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Europe, Polo News

The lasting bond between Cortina and `Polo on Snow`

11. January 2022

Polo on snow made its debut in Cortina d‘Ampezzo in 1989, following the example set by a similar event organised in St. Moritz in 1985. It was organised by three Roman friends with a passion for polo – Italo Focacci, Fabrizio Bogiankino and Corrrado Pantanella – joined by Renato Manaigo, the well-known and respected owner of Cortina’s Hotel de la Poste, always in search of innovation and elegance.

The first location chosen was the frozen lake of Landro, between Cortina and Dobbiaco, where four teams challenged each other in a tournament played in front of spectators that consisted mainly of the players’ families and friends as well as polo fans. Teams from Italy, England, Holland and Belgium played in what was then called the ‘Presidential Cup’.

Two years later a decision was made to create a polo field on Lake Misurina, in a magnificent open and sunny position at the feet of mountains rising to an altitude of three thousand metres. It was certainly the best playing field one could imagine!

The year 2002 marked the beginning of a totally new series called the ‘Cortina Winter Polo Gold Cup’ which was a great success.

In 2013 and 2014, due to the lack of ice formed over Lake Misurina, polo on snow matches were played at the Antonella De Rigo Sports Centre in Fiames, bordering on the Alemagna Road.

In 2020 Cortina d’Ampezzo hosted the debut of the Italia Polo Challenge with the first ever polo on snow match played under floodlights, using the Arena Polo format with teams consisting of three players and played in a smaller field. Another test event was organised in 2021 before at last inaugurating the 2022 four teams tournament.

* * *

Italia: The Italia Polo Challenge is a series currently involving three immensely enchanting locations, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Rome’s Piazza di Siena and Porto Cervo. This challenge was an idea presented by the Argentinean player Patricio Rattagan, who has become the event manager in cooperation with the Italian Equestrian Sport’s Federations Polo Department. Italia Polo Challenge was officially inaugurated in May 2019 in Roma, with a quadrangular tournament greeted with great success by spectators at the Villa Borghese Galoppatoio during the Piazza di Siena international horse show. In 2020 the same success greeted the Italia Polo Challenge’s debut on snow in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Unfortunately this was the only event held that year due to the spreading of Covid. In 2021 instead the Italia Polo Challenge at last kicked into gear with three tournaments organised in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Rome and Porto Cervo. Cortina 2022 was therefore the sixth event in this adventurous Italia Polo Challenge.

Polo on snow made its debut in Cortina d‘Ampezzo in 1989, following the example set by a similar event organised in St. Moritz in 1985. It was organised by three Roman…

Europe, Polo News

U.S. POLO ASSN. wins Italia Polo Challenge Cortina 2022

11. January 2022

The U.S. Polo Assn. Team dominated the final of the Italia Polo Challenge Cortina 2022, played on Saturday, January 8th, against the Goldspan Polo Team (14-11.5) in a floodlit arena with footing unanimously judged as perfect.

Polo on snow has a long tradition in Cortina d’Ampezzo (first played there in 1989) and the tournament, which ended after three exciting days with four teams playing, attracted a large number of enthusiastic spectators who braved the harsh weather (-7/- 8 degrees) and enjoyed high-level sport.

The winning team, which fielded France’s Clement Delfosse (hp 5), Germany’s Patrick Maleitzke (hp 5) and Felix Dassler (hp 0), won the day 14 to 11.5 against Goldspan, which instead fielded the Argentinean players Valentin Novillo Astrada (hp 6) and Pablo Guinazù (hp 3) as well as Luxemburg’s Bert Poeckes (hp 0).

The match was really only balanced during the first chukker, which Goldspan won 3.5 to 2 thanks to a hat-trick scored by Guinazù. After the second chukker it was practically all over. Delfosse and Maleitzke put on a real show, and goal after goal created an unbeatable gap with their opponents¸ 9 to 4.5 at the end of the second chukker and then 12 to 5.5 after the third.

