July 22, 2021

Europe, Polo News

U.S. Polo Assn. Announced as Official Apparel & Team Sponsor for the Italia Polo Challenge – Porto Cervo Arzachena 2021

22. July 2021

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla./PORTO CERVO, ITA (July 20, 2021) – U.S. Polo Assn., in collaboration with its licensing partners in Italy, Incom SPA, Bonis SPA, Eastlab and WIP, has announced it will serve as the Official Apparel and Team Sponsor for the Italia Polo Challenge – Porto Cervo Arzachena 2021. The event will run from July 21 – 24 along the spectacular Costa Smeralda in the Italian region of Sardinia. U.S. Polo Assn. will provide team and staff apparel for this stunning event. There will also be a consumer experience merchandise tent on site for attendees to take home a piece of the sport.

The Italia Polo Challenge is a circuit of arena polo tournaments comprised of international teams participating in the most exclusive locations in Italy including Cortina d’Ampezzo, Rome – Piazza di Siena and this year debuting Porto Cervo – Arzachena. The circuit was created in 2018 by two passionate polo players eager to bring the tradition and heritage of the sport of polo to a wider audience.

“Alongside the Italian Federation and in partnership with our licensing partners in Italy, it’s an honor to be the Official Apparel and Team Sponsor for such an exciting polo tournament with one of the world’s most picturesque backdrops,” said J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global Licensing, which manages the multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand. “U.S. Polo Assn. has a strong market presence in Italy, so we look forward to supporting the event and highlighting the sport of polo to consumers and sports fans in this very special place.

While the Italia Polo Challenge is new to the global polo circuit, its location is one of the most breath-taking in all of Italy and its stature is not going unnoticed by the world’s top players and sports fans around the world. The event will feature four teams, 12 players, nearly 75 horses and will be watched thousands of attendees.

“We are excited to be collaborating with U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the sport of polo in the U.S. for this amazing event and appreciate the generosity of the brand in outfitting the teams and staff,” said Alessandro Giachetti, Head of Polo, Italian Equestrian Sports Federation. “The authentic connection between the brand and our players enhances this outstanding sponsorship and means something to loyal fans of polo and of U.S. Polo Assn.”

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WEST PALM BEACH, Fla./PORTO CERVO, ITA (July 20, 2021) – U.S. Polo Assn., in collaboration with its licensing partners in Italy, Incom SPA, Bonis SPA, Eastlab and WIP, has announced…

Europe, Polo News

Oak Brook Polo Defeats Beaver Creek to Kick-Off the Clubs’ 2021 Season

22. July 2021

After two canceled matches due to weather, Oak Brook Polo was finally able to kick off their 2021 season on Sunday, July 18^th at the Prince of Wales with the Butler Challenge Cup tournament. Presented by Perillo Downers Grove, the match was against local rival Beaver Creek and featured the popular “Horses & Horsepower” activiation which showcased vintage and new Lamborghinis.

With as many as 20 sleek vehicles stationed aross the field in colors of white, black, red and florescent, guests were able to get up close and take photos while also meeting car owners.

Oak Brook Polo Club’s opening ceremonies were presented by Lincoln Way Attorney -Mark Weidman and featured PAWS Chicago founder Paula Fasseas followed by Lamborghinis from Perillo Downers Grove and the Lamborghini Club Chicago Chapter. Jim Drury offered his official “welcome” to attendees which was was followed the singing of the National Anthem by Alondra Arreola and player introductions.

Beaver Creek’s team was led by Chris Vangel (Hcap 1), a patron and player, with Turner Wheaton (Hcap 2), Alfredo Guerreno (Hcap 3), and Lindor Novillo Corvalan (Hcap 4). Oak Brook’s team was led by Jim Drury (Hcap 0), another patron and player whose teammates include Tomas Obregon (Hcap 4), Horacio Onetto (Hcap 4), and Mariano Gutierrez (Hcap 4).

To begin the match, Beaver Creek was up 2 goals due to the handicap difference between the two teams. Oak Brook’s Onetto would quickly close the gap and put up 2 back-to-back goals, but Beaver Creek’s Corvalan would score to give to give his team a one point lead and end the 1^st Chukker 3-2. In the second Chukker, Oak Brook would jump ahead by two goals with back-to-back goals from Onetto and one from Gutierrez to end the second chukker 5-3 Oak Brook. In the final chukker of the half, Beaver Creek’s Wheaton would score, but Oak Brook’s Onetto would return the favor and end the half with a two goal lead 6-4 Oak Brook.

The second half got off to a hot start as both teams fought to hold the lead. Oak Brook’s Onetto extended his team’s lead to 3, before Beaver Creek went on a three goal run with goals from Corvalan and Wheaton to tie the match 7-7. However, Oak Brook’s Onetto would squeeze in one last goal to reclaim the lead 8-7. In the fifth chukker, it was like a boxing bout as both teams exchanged goals one after another beginning with Oak Brook’s Obregon, followed by Beaver Creek’s Corvalan, then Oak Brook’s Onetto, followed by Beaver Creek’s Corvalan again to end the Chukker 10-9, Oak Brook. In the 6^th and final chukker, Oak Brook’s Onetto would score to extend his team’s lead by two (11-9), but Beaver Creek’s Wheaton would answer back to close the gap to one and end the match 11-10, Oak Brook.

The Casablanca Polo “MVP” went to Oak Brook’s Horacio Onetto who then announced Jennifer Gaeto has the matche’s “Best Hat” winner. The American Stalls “Best Playing Pony” went to Lindor Novillo Corvalan’s pony “Maria” presented by Patty Brand Napela.

Runner-up gifts were presented by Michael & Joyce Meaden and winners gift were presented by Lincoln Way Attorney -Mark Weidman. Other team gifts included PAWS Chicago t-shirts and U.S. Polo Assn. duffle bags.

Oak Brook Polo Club’s next match will be the championship match of the Butler Challenge Cup on Sunday, June 25^th @ 3:00 PM. For general information, event scheduling, news, tickets and parking directions, please visit www.oakbrookpoloclub.com or call 630.368.5095.