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Global, Sport-Inspired Brand to Again Serve as Official Apparel Partner for FIP’s Top Events

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., (August 15, 2023) – USPA Global Licensing Inc. (USPAGL) has announced that U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), has extended its global partnership with the Federation of International Polo (FIP) through 2026. This extension marks a continued commitment to the global promotion of the sport of polo from the authentic, sport-inspired brand.

True to the heritage of the brand, U.S. Polo Assn. is proud to support polo around the world. FIP is the international federation representing the sport of polo, officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This strategic partnership between FIP and U.S. Polo Assn. represents the strong alliance that has thrived since the partnership’s inception in 2015, and means that the global, sport-inspired brand will continue to be the Official Apparel Partner for FIP’s top events.

In 2022, the shared vision of FIP, the USPA, and U.S. Polo Assn. culminated in the historic XII Federation of International Polo (FIP) World Polo Championship held at the USPA National Polo Center (NPC) – Wellington. The 2022 FIP tournament was only the second time in history the competition was held in the United States and was its first time being broadcast on ESPN to millions of households around the world.

As the Official Apparel Partner for FIP events, U.S. Polo Assn. will continue to support the sport‘s leading events, including the FIP World Polo Championship, FIP European Polo Championship, FIP Ladies World Polo Championship, and FIP Ladies European Polo Championship. The brand will also continue to supply custom performance jerseys for all teams, alongside other essential apparel items such as hats and shirts, for players and officials to elevate the experience both on and off the field.

This partnership will also encompass support for the highly anticipated Ambassador Cups, set to take place this year in Brazil and Italy; the FIP Arena Polo World Championship; as well as other international polo events, such as potential Olympic Exhibition Games.

„We‘re looking forward to continuing our strategic relationship with FIP over the next four years,“ said J. Michael Prince, President & CEO of USPAGL, the company that manages and oversees the U.S. Polo Assn. brand. „This meaningful partnership underscores our continued efforts to help grow the sport of polo around the world and aligns with our strategy as a brand to

authentically connect with our global markets as we continue to execute our aggressive international growth strategies.”

“We are thrilled by this renewed partnership with U.S. Polo Assn. and their continued support of the sport of polo, which goes far beyond supplying jerseys and gear for our players,” said Piero Dillier Chairman of FIP. “With the support of U.S. Polo Assn., we are now able to reach so many new polo fans globally through ESPN. This is a dream come true for us, and we are excited to use this platform to help broaden interest, access, and exposure to polo around the world.”

SINGAPORE, ASIA: On the 12th of August, Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, Co-Founding Patron of Sentebale returned to Singapore Polo Club to play in the 2023 Sentebale ISPS Handa Polo Cup. The annual fundraising event has raised over £11milliion to date for Sentebale’s work supporting children and young people in southern Africa.

The Sentebale ISPS Handa Polo Cup was previously hosted by the Singapore Polo Club in 2017. Excited crowds cheered on the Royal Salute Sentebale Team, captained by Malcolm Borwick as they took on the Singapore Polo Club Team, captained by Sentebale Ambassador and long-time friend Nacho Figueras in a fast-paced game. This year’s event saw Figueras, in opposition to The Duke’s team, one of the few occasions in the tournaments history when the pair have played on opposing sides. Both rose to the challenge, each scoring impressive goals but ultimately the teams were evenly matched with the final score levelling at 7-7 with honours shared.

Around 260 guests, including former All Blacks rugby player and ISPS Handa Ambassador Dan Carter, attended the Sentebale ISPS Handa Polo Cup followed by dinner at the InterContinental Singapore.

Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, Co-Founding Patron of Sentebale said, “Sentebale has remained a pillar of support in communities across southern Africa for almost two decades, ensuring future generations are well equipped to address the many challenges facing our world. Adaptability and nimbleness have been a defining factor in our work since Prince Seeiso and I founded the charity 17 years ago. Our work has remained rooted in our mission, and in honour of our late mothers, we wish to ensure all children and young people in southern Africa are empowered, healthy and able to pursue their ambitions and dreams.”

Nacho Figueras, Sentebale’s Ambassador said, “Although Prince Harry and I played on opposing teams this year, we are always united in our support for Sentebale and the life-changing work they do for young people in southern Africa. It’s a highlight every year to come together for this incredible charity, and I’m grateful to everyone who contributes to their work.”

Dr Haruhisa Handa, Founder of International Sports Promotion Society said, “ISPS believes sport has the power to inspire, break down barriers, and change lives and communities for the better. This ethos was exemplified today at the Sentebale ISPS Handa Polo Cup. Marrying the power of sport and the vital philanthropic work Sentebale undertakes in Lesotho and Botswana to eradicate HIV and AIDS stigma, ISPS is a proud and honoured partner of this platform. Our genuine thanks to the Sentebale team for their enduring commitment, and to Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, without whose vision the positive impact on so many lives would not have been realised.”