U.S. Polo Assn. Vs Goldspan – ©IPC/Diego Bandion

The final chukker started with the most spectacular goal of the entire tournament; Maleitzke rode at least two-thirds of the arena keeping control of the ball to then hit it through the goal posts while an enthusiastic crowd cheered him on. In the final minutes of play the Goldspan team tried to reduce the distance but could do no better than finish on 14 to 11.5.

The match for third place was won by Team Battistoni, fielding Argentina’s Patricio Rattagan (hp 4), Germany’s Alexander Hauptmann (hp 2) and Italy’s Stefano Giansanti (hp 1), beating 8-6 the Hotel de la Poste, with players Felix Beguerie (hp 5), Therence Cusmano (hp 1) and Slovakia’s Martin Magal (hp 0). Battistoni’s top scorer was Rattagan with five goals out of the team’s eight.

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© IPC/Diego Bandion

The U.S. Polo Assn. Team dominated the final of the Italia Polo Challenge Cortina 2022, played on Saturday, January 8th, against the Goldspan Polo Team (14-11.5) in a floodlit…

Europe, In own affaires, Lifestyle, Polo News

6 tips animal physiotherapist and -osteopath Julia Greb…

7. January 2022

…how to improve your horse’s health in everyday life!

Many horse riders only think about how to improve their horse´s health when it is already suffering from injuries and diseases. Julia Greb explains that horse owners would be much better advised to act proactively and contribute something to the health of their horse every day. Julia speaks from her own experience as a physiotherapist and osteopath for horses. She knows the aspects that owners have to consider in order to have a healthy horse by their side for many years. In this article the horse expert reveals six tips horse owners should follow every day in order to keep their animal in good shape for as long as
possible.

Tip 1: Cleaning as a massage

What many horse owners do not know is cleaning the horse is not just about removing superficial dirt. It also has important animal health benefits. With a rubber curl you can achieve a massage effect by doing circular movements and thus improve the blood circulation in the horse’s muscles.

Tip 2: Mental training

Horses enjoy games and intellectual challenges as much as humans do. The mental work not only improves the horse’s attention, but also its physical perception, as Julia Greb knows from her years of work with the animals. Pylons and poles are a great way to change things up and improve a horse’s coordination.

Tip 3: Pay attention to the diet

When it comes to nutrition, not all horses are the same. A horse that is ridden little or irregularly has a different energy requirement than a high-performance horse. Accordingly, you should adapt the basic and additional feed to the training and figure of your horse, says Julia. Otherwise, a long-term “malnutrition” of the animal can lead to serious health problems.

Tip 4: Keep moving

Regardless of whether you own a younger or an older horse – movement keeps them mobile and mentally fit. Regular exercise should therefore take place at any age. Even if the horse’s first steps may be difficult at an old age, a walk is good and important for health and does not harm the animal.

Tip 5: Daily figure check

As Julia Greb knows, obesity and the associated consequences are becoming more and more common. Obesity can also result in various metabolic diseases. If you have an easy-to-feed horse, it makes sense to ration the feed into several small portions. At the same time you should make sure that the animal gets enough exercise.

Tip 6: Fresh air and grazing times

Fresh air in the pasture is not only good for a horse’s physical health, but also has a positive effect on the animal’s psyche. Therefore it’s not just your horse’s lungs and the immune system that will thank you in the long run.

©Julia Greb

About Julia Greb:

Julia Greb helps horse owners to improve their horse’s health and has made it her business to provide clients with intensive one-on-one coachings. Thanks to more than ten years of experience as an animal physiotherapist and osteopath, she knows horses’ particularities perfectly and can foresee which steps have to be followed in order for them to become healthier.

