A game of superlatives. The highest and happiest polo game ever was played Wednesday 24th of July at Polo Park and Country Club Zürich in Switzerland.
Six high-goal players took a day off from their busy schedules to visit their friend Min Podestá at his home club. Min used to play in the kids‘ club as a junior player before his talents took him to higher levels.
Such a high level of polo had never been played in the country‘s history before. This friendship game was all about fun, and it certainly was that. During a short break in the high-goal polo season in England or France, these talented and focused athletes became like kids again, playing their favorite sport with friends without having to focus on winning, or training horses.
In the first chukka, Lukin Monteverde had to return to the pony line to ask for a new mallet, as his first one got broken due to a hook from Juan Cruz Gallegos. Bumpy field ? Let’s tap the ball in the air along its full length. Jacinto Crotto and Juan Jauretche were distributing the ball from the back, and the game was fast-paced and a true demonstration of skill.
All the amateur participants were deeply involved in the game, making passes, receiving the ball, and trying to score goals. La Irenita missed many opportunities and the final score was 5 to 4 in favor of Polo Park Zürich.
After the game, all the club members were invited to join the players and share their growing passion for the sport. The crackling fire added to the enchanting atmosphere as the players lay on the grass, chatting with their new friends.
Lifelong friends Min Podestá and Basti
Fernandez caught up about Basti‘s plans and recent developments in his life. In August 2017, Basti suffered an accident during a polo match at Legacy Polo Club, leaving him quadriplegic. As his stay in Switzerland was short, the insurance did not and will not cover all his future costs.
Despite this, Basti‘s love for polo and horses continues. He regularly visits the club, meets his hometown friends, and is part of the PPZ family. He sets a tremendous example of resilience with his winning soul.
If you would like to donate to his foundation, you can find all the information on the
website: www.bastifund.org
Teams
Polo Park Zürich (+21)
David Kalberer / Sébastien Le Page (0)
Armand Le Page / Markus Gräff (0)
Juan Cruz Gallegos (+5)
Jacinto Crotto (+8)
Martin Podestá Jr. (+8)
La Irenita Polo (+23)
Stefan Roth (0)
Morgan Van Overbroek (0)
Juan Jauretche (+7)
Lucas Monteverde (+8)
Facundo Fernandez Llorente (+8)
Text by Morgan Van Overborek
Photos by Kathrin Gralla
