caribbean Community in 1972, Barbados Amateur Athletic Association president Austin Sealy held the first CARIFTA Games in its honor.
The games have become a “cornerstone” of Caribbean athletics since their founding over half a century ago, bringing young athletes (typically no older than 19) from across the region together to compete for titles in track and field, swimming and open water events.
Which countries are competing this year?
Competing countries are the Bahamas, Bonaire, the Cayman Islands, Curacao, and Trinidad and Tobago, as well as several club teams from South Florida.
It will be the Cayman Islands’ first time competing in the championship, according to reporting from the Cayman Compass.
Can residents watch the games?
The tournament is open for public viewing, with food and drink available for purchase. A one-day pass costs $15, while a three-day pass costs $35.
Attendees should bring sunscreen and water, and may also want to bring chairs in case the bleachers are full.
Will the games interfere with use of the pool or gym?
The Coral Springs Aquatics Center pool will be closed for the duration of the tournament, but residents will still be able to use the indoor gym. Swimmers are also encouraged to go to Mullins Pool, which is open all weekend.
This story was originally published November 5, 2025 at 9:53 AM.