…how to improve your horse’s health in everyday life! Many horse riders only think about how to improve their horse´s health when it is already suffering from injuries and diseases.…

North America, Polo News

100th Anniversary Oak Brook Polo Club

7. January 2022

The year 2022 marks the 100th Anniversary since the Oak Brook Polo Club was founded in 1922 by businessman and outdoor enthusiast, Paul Butler.

The year 2022 marks the 100th Anniversary since the Oak Brook Polo Club was founded in 1922 by businessman and outdoor enthusiast, Paul Butler. The Polo Club is one of the oldest in the United States that is still in operation today and one of the most legendary and recognized throughout the global polo playing community.

Paul Butler, consider by many as the Patron Saint of Polo, turned the Oak Brook Polo Club into the home of elite professional polo following World War II. It would soon become the home of the U.S. Open Polo Championships for 24 straight years (longest in one location) and other prestigious tournaments. The United States Polo Association also had its headquarters in Oak Brook.

Oak Brook Polo organizers are working on a number of projects to celebrate this historic occasion from special events to further developing its event and tournament schedule to include more teams and game action.

By Daphne Ortiz
Photography Michael Butler

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The year 2022 marks the 100th Anniversary since the Oak Brook Polo Club was founded in 1922 by businessman and outdoor enthusiast, Paul Butler. The year 2022 marks the 100th…

In own affaires, Polo News

Polo Rules: Fouls

5. January 2022

As in other ball games there are a variety of penalties for fouls in polo. It is important to understand these so as to better follow a game. POLO+10 explain the different foul-situations according to the official rules of the German Polo Association.

It is important to bear in mind the following: ROW – Right-of-Way and LOB – Line of the Ball are not identical or interchangeable. A player on the line of the ball always has the right-of-way.

The following are forbidden and constitute a foul:

1. Playing at an angle that could be a danger to the pony and player.

2. Playing at a higher speed than the opponent is riding.

3. Riding into the opponent’s horse from behind the saddle. Opponents may only play as high as the pony’s shoulders.

4. Riding criss-cross in the way of a galloping player in an attempt to force him to reduce speed.

5. Sideways parrying, pulling the opponent’s horse, or other similar acts that put the pony at risk of tumbling.

6. Infringement of the right-of-way.

7. Galloping head-on towards an opponent so as to intimidate him or force him into parrying or missing the ball even without fouling or crossing the line of the ball.

8. Creating the so called “sandwich” whereby two teammates force a player of the opponent’s team into the middle.

9. Intentionally riding into the opponents backhand or forward hit.

10. Riding outside the sidelines or goal demarcation lines. Riding in a manner that could harm the referee.

Penalties and free hits are taken at a distance of 30, 40, and 60 yards.

As in other ball games there are a variety of penalties for fouls in polo. It is important to understand these so as to better follow a game. POLO+10 explain…

North America, Polo News

ChukkerTV Captures Tackeria Cup; Finn Secunda Named MVP

4. January 2022

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Jennifer McLeavy

WELLINGTON, Fl., January 1, 2022—The future looks bright based on the talented up-and-coming players who competed in the Polo Training Foundation‘s tenth annual Tackeria Cup and Major Collin Memorial Thursday at IPC Isla Carroll West and East Fields.

ChukkerTV (Jem Handler, Ava Nunes, Daniel Arnold, Finn Secunda) won the Tackeria Cup defeating GJ Racing (Maeve Reicher, Ariadne Dogani, Joaquin Vilgre de la Madrid, Ramon Caro), 3-1, and Tackeria (Saralyn Painter, Harrison Reicher, Sophia De Angelis, Ava Rose Hinkson), 4-0, in round robin play. In the other match, Tackeria defeated GJ Racing, 3-1.

Finn Secunda, 14, an eighth grader at St. Edwards School in Vero Beach, scored a tournament-high five goals and was named Most Valuable Player.

Tackeria Cup MVP Finn Secunda with Matt Coppola.

Fantastica, a 10-year-old owned by Max Secunda and played by his son, was selected the Tackeria Cup Red Barn Best Playing Pony.