The funds raised from this year’s Sentebale ISPS Handa Polo Cup are essential to ensuring the progress made in recent years is maintained.

Sentebale’s holistic package of support for vulnerable children and young people focusses on four key areas:

Sentebale’s holistic package of support for vulnerable children and young people focusses on four key areas:

  • Strengthening the social and emotional wellbeing of those living with or affected by HIV.
  • Working with communities to provide young people with access to health and social services.
  • Driving youth advocacy to improve health, education, and social protection.
  • Building individuals skills and livelihoods so they are more resilient, self-confident and empowered members of their communities.

This layered approach is supporting positive health outcomes, improving access to education and services, and is nurturing children and young people to thrive.

Sentebale is enormously grateful to all the players and partners for their support in making this year’s event possible including, ISPS Handa, Royal Salute Singapore Polo Club, IHG Hotels & Resorts, U.S. Polo Assn and The Cox Family of Oklahoma.

For more information about Sentebale’s work please go to www.sentebale.org.

The first title awarded in the 2023 Barrière Deauville Polo Cup: The Ladies Polo Cup — Diane Barrière. It was a particularly challenging tournament this year with five teams, each with at least one player participating in the flagship women’s polo tournament: the Argentine Open. It is with the two-time champion of this Open, Lía Salvo, that Augustinus Bader signs a double in Deauville after their premier victory last year. But how tough it was!

It is the third Deauville title for Lía Salvo, who won it for the first time in 2018. To reach the final, she had to defeat two of her teammates from her Argentinian team, El Overo: Milly Hine in the quarterfinals and Clarita Casino yesterday. For this afternoon’s sublime final, Lía had to contest the young Milagros Sanchez (22 years old), finalist last year of this same Argentine Open with La Irenita.

With players of this caliber, one could only expect a spectacular final, one that marks the continuous progress of women’s polo: the spectators were not disappointed! After a tense start to the match, it took until the middle of the second half to see Anais Rezkallah open the scoring. Then, in the third chukker, the players went shot for shot: the intensity of the match amplified! The American captain Megan Manubay gave Augustinus Bader a 2-3 lead late in the third chukker. After Paloma Lauro’s leveling of the score, we were heading towards an overtime period when, 17 seconds from the final bell, Lía Salvo, true to form, delivered the fatal blow.

“It was a very tough final, but I like this kind of match because it shows the level of the women’s here in Deauville is getting better every year. You could see it today with a very close and tough final where no one gave in. Today was a great show of teamwork: everyone scored their goal, Anais was voted best player in the final, and she helped me a lot. The other team was amazing, they were the same: four young players who played really, really well and hung on until the end. I knew it was going to be tough,” said Salvo.        

For the Argentine champion, winning in Deauville is always close to her heart. :“I love coming here, it is my favorite destination. My father won the Coupe d’Or in 1974. For me, playing in Deauville is a tradition and it reminds me of him. I always have a lot of people I love here in Deauville.”            

After a tournament in England, Lía Salvo will return to France to play two tournaments in Chantilly, notably the French Open, with the same Agustinus Baderteam before flying to her country and preparing for the biggest date of the year—the Argentine Open with a brand-new team.

The Barrière Deauville Polo cup continues with the qualifying matches of the Coupe d‘Or Lucien & Marta Barrière (final on the 27th). Already three games are on the books, and what games they were, full of intensity and suspense. The first to games were decided in extra chukker on golden goals from Bautista Bayugar (8-goaler, Los Dragones Rouge) and Juan-Gris Zavaleta (7-goaler, Barrière), while yesterday’s match saw the “firework” signed Guillermo Terrera (8-goaler Eternal J) who scored 6 of his team‘s 7 goals. All players who also shine in their flagship tournament… the Argentine Open! Of course…

It is certainly the best the sport has to offer at the Barrière Deauville Polo Cup 2023… as it has been for Coupe d’Or’s 73-year history.

 

Finale Ladies Polo Cup – Diane Barrière

Augustinus Bader (LUX): Paloma Lauro (2, 1 goal), Aurelie Molitor (1, 1 goal), Anais Rezkallah (2, 1 goal) et Lía Salvo (9, 1 goal)

Bar du Soleil (USA) : Megan Manubay (0, 2 goals), Leah Kawamoto (2), Polina Nazarova (4), Milagros Sanchez (7, 1 goal)

MVP: Anais Rezkallah

Progression Augustinus Bader: 0-0 / 0-1 / 2-3 / 4-3

The expected duel: Lía Salvo vs. Milagros Sanchez © R&B Presse/Pascal Renauldon

PRACTICAL INFORMATION :

GOLDEN CUP
August 7 to 27 – 14/16 Goals – final Sunday August 27 at 5:30 pm

COUPE DE BRONZE
August 14 to 27 – 6/8 Goals – final Sunday August 27 at 3:30 pm

 

Deauville—Hippodrome de la Touques, access from boulevard Mauger. Attention, visit the website to watch the times of passage on the days of the matches. Free parking. Free entry on weekdays, €10 on weekends and €20 on August 27 (Finals Or and Bronze).

www.deauvillepoloclub.com

 

Continue the fun:

Polo Afters parties in the village: small Afters on Tuesdays with aperitifs until 10:00 p.m. and large Afters on Friday evening with DJs until midnight!

