Greetings and a very warm welcome to my “speakers corner” in the next edition of the new POLO+10 World.
I’d like to start by saying that 2020 has without doubt been one of the most memorable years of our lives for all of us. A year which has forced everyone to reflect on how we got here and very much think about what the future holds. I hope that you and your families are safe and well in these very uncertain times and that we can all get back to living happy and exciting lives very soon 🤙🏼.
As far as “reflection” goes, for me 2020 marks a 10 year anniversary which has brought back some very happy memories. The amazing people I’ve met over the years, the friendships that were made, the wonderful places I’ve been fortunate enough to see and get to know. Polo has taken me to over 16 countries many of which I had never visited before and introduced me to new cultures and different ways of thinking.
I’ve also been very fortunate to have worked and been involved in polo in so many different ways. When I came to the the UK back in 1998 and worked for Champagne Pommey, surly you remember the team John William Manconi, Piki Alberti, Juan Bollini and Henry Brett wining the British Open Gold Cup In 1999. It was a perfect day, especially as the Tournament main sponsor was Veuve Cliquot.
Later then working for one the pioneers of English Polo, Brian Morrison and his Captain Michael Amoore at the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club. I owe everything to the infamous Steve Thompson who got me in the saddle and taught me how to ride. Thanks Steve, you did a great job.
It was The Captain Michael Amoore who once said to me during a riding lesson “try not to look like a constipated b*****d when you ride a horse” I will always remember that, thanks Michael.
After several years working as a coach, umpire and player it was then on to setting up MIG Polo which was launched back in 2004 and is still going strong today. Having provided the worlds largest mobile screens at all of the UK’s major polo tournaments and on Finals day of the British Open – The Gold Cup.
It was Daniel Waechter who on a sunny Sunday afternoon at Guards Polo Club approached me and asked if I would like to come out to Klosters and commentate a snow polo tournament. I kindly accepted his offer and this challenge to venture into an area of Polo I had previously never considered or thought about. The name “The Voice of Polo” was then given to me by POLO+10.
During the last 10 years I have met and worked with some incredible people in this sport. The common dominator always being the passion for the game. It has been such a pleasure being part of so many great teams again and again and contributing, where I could, in developing any of the tournaments I attended.
It really has been an exciting and thrilling decade and there are so many people I’d like to thank for supporting me and believing in me over the years. It would be too many to mention here (also in case I forgot someone) but I’m sure you know who you are…..
Thank you once again for the last amazing 10 years and being your voice of Polo.
I’m more than ready for the next 10 years.
Jan-Erik Franck
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