„It was nice to win,“ Secunda said. „I had fun playing with my team. I got some great experience captaining. I was really happy with Best Playing Pony because it was my dad‘s horse and he‘s worked hard to get me good horses.“

Tackeria Cup Red Barn Best Playing Pony Fantastica, played by Finn Secunda and owned by Max Secunda.

GJ Racing‘s Joaquin Vilgre de la Madrid earned the Sportsmanship Award.

It was only natural Secunda would follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, British great and former 9-goaler Julian Hipwood, and his father Max, also a player and coach.

Major Collin Memorial champion Power Group Total Care‘s Benjamin Obregon, Valentina Tarazona, Lion Mandelbaum and Sebastian Mandelbaum.

„It definitely helps when your dad and grandfather played,“ Secunda said. „They encourage me. In the beginning my dad didn‘t want me to play polo because it‘s an expensive sport, but I ended up loving it and I still do.

„I loved going around on little ponies and being led around when I was 3 or 4,“ Secunda said. „After that I was using a little mallet on short horses. Nowadays, I have fun playing it and I like the bond with the horses. It makes your mind sharp as well and getting into a good school when I‘m older.“

Major Collin Memorial MVP Valentina Tarazona with presenter Leighton Jordan.

At 13, Secunda was the youngest member of the winning team of the 2020 National Youth Tournament Series Championship, youngest to play in the event and take home the Cecil Smith Cup. Last season he was a sub for Scone patron David Paradice in the U.S. Open. This past summer he won the USPA Eduardo Moore 8-Goal Invitational with Hawk Hill. In September, he was invited to practice with the Harvard polo team.

Major Collin Memorial Best Playing Pony Bayita, owned and played by Antonio Villamil with PTF executive board member Leighton Jordan.

In the Major Collin Memorial, Power Group Total Care (Benjamin Obregon, Valentina Tarazona, Lion Mandelbaum, Sebastian Mandelbaum) won the title.

Valentina Tarazona of Power Group Total Care was Most Valuable Player. Max Scott Barnes of GJ Racing was leading scorer with two goals. Bayita, owned and played by Antonio Villamil, was Best Playing Pony.

Sportsmanship Award winner Joaquin Vilgre de la Madrid of GJ Racing with Matt Coppola.

In the opening two-chukker match, GJ Racing (Antonio Villamil, Inaki Wulff, Max Scott Barnes, Sophia Fischer) defeated Mayer Ranch (Tomas Caro, PJ De Angelis, Naomi Malough, Sailor Schwaber), 3-0. In the second match, Power Group Total Care and Mayer Ranch tied 1-1. In the third match, Power Group Total Care defeated GJ Racing, 2-1.

The Polo Training Foundation is committed to excellence in the sport of polo. The PTF supports polo training at all levels by providing funds for the development of current and future generations of players and umpires. The PTF was co-founded by Bill Ylvisaker in 1967 and served as its first Vice President.

Both the Eldorado Junior Program and the Florida Junior Program are accepting registrations for the Winter Season.

Leadliners Lorenzo Campon and Lukas Friedrich Anton Teroerde.

Eldorado Junior Polo practice starts Saturday, January 8th and will run every Saturday and Sunday morning. To sign up, or for further information email VioletaEscapite@hotmail.com

Registration links for Florida Junior Polo can be found on the Polo Training Foundation website.

Upcoming tournaments include: Jan. 17, Joanna Monaco & Blanco TX Cup; Feb. 21, U.S. Polo Assn Junior Tournament, featuring the historic Avendano Trophy; March, 2022, Buzz Welker & Yunghanns Charity Challenge; and April 2022, Jimmer Newman Memorial.

Six talented teams competed in the Tackeria Cup and Major Collin Memorial.

Both of these programs are 100% funded by donations from supporters that will help the effort to promote the future of our sport. Contact Violeta Escapite (Eldorado) or Jennifer McLeavy (Florida) to sponsor a team.