Photos by R&B Presse/Pascal Renauldon

Polo is a team sport. Wearing the colors of Gstaad, Sébastien Le Page and his Argentinian accomplices provide clear proof. On Sunday afternoon, they masterfully executed their game on the unique polo field at Saanen airport, winning the Hublot Polo Gold Cup for the second consecutive year.

Martincito Aguerre‘s genius was not enough today. Indeed, Raul Laplacette‘s team play proved unbeatable. Despite scoring eleven goals once again (Team Gstaad‘s daily rate since last Thursday), it was the fierce defense of the defending champions that made the difference. The Hublot players could never penetrate their opponents‘ defensive wall. When they did, Raul Laplacette calmly stole the ball from the audacious attacker, freeing up space for the men from Gstaad to advance and score on the other end. Martin Aguerre Jr.‘s only option was to try his luck from a great distance. He succeeded twice and scored his other three goals from penalties. Five goals were all the team could muster today.

Most valuable player of the final, top scorer of the tournament with 17 goals, Argentina's Raul Laplacette is definitely in his backyard on the Gstaad airport field © R&B Presse / P.Renauldon

Earning their second title in two years, the polo field at Saanen airport has become the domain of Raul Laplacette, the most valuable player of the final and the tournament‘s top scorer with 17 goals. „On this kind of field, you have to keep moving forward with the ball, attacking relentlessly,“ said Laplacette. „Thanks to our organization—good players and fast horses—we were able to play excellent polo.“

The Swiss organization was set up at Polo Park Zurich by team captain Sébastien Le Page. „This second victory is all the more pleasing because it‘s practically the same team as last year, proving that our organization is working exceptionally well,“ Le Page celebrated. „I‘m both exhausted and thrilled, and I‘m looking forward to savoring this victory with some champagne, something I‘ve abstained from for the past two weeks.“ The French captain also praised his star player, „Raul is incredible; he controls the game so effectively that it seems like he‘s doing nothing when, in fact, he‘s everywhere and scoring an incredible number of goals. I believe he‘s one of the best players on the planet.“ On the Gstaad field, he could easily be a 10-goaler!

The match for third place was much tighter, with Kielder Agro Group securing their first win of the tournament thanks to two explosive opening chukkers: 5-0. They maintained this lead by fighting hard until the end, allowing only one goal in the last two periods while Gstaad Palace scored five. The final score was 6-5.

This 26th edition of the Hublot Polo Gold Cup was unanimously praised this year for its flawless and relaxed organization, technically excellent field, friendly reception, and above all, the attention given to the well-being of the horses. They were well-cared-for under new refereeing rules and, despite the weather, appeared to be in particularly good condition and eager to play.

Before the grand final of the Hublot Polo Gold Cup, Argentina's 6-goaler Francisco Menendez (2 goals) helped Kielder Agro Group to third place © R&B Presse / P.Renauldon

Teams and progressions :

THIRD PLACE

Team GSTAAD: Sébastien Le Page (hcp 0), Facundo Kelly (hcp 4, 2 goals), Francisco Fucci (hcp 4, 2 goals), Raul Laplacette (hcp 6, 7 goals)

Team HUBLOT: Jürgen Schröder (hcp 0), Juan Correa (hcp 3), Matias Gonzalez (hcp 4), Martin Aguerre Jr. (hcp 7, 5 goals)

Progression GSTAAD: 3/1 – 6/2 – 7/3 – 11/5

FINAL

Team KIELDER AGRO GROUP: Cedric Schweri (hcp 0), Joao Novaes (hcp 5, 4 goals), Tomi Astelarra (hcp 3), Francisco Menendez (hcp 6, 2 goals)

Team GSTAAD PALACE: Peter Cromm (hcp 0), Pedro Fernandez Llorente (hcp 5, 2 goals), Teo von Neufforge (hcp 5), Segundo Condesse (hcp 4, 3 goals)

Progression KIELDER: 4/0 – 5/0 – 5/2 – 6/5

MVP: Raul Laplacette

BPP: Tintin, 8-year-old gelding, dark bay born in Argentina (by Cuarteto  – a son of the famous Cuartetera – and Pollilla), played by Raul Laplacette.

Photos by Kathrin Gralla / Der Rote Drache and R&B Presse / P.Renauldon

It was a dream international day for England polo, with victories in both matches in the glorious surroundings of Guards Polo Club, Windsor.

