The runners and riders are getting ready for the claxon ahead of the third renewal of the Pink Polo breast cancer awareness match at Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club on November 10. The tournament presenting partner, ADCB, is fielding a polo team who are currently putting the finishing touches to their training plan as they prepare to defend their 2011 Pink Polo title from new rivals, St Regis Hotels & Resorts.
Featuring Emirati players, Ali