By Sharon Robb Photos by Jennifer McLeavy WELLINGTON, Fl., January 1, 2022—The future looks bright based on the talented up-and-coming players who competed in the Polo Training Foundation‘s tenth annual…

North America, Polo News

St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship Announces Schedule, Players, Team Rosters

17. December 2021

ASPEN, Colo., December 8, 2021 — A Who‘s Who in polo players from around the world will compete in the much-anticipated Dec. 16-19 St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship at Aspen Valley Polo Club and Rio Grande Park.

The star-studded lineup is headed by Argentine 10-goalers Pablo MacDonough and Juan Martin Nero; 9-goalers Nic Roldan and Tommy Biddle; and 8-goalers Juan Martin Zubia and Alejandro Novillo Astrada.

The stage is set for the ninth annual St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship.

In addition to returning as title sponsor, St. Regis will return as a team sponsor with team captain Nacho Figueras, the sport‘s ambassador and St. Regis Connoisseur. Figueras will play with Melissa Ganzi and Roldan.

The seven team sponsors and rosters are:

Casablanca (15): Grant Ganzi, 3, Juancito Bollini, 4, Juan Martin Zubia, 8.

Richard Mille (17): Sarah Siegel Magness, 0, Jesse Bray, 7, Pablo MacDonough, 10.

Edmiston (16): Cable Magness, 2, Jason Crowder, 7, Sugar Erskine, 7.

Aspen Valley Polo Club (14): Alecia Seidler, 0, Juan Bollini 4T, Juan Martin Nero, 10.

ChukkerTV (14): Vinny Sangaline, 1, Martin Pepa, 4, Tommy Biddle, 9.

St. Regis (16): Melissa Ganzi, 1, Nacho Figueras, 6, Nic Roldan 9.

WPL (15): Riley Ganzi 1, Hilario Figueras 6, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, 8.

The celebrity teams will feature bull rider Landon Miller, actor and director Miss Saye Yabandeh and another player to be announced, playing for ChukkerTV and actor Sterling Jones, Vinny Sangaline and Nacho Figueras playing for Aspen Valley Polo Club.

2020 World Snow Polo Championship winners WPL Alejandro Novillo Astrada, Riley Ganzi, and Hilario Figueras.

Players will take center stage at one of the world‘s top snow polo tournaments and only snow polo event in North America. It is one of Aspen‘s major international sporting events and kickoff to the holiday social season in Aspen.

For the ninth consecutive year, Aspen Valley Polo Club owners Melissa and Marc Ganzi, will host the event along with Figueras and his wife Delfina Blaquier.

In front of a local crowd and worldwide ChukkerTV audience, four days of events will be held during the final stop on the 2021 World Polo Tour.

Jesse Bray and Riley Ganzi.

The week of activities begin with a virtual draw and traditional St. Regis champagne sabering on Thursday at 7 p.m. at St. Regis Aspen Resort Hotel.

Polo action will take place Friday with preliminary qualifying games at Aspen Valley Polo Club‘s indoor arena in Carbondale. Preliminary games are 1 and 2 p.m. followed by a round robin at 3 p.m.

On Saturday at Rio Grande Park the High Alpine Cup is 1:15 p.m. The round robin will determine the fifth, sixth and seventh place teams. A Celebrity Polo Chukker will follow at 2:30 p.m.

On Sunday, the final is 1 p.m. followed by the Aspen Cup at 3 p.m. The trophy presentation is 4:15 p.m. featuring all seven teams.

Juan Bollini, Vinny Sangaline, and Nic Roldan.

A check will be presented to Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation and Calloway Young Cancer Center. The tournament is a fundraiser for the Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation, the designated philanthropic charity. Donations are welcome.

The event will follow COVID-19 guidelines. Per local state and county guidelines, all attendees must show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test result (within 48 hours prior) before entering the event.