The day opened with a 15-goal match between Young England and the Commonwealth for The Whitbread Trophy. Louis Hine (5) led Will Millard (2), Luke Wiles (4) and Will Harper (4) to a decisive victory over the opposing team of captain Hissam Ali Hyder (4) for Pakistan, Adebayo Karim (2) for Nigeria, Abby Pathak (4) for India, and Jake Daniels (5) for Australia.

By the second chukka, the Young England team had taken control of the play, and kept up a relentless pace that would prove too much for the Commonwealth side. Excellent coaching from Nacho Gonzalez saw the home team continue to draw away in the second half, and despite some fantastic rallying play from the Commonwealth in the final chukka, Hine and his team could not be caught, leaving the final score a resounding 11-4.

The wave of success continued into the afternoon, with the Guards crowds treated to a well-spirited clash between some of the world’s best players in the fight for the King’s Coronation Cup. The Commonwealth were keen to extend the 2-1 record against England in this match, while England captain Tommy Beresford left no doubt that his team were determined to even the score.

The Commonwealth team, down by 1 on the handicap, started with a goal on the board. Debutant Garvy Beh (5) for Malaysia, Chris MacKenzie (6) for South Africa, and JP Clarkin (6) for New Zealand were led by Canadian captain Fred Mannix (7). The home side fielded a 25-goal team of Max Charlton (6), Ollie Cudmore (6), and James Beim (6), captained by Tommy Beresford (7).

Beresford opened the card with a well-lofted penalty to equalise, before winning a big ride-off to swing the board into England’s favour. Another confident penalty followed, but Chris MacKenzie prevented a clean sweep by hammering home a goal for the Commonwealth in the final 30 seconds.

The second chukka opened with some missed early chances for the Commonwealth, while England’s Ollie Cudmore and Max Charlton used huge hits to up the England score, finding the ever-consistent James Beim ready and waiting on the receiving end to see the goals home. The Commonwealth team, coached by John Horswell, found their momentum in the third chukka, with a goal from captain Mannix keeping Commonwealth hopes high heading into half time.

The second half started with an action-packed chukka that saw five goals added to the board, but it was the fifth chukka that demonstrated exactly why England have enjoyed a fantastic international season, with brilliant teamwork between the home side players proving the key. Beresford converted a penalty once again before Cudmore, fighting a ride-off from Mannix, found Beim at the goal to draw five goals ahead. Mannix kept his team in the hunt with a high, smooth penalty hit to head into the final chukka 11-7.

The Beim-Cudmore alliance swept through the field once again the start the final chukka, with Beim scoring through an open goal thanks to Cudmore’s strong riding seeing off the competition. Mannix scored again to bring the score to 12-8, but the England team proved too strong for the Commonwealth horsepower, and despite fighting all the way to the end, the visiting team could not see off the home side, who had kept their promise of keeping the King’s Coronation Cup on English soil. The team were presented with the coveted trophy by The Right Honourable Patricia Scotland KC, Baroness Scotland of Asthal, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, in an evening ceremony supported by family, friends, and spectators to finish a spectacular day.

It was Chris Mackenzie who took home the Most Valuable Player, having played a brilliant attacking game. The Best Playing ROR also went home with Mackenzie, awarded to his own Biento (racing name Badalona Breeze), who was formerly trained by Mick Appleby.

Best Playing Pony was awarded to Tommy Beresford’s own Teddy, with his groom Raul Mora picking up the cash prize. Tommy’s mother Teresa Beresford was on hand to present the Donoso Trophy, traditionally awarded to the captain of the opposing team, to Fred Mannix in memory of her late brother Gabriel Donoso, whose name appears twice on the Coronation Cup after wins in 1998 and 2004.

The sun was shining and the party continued with a performance from the Rick Parfitt Jnr Band, as the mood was high after two brilliant matches in the glorious Guards Polo Club grounds. An historic Coronation Cup year that left England’s hopes high for the future.

Images by The Art Of Polo/Hurlingham Polo Association

The Duke will travel to Asia in August for the annual Sentebale ISPS Handa Polo Cup and to attend the ISPS Sports Values Summit-Special Edition.

LONDON, UK, Monday 31st July, 2023:  Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, Co-Founding Patron of Sentebale, will play in the 2023 Sentebale ISPS Handa Polo Cup at Singapore Polo Club on the 12th of August. Since 2010, the annual Polo Cup has raised over £11 million to support Sentebale’s work with children and young people affected by poverty, inequality and HIV/AIDS in southern Africa.

Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, Co-Founding Patron of Sentebale said, “The annual Polo Cup is essential to Sentebale’s vital work ensuring children and young people are healthy, resilient, and able to thrive. The funds raised this year will support our Clubs and Camps programme, which provides intensive psychosocial support to young people living with HIV. In a time where being HIV positive is no longer a death sentence, we are empowering young people to know their status, stay healthy, and eliminate the stigma so that they can break the cycle. 

We are delighted to return to the renowned Singapore Polo Club in August, and are once again enormously grateful for the polo community and our sponsors, in particular ISPS Handa, for their ongoing commitment to Lesotho and Botswana’s youth.” 

The Duke will play on the Royal Salute Sentebale Team, against the Singapore Polo Club Team captained by the charity’s ambassador and long-time friend, Nacho Figueras.

Prior to travelling to Singapore, both will participate in a summit on the power of sport, community and philanthropy at the ISPS Sports Values Summit-Special Edition in Tokyo, Japan on the 9th of August. They will be joined by ISPS Handa Founder Dr. Handa, former New Zealand All Blacks and ISPS Handa Ambassador Dan Carter, Sentebale Chair Sophie Chandauka MBE, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of South Africa’s Stellenbosch University Professor Wim de Villiers, and Royal Australian Navy Veteran and Invictus Games Gold Medallist Steve James.

Dr Haruhisa Handa, Founder of International Sports Promotion Society said, “ISPS Handa are delighted to be partnering with Sentebale this August on the special edition of ISPS Sports Values Summit in Tokyo and the annual Polo Cup in Singapore. Our respective organisations share a mutual responsibility to empower and aid those most in need and believe we can use the power of sport to do so.”

Support for Sentebale makes possible its core areas of work, including strengthening the social and emotional wellbeing of those living with or affected by HIV; working with communities to provide young people with access to health and social services; and driving youth advocacy to improve health, education, and social protection; and building individuals’ skills and livelihoods so they are more resilient, self-confident and empowered members of their communities.

For more information about Sentebale’s work please go to our website www.sentebale.org or read our 2022 Annual Report & Accounts.

Opening New Avenues for African Agriculture through Innovative Technologies, Start-Ups, and Regenerative Farming Methods and Economic Models

In the heart of western Kenya’s Siaya County, an inspiring success story is unfolding, one that has the potential to reshape the future of agriculture and its related broken food system throughout Africa. MOTHERLAND, an emerging social enterprise, is harnessing innovative approaches to support small-scale farmers while driving sustainable transformations within agricultural communities.

Confronting the Challenges of African Agriculture

While the African continent boasts abundant resources and fertile land, its agriculture sector wrestles with challenges such as poverty, food scarcity, and dependency on foreign aid. Joseph, a farmer from Siaya County, faces seasonal crop losses of up to 65%, compounded by low market prices and a lack of buyers. These difficulties stem from inadequate infrastructure, limited technology access, and insufficient training opportunities.

MOTHERLAND’s Trailblazing Approach

To address these issues, MOTHERLAND launched a pilot project in Siaya County in January 2023. The company connects African small-scale farmers with local start-ups and focuses on regenerative farming methods and sustainable economic models. In just 7 months, MOTHERLAND achieved remarkable results. Collaborating with Kenyan start-ups, they supported 547 farmers to harvest and sell 250,000 kg of sweet potatoes. This previously

untapped potential has already initiated sustainable change.

Overcoming Challenges and Fostering Community Development

One of MOTHERLAND’s most impressive accomplishments is the significant reduction of crop losses from 65% to a mere 10%. These efforts not only led to economic independence within the community but also increased the profit per kilogram of sweet potatoes from 30 Kenyan Shillings to 50 Kenyan Shillings. Moreover, an innovative community fund was established, managed by the community itself, enabling investments for the greater communal welfare.

Inter-Generational Transformation and Future Prospects

MOTHERLAND refuses to rest on its laurels. The newly launched youth program, “Young Earth Guardians,” encourages the adoption of regenerative farming practices and new technologies among future generations. This initiative bridges tradition and innovation and supports 180 children, with numbers growing daily.

Peering into the Future

MOTHERLAND’s mission is far from complete. The company envisions expanding its successful model beyond Siaya County and aims to minimize post-harvest losses not only in sweet potatoes but also in other value chains such as maize, beans, and avocados. This ambitious goal illustrates that MOTHERLAND seeks to make a difference not only locally but on a broader scale.

A Glimpse into the Future: MOTHERLAND’s Commitment to Regenerative Agriculture

MOTHERLAND’s vision transcends Kenya’s borders. The company strives to extend its successful model across the entire continent, fostering sustainable and regenerative improvements in the livelihoods of farming families throughout Africa. This endeavor underscores that the future of Africa rests on the shoulders of no less than 900 million small-scale farmers. This impressive number highlights the scope of responsibility and potential embedded within these agricultural communities.

Africa boasts the lowest CO2 emissions compared to other continents, presenting a promising foundation. With prudent action and by avoiding the mistakes of developed nations, Africa has the opportunity to become a trailblazer in sustainable economic development. As the youngest continent, Africa can chart innovative pathways that transcend traditional growth models, prioritizing both social and ecological well-being.