Edmiston, a world leader in the super yacht industry will join world-class partners St. Regis, Aspen Valley Polo Club, Richard Mille, Casablanca, NetJets and World Polo League as major sponsors. Edmiston will also co-host the Dec. 28-30 Audi Ajax Cup at Highlands Mountain with Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club.

Deborah Breen, President and CEO of the Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation accepts a check for the Calloway Young Cancer Center.

Nestled at the base of the majestic Aspen Mountain, the St. Regis Aspen Resort, a five-star luxury hotel, is between the mountain‘s two primary base ski lifts and within walking distance to all of Aspen‘s shops, restaurants and entertainment. It delivers a benchmark of personalized service and attention to detail amidst the relaxed spirit of the Rocky Mountains.

Richard Mille is the official timekeeper for the St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship. Mille created the RM 53-01 Tourbillon Pablo MacDonough for his Brand Ambassador.

NetJets will be an event sponsor for the second year. NetJets boasts a global network unmatched in private aviation. With more than 750 aircraft (equal to the world’s fourth largest airline), the company operates more than 313,000 flights annually worldwide. Figueras is NetJets Brand Ambassador.

Nacho Figueras and Grant Ganzi.

In addition to defending champion World Polo League (Riley Ganzi, Hilario Figueras, Alejandro Novillo Astrada), other past winners include: Richard Mille (2019, Edouard Pan, Pablo MacDonough, Louis Jarrige); Richard Mille (2018, Marc Ganzi, Martin Pepa, Pablo MacDonough); U.S. Polo Assn (2017, Grant Ganzi, Juancito Bollini, Nic Roldan); Flexjet (2016, Melissa Ganzi, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, Juan Bollini); U.S. Polo Assn. (2015, Grant Ganzi, Nic Roldan, Juancito Bollini); Piaget (2014, Marc Ganzi, Jeff Hall, Nic Roldan); and St. Regis (2013, Nacho Figueras, Nic Roldan, Brandon Phillips).

The snow polo tournament is a major sports attraction for the local community and fans from all over the world. The breathtaking scenery, venue and great polo action is a major allure for the Aspen community and surrounding areas.

Rio Grande Park is Aspen‘s largest multi-functional park within the city‘s limits and just minutes away from the St. Regis Aspen Resort.

2020 World Snow Polo Championship awards table.

In the U.S., snow polo is held exclusively in Aspen. Snow polo is a modified version of regulation polo. Games are played on a snow-packed field surrounded by fencing to keep the ball in play. Teams have three players instead of four as in typical polo. Play consists of four chukkers. The horses have special cleated shoes to provide better traction. The ball is larger and lighter and a specific color for visibility on the snowy surface.

The sport was first played on a frozen lake in St. Moritz, Switzerland, created by Swiss hotelier and polo visionary Reto Gaudenzi in 1985 and has been growing in popularity ever since, attracting thousands of spectators and top players from around the world. In addition to St. Moritz, it‘s played in winter sports communities Aspen, Cortina, Italy, Kitzbuhel, Austria, Courchevel, France and Tianjin, China. In the U.S., snow polo is held exclusively in Aspen.

Since Marc and Melissa Ganzi resurrected the club and polo in 2014, polo has increased in popularity in Aspen and surrounding cities with the club‘s offerings of various weekly grass and arena tournaments, Arena & Asado Nights, Kidz Polo, Kids Wheely Polo, The Polo School headed by former 8-goaler Juan Bollini, and Polo On Demand. In addition, the club offers practice sessions for teams competing in the club tournaments.