MOTHERLAND’s ambitious plans and support from organizations like GIZ and the knodel foundation demonstrate that collaborative efforts can indeed effect change. By championing regenerative agriculture and creating an ecosystem orchestrator, they set an example for the world, proving that it’s possible to harmonize growth and responsibility.

The future of Africa may present challenges and opportunities and with organizations like MOTHERLAND, hope prevails. They pave the way for a sustainable and regenerative future that benefits not only farmers but also entire societies. Their journey’s continuation is bound to bring forth inspiring developments and opportunities for Africa and the entire world.

A Partnership for Sustainable Change

MOTHERLAND’s endeavors wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of GIZ and the Knodel Foundation. Moreover, in collaboration with Good24, MOTHERLAND has created an innovative alliance. Unlike traditional insurance brokers, Good24 operates as a nonprofit and could oversee the management of corporate pension schemes (bAV), among other offerings. The nonprofit Good24 gGmbH gladly supports MOTHERLAND’s Africa Initiative with profits derived from insurance commissions. This novel approach facilitates supporting social projects like MOTHERLAND without incurring additional costs or efforts.

United for a Better Future

MOTHERLAND’s success story showcases that collaborative efforts, innovation, and dedicated supporters can indeed catalyze sustainable change. The vision of a thriving African agriculture sector and a stronger community lies within reach. With each form of support, they inch closer to their dreams and actively shape Africa’s future. Visit Good24’s website or book a digital consultation appointment directly with Good24 to learn more and become a part of this inspiring movement.

For more information and updates, please visit MOTHERLAND’s official website.

The event, held from July 14th to July 16th, 2023, spanned three days of top-notch “Ladies Only” sports. It witnessed the participation of six international women’s polo teams from seven countries, along with more than 100 accompanying polo horses. This Ladies Polo Cup stands as a unique event in Germany.

Over these three days, the 1,200 guests in attendance were treated to thrilling chukkas and a diverse range of supporting programs.

The gastronomic aspect was deftly handled by Thomas Bauer and his team from “Feuerplatten BBQ”. Renowned chef Simon Lang showcased his culinary expertise on the final day of the event.

The PoloPark Berlin also saw its first-ever “Hat Contest”. The attendees were encouraged to don their most beautiful or unusual hats, leading to a dazzling display of headgear.

Many women graced the event with their extraordinary hats. Sunday afternoon saw Manuela Vobach, a Berlin entrepreneur specializing in individual fashion consulting, express her admiration for the spectacle. The jury included Patricia Blanco, Pauline Stolze, Britt Kanya, Didi Veron, Simon Lang, Günther Krabbenhöft, and Frank Altmann, all of whom were impressed by the array of creative hat designs.

The Ladies Cup was presented by “The Voice of Polo”, Jan Erik Frank. Meanwhile, Polo DJ Sebastian ensured a lively atmosphere by providing the music.

Johanna Volkmann was honored with the title of MVP (Most Valuable Player). The accolade for the “Best Playing Pony” was bestowed upon a horse from Sophie Schmidt’s stable, which was among the 100 polo horses participating in the event.

Text by Baltic Polo Events
Photography by PoloSylt

Elegant Christening Ceremony in Miami to Feature Entertainment from Emmy and Tony Award-Winning Actress and Singer Kristin Chenoweth

Bespoke Fabergé Jewelry to be Auctioned for The Gemfields Foundation

MIAMI, July 17, 2023 – Regent Seven Seas Cruises®, the world’s leading luxury ocean cruise line, today announced that Sarah Fabergé, Founding Member of The Fabergé Heritage Council and great-granddaughter of Peter Carl Fabergé, will serve as Godmother to the ship that will embody A Heritage of Perfection, Seven Seas Grandeur.

DeMarco continued “Seven Seas Grandeur has been inspired by the past and stunningly reimagined for the future, exemplifying our heritage of perfection with unrivaled space, unparalleled service, epicurean perfection, and transformative experiences that begin the moment guests step aboard. Fabergé’s storied legacy of unwavering perfection, unparalleled craftsmanship, and relentless pursuit of excellence aligns harmoniously with the core values of our own distinguished luxury brand.”

“Today’s Fabergé looks to the ingenuity of my great-grandfather, Peter Carl Fabergé and his constant pursuit of excellence,” said Sarah Fabergé, Director of Special Projects and Founding Member of the Fabergé Heritage Council. “I am honored to be Godmother to this extraordinary new ship which, like Fabergé, has been inspired by the past and reimagined for the future, and I also look forward to hosting Regent guests onboard Seven Seas Grandeur for my exclusive Spotlight Voyage in 2024”.

Great-granddaughter of Peter Carl Fabergé – the legendary artist-jeweler and creative and entrepreneurial genius behind the world-renowned company that bore his name – Sarah is member of the Fabergé Heritage Council which helps to support the Fabergé Management Team in its pursuit of excellence and exclusivity and provides guidance on Peter Carl Fabergé and his legacy.