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Nick Tininenko

BUY TICKETS

2021 St Regis World Snow Polo Championship Schedule

Thursday 12/16
7 p.m. Team Draw – from St. Regis Aspen Resort

Friday 12/17
Preliminary Games
1pm, 2pm. 3pm

Saturday 12/18
1:15 p.m. The High Alpine Cup
2:30 p.m. Celebrity Polo Chukker

Sunday 12/19
1 p.m. World Snow Polo Championship Final
3 p.m. The Aspen Cup
4:15 p.m. Trophy Presentation

All Games Live on https://www.chukkertv.com in Mountain Standard Time

ASPEN, Colo., December 8, 2021 — A Who‘s Who in polo players from around the world will compete in the much-anticipated Dec. 16-19 St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship at…

Europe, Polo News

2022 POLO RIDER CUP / EVVIVA POLO ST. MORITZ

17. December 2021

EVVIVA POLO ST. MORITZ back on board for the 2022 POLO RIDER CUP

Evviva Polo St. Moritz (SUI) is back on board, joining Las Brisas Polo Club of Chicago (USA), Hamburger Polo Club (GER) in the field of the 2022 POLO RIDER CUP, which will be held from 8 to 18 June 2022 at the Polo Club of Chantilly, north of Paris.

The Evviva Polo St. Moritz team will comprise the following players:

1. Andy Bihrer (0) SUI
2. TBA (5) ARG
3. Martin Aguerre Hijo (7) ARG
4. Tommy Rinderknecht (0) SUI

Tommy Rinderknecht, Captain of Evviva Polo St. Moritz, comments: “Evviva Polo St. Moritz is very happy to return to the POLO RIDER CUP with a competitive team. Andi Bihrer and Tommy Rinderknecht, the two lawyers from Switzerland who are actively involved with the organization of the famous Snow Polo World Cup on the last weekend in January 2022, will take part in the POLO RIDER CUP again with a team led by the 7-goaler Martin Aguerre and another strong 5‑goaler. As a preparation, the Evviva team will participate, among other tournaments, in the Lawyers Polo Cup in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa in the spring of next year.”

Benoît Perrier, CEO & Co-Founder of GAME POLO, comments: “We are proud to count on the participation of Evviva Polo St. Moritz for the second edition. The organisation and line-up are structured around Martin Aguerre Hijo, with two Swiss and another Argentine player. The team is highly motivated, and its great ponies are also a strong asset for the tournament as well as a part of their experience.”

For more information, please contact GAME POLO at: neus@game-polo.com

EVVIVA POLO ST. MORITZ back on board for the 2022 POLO RIDER CUP Evviva Polo St. Moritz (SUI) is back on board, joining Las Brisas Polo Club of Chicago…

North America, Polo News

U.S. Polo Assn. Honors Olympians Suni Lee and Caeleb Dressel as Athletes of the Year Honor During 2021 Sports Illustrated Awards

17. December 2021

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla./ (December 9, 2021) – U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), presented the Athlete of the Year Award during the star-studded 2021 Sports Illustrated Awards. Presented by Pepsi’s Stronger Together Initiative, the annual event took place on Dec. 7 at the new Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla.

The winners of this year’s Athlete of the Year Award were Olympic Gymnast Suni Lee and Olympic Swimmer Caeleb Dressel.

This award recognizes the best female and male athletes of 2021 who have proven they are the MVPs of their sport and embody the highest level of athleticism, skill, and character by putting in unprecedented work, both on and off the field. As the presenter of this meaningful award, U.S. Polo Assn. demonstrated its commitment to showcasing athletes across the world of sports.

“It was an honor to serve as the presenting sponsor of the Athlete of the Year Award during this year’s event,” said J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global Licensing, the worldwide licensor of the multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand. “As a global, sport-inspired brand, we were proud to recognize these athletes who have excelled in their respective sports and continue to make significant impacts on and off the field.”

For the first time in the event’s history, the Sports Illustrated Awards brought together thousands of people together in person to celebrate these athletic achievements and was broadcasted across Sports Illustrated channels and platforms.