As part of Regent’s partnership with Fabergé, Sarah will wear bespoke earrings and a ring specifically designed for the upcoming Christening event. These exquisite pieces, made of 18k white gold and featuring blue guilloché enamel, white diamonds and pearls, will not only grace Sarah as an ensemble during this elegant event but will also be auctioned to raise money for charity in 2024. The proceeds from this auction will be donated to the Gemfields Foundation, the charitable arm of Gemfields which is the parent company of Fabergé. The foundation is dedicated to undertaking various activations designed to address poverty alleviation in communities and wildlife conservation in sub-Saharan Africa. Notably, the charity’s impactful projects span countries which Regent visits, such as Madagascar and Mozambique.

Sarah’s appointment as Godmother to Seven Seas Grandeur comes in celebration of Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ partnership with Fabergé. As part of the collaboration, Regent previously announced the commission of a one-of-a-kind, meticulously hand-crafted objet d’art known as Journey in Jewels. This exquisite Fabergé egg will hold the distinction of being the first-ever permanent resident of its kind on the open seas, proudly serving as the crowning jewel within the ship’s awe-inspiring multi-million-dollar art collection.

Additionally, Sarah will host a Fabergé Spotlight Voyage on board Seven Seas Grandeur, sailing July 1, 2024, enveloping luxury travelers into the world of Fabergé with small group master-class programs, exclusive access to unique and intimate shore-side tours, jeweled egg demonstrations and fascinating lectures and screenings. The 10-night sailing will depart from Rome (Civitavecchia) and cruise the Mediterranean, calling in Salerno, Italy; Taormina (Sicily), Italy; Valletta, Malta; Palma de Mallorca; Barcelona, Spain; Provence (Marseille), and Antibes, France before ending at Monte Carlo.

Elegant Christening Ceremony with Dazzling Entertainment

Seven Seas Grandeur will be christened at an elegant gala event in Miami on December 10, 2023. Those in attendance, including loyal Regent past guests, valued Travel Partners, and VIPs, will enjoy a performance by Emmy and Tony Award winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth.

Kristin, who’s career achievements were recognized with a star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2015, has starred in countless successful productions across film, television and stage including Pushing Daisies, Glee and Wicked. Her performance will feature songs from her latest album, For The Girls, in addition to songs from genres including pop, country, and Broadway.

Following the gala event, guests on board Seven Seas Grandeur will enjoy a three-night Caribbean sailing with everything the ship that embodies 30 years of unrivaled experiences has to offer, from unrivaled space in luxuriously appointed suites, to unparalleled service in lavish bars and lounges, to epicurean perfection in five exquisite gourmet restaurants, to unlimited, free and immersive shore excursions.

For more information, please visit RSSC.com/ships/Seven_Seas_Grandeur

About Seven Seas Grandeur Inspired by the past and stunningly reimagined for the future, Seven Seas Grandeur will exemplify Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Heritage of Perfection with unrivaled space, unparalleled service, epicurean indulgence, and transformative experiences for guests as soon as they step on board. With a gross tonnage of 55,500 and only 746 guests, Seven Seas Grandeur will provide among the highest space and staff to guest ratios in the industry. Designed by the award-winning Studio DADO, her refined style, matchless elegance, and breath-taking beauty will exceed the expectations of discerning travelers. On board, guests will find captivatingly reimagined designs for signature restaurants Compass Rose and Prime 7 among the exquisite dining choices. From the palatial, $11,000-a-night Regent Suite, to the contemporary, yet timeless, Distinctive Suites, to the beautifully appointed Spacious Suites, Seven Seas Grandeur features 15 stunning accommodation categories. Seven Seas Grandeur will also be home to a multi-million-dollar art collection, the Pièce de Résistance of which will be a custom designed masterpiece – Journey in Jewels – the first Fabergé Egg to permanently reside at sea. Seven Seas Grandeur’s inaugural season begins in November 2023 and discovers the Mediterranean and the Caribbean with a wonderful range of 18 sailings in the regions, including two transatlantic voyages.

About Regent Seven Seas Cruises®

Regent Seven Seas Cruises® is the leading luxury cruise line, delivering An Unrivaled Experience™ for over 30 years. Carrying no more than 746 guests, the line’s spacious and stylish ships – Seven Seas Explorer®, Seven Seas Mariner®, Seven Seas Navigator®, Seven Seas Splendor®, Seven Seas Voyager® and from 2023 Seven Seas Grandeur™ – form The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet™ and explore more than 500 immersive destinations globally. Offering Unrivaled Space at Sea™, guests enjoy sumptuous all-suite accommodations, nearly all with private balconies, which are among the largest at sea, as well as highly personalized service throughout lavish public areas and expansive outdoor spaces. Unique to Regent Seven Seas Cruises, unlimited complimentary shore excursions are available in every port, making it the only truly all-inclusive cruise line. Voyage fares also include round-trip business-class air on intercontinental flights from the U.S. and Canada, gourmet cuisine in a range of specialty restaurants and al-fresco dining venues, fine wines and spirits, entertainment, unlimited internet access, free valet laundry, gratuities, ground transfers and one-night, pre-cruise hotel packages for guests staying in Concierge-level suites and higher. For more information, please visit RSSC.com, call 1.844.873.2381 or contact a professional travel advisor. Regent Seven Seas Cruises is a wholly owned subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH). To learn more, visit www.nclhltd.com.

Eighteen teams, six nations: A record-breaking 2023 edition!

The 23rd edition of the Open de France de Polo (September 1st to 17th, 2023), born with this century, promises to be gigantic. And yet, since the beginning of its history, and even more so since 2020 when the tournament took a new turn, French polo‘s top event has always offered thrilling moments with world-class teams and players.

The apotheosis was reached in 2020 with the anthology game between two of the three current young wonders of Argentine polo, the Castagnola brothers, Barto and Jeta, in a match between Talandracas (France) and Les Lions (Great Britain) which ended with a score that was both overwhelming and extremely close: 14 to 15! But this year‘s French Open is sure to take on a whole new dimension, particularly with a record of 18 teams already entered. Thus, the French tournament outstrips major English ones such as the Queen‘s Cup and the British Open (Gold Cup) in terms of the number of teams entered.

To host all these teams, the Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly has teamed up with the La Magdeleine club, which will host three of them and, as well as with Sainte-Mesme, who will host part of the tournament in the south of Paris. Some subsidiary cup matches will also be played at La Moinerie, located in the same geographical area. La Magdeleine, winner in 2021, and Sainte-Mesme, winner in 2009, 2011 and 2018, will of course be taking part in this edition of the Open.

Juan Martin Zubia practicing his art in front of a larger-than-ever audience in 2022. © R&B Presse - Adèle Renauldon

Seven 8-goalers in Chantilly!

Beyond the numbers, it‘s the quality of the players that will also mark this 23rd edition, with some of the world‘s greatest professionals, led by Nico Pieres (h8), winner of the most prestigious and famous Argentine Open, which is played in the heart of Buenos Aires, in Palermo, the „Cathedral of polo“, in front of 18,000 spectators. The Argentine Open is reserved for the world‘s top forty players, fourteen of whom will be in Chantilly in September: a first for France!

In addition to Nico Pieres, the young prodigies Juan Matin Zubia (h8) and Rufino Bensadon (h7) will be in Chantilly for the title holder Talandracas, thus presenting the same formidable line-up as last year. Bautista Bayugar (h8, Los Dragones, FRA), La Dolfina players Guillermo Terrera (h8, Eternal J), Alejandro Muzzio (h8, Clinova, UK) and Diego Cavanagh (h8, Brittany Polo) and Facundo Llorente (h8, La Magdeleine, winner of the Franch Open in 2021 and recent Queen‘s Cup finalist) will also be present. Also of note is the return to Chantilly of Facundo Sola (h7), 12 years after his French Open victory with Murus Sanctus and who was a finalist in the Argentine Open in 2013 and 2018.

Six nations will be represented at the 2023 Open de France: Argentina, England (including the legendary Emlor team), Sweden, Germany, Netherlands and, of course, France with thirteen teams.

Hazel Jackson (hcp 10) winner of the Open de France Féminin 2022 © R&B Presse - Pascal Renauldon

Women take centre stage

The Women‘s Open is not to be outdone, with the maximum possible number of eight teams already entered! Teams from Germany, England, Luxembourg and, of course, France will be joined by some of the world‘s greatest female players, including British 10-goalers Nina Clarkin and Hazel Jackson, and Argentine 9-goaler Lia Salvo, who is returning to the competition after the birth of her daughter India in April. Year after year, women‘s polo is progressing at lightning speed, and these matches are just as interesting to follow as those of men‘s polo or rather „mixed“ polo as women can take part in all the tournaments, like Dutchwoman Nicky Sen and Frenchwomen Isabelle Larenaudie and professional Elena Venot, who will be seen in the mixed Open de France.

These three weeks of top-level competition on the magnificent facilities of the Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly are magical. Moments of encounter between the great Argentine players, who are very accessible, and the young French professionals, inspiring interactions, horses that are more and more extraordinary every year, matches every day, in the calm of the early hours of the week or in the excitement of the weekend, with live commentary and re-commentary in the evening in the Orangerie bar (particularly during the convivial ‚Vendredis du Polo‘ with asado and fiesta), parallel tournaments such as the highly competitive Trophée Castel, where you can also see some great players, and, to cap it all, a flamboyant and festive finals day.

The Open de France: The French polo event not to be missed. Access to the grounds is free, even on the days of the semi-finals and finals.

Photos by R&B Presse

TEAMS

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