Appearances from some of the world’s most celebrated athletes and entertainers included, Tom Brady, Billie Jean King, Brooks Nader, Camille Kostek, Chad Johnson, Candace Parker, DJ Carnage, Haley Kalil, Jasmine Sanders, JuJu Smith-Schuster, LaMelo Ball, Logan Paul, Rob Gronkowski, Caeleb Dressel, Suni Lee, Tyler Herro, and Udonis Haslem.

To watch this year’s Sports Illustrated Awards, visit www.sportsillustratedawards.com.

U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the nonprofit governing body for the sport of polo in the United States and one of the oldest sports governing bodies, having been founded in 1890. With a multi-billion-dollar global footprint and worldwide distribution through some 1,200 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores, department stores, sporting goods channels, independent retailers and e-commerce, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel for men, women and children, as well as accessories and footwear in 194 countries worldwide. Ranked the fifth largest sports licensor in License Global magazine’s 2020 list of “Top 150 Global Licensors,” U.S. Polo Assn. is named alongside such iconic sports brands as the National Football League, the National Basketball Association and Major League Baseball. Visit uspoloassnglobal.com and @uspoloassn. For more polo content visit Globalpolo.com.

About Sports Illustrated

Sports Illustrated (SI) is an unparalleled and influential leader recognized for shaping modern culture and uniting athletes, teams and fans worldwide. At the intersection of sports, lifestyle and entertainment, Sports Illustrated is a 360-degree enterprise that delivers immersive content, innovative digital experiences, unforgettable events, and original products. Its award-winning media outlet brings powerful storytelling to life through probing profiles, up-to-date news and game-day stats on SI.com, social media and the monthly print magazine. The most trusted name in sports transcends media through SI Tix, a fan ticketing platform for sports and entertainment events and SI Sportsbook, the most trusted platform in sports betting, which recently launched

in Colorado with more states to follow. Sports Illustrated Studios translates the biggest and most compelling stories, characters and moments in sports into long-form film, television and audio content. The franchise brings its unique and authentic perspective to marquee events and captivating brand activations including The Sports Illustrated Awards, The Party, and Club SI. For more information, visit SI.com. Follow Sports Illustrated on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla./ (December 9, 2021) – U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), presented the Athlete of the Year Award during the…

North America, Polo News

New Zealand’s Top Polo Tournament Ready for Summer

10. December 2021

The nation’s most prestigious and competitive polo contest, the BMW NZ Polo Open will go ahead at Auckland Polo Club, Clevedon, on Sunday 20^th February. 2022 will mark the tournaments 45^th year and continue its reputation as a summer highlight on New Zealand’s sporting and social calendars.

BMW NZ Polo Open, Executive Director, Lucy Ainsley isn’t holding back to bring Auckland exactly what it needs this summer. “We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to ensure an exceptional experience for guests and sponsors, the best of NZ polo matched with plenty of side-line action. After a long year of lockdown restrictions, this eclectic mix of sport, fashion and music is where everyone should be, enjoying summer to the fullest.”

The ‘Fashion at Polo’ competition is back for 2022 with contestants who put their best polo style forward will be in to win some fantastic prizes. The Veuve Clicquot dash is on the programme and the infamous George FM afterparty will take place on the new ‘Heineken Lawn’ with a refreshed centre field location, to keep the celebrations going into the night.

The renowned ‘Horsepower’ race between a BMW and a polo pony will ensure the crowd is fully revved up just before the main polo match is played at 3.30pm.

“We are thrilled to have BMW as our official sponsor for the third year, the synergy between luxury and performance make BMW an ideal polo partner,” says Ainsley. “Polo is a great spectator sport, the atmosphere it brings from the thundering of hooves to champagne on the lawn and stomping of the divots, all contribute to make the BMW NZ Polo Open an exciting event not to be missed. We can’t wait to see you all there.”

Health & Safety of guests, sponsors and everyone involved with BMW NZ Polo Open 2022 is paramount. The event will comply to all Covid-19 government regulations and requirements.

www.nzpoloopen.com

https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2022/feb/polo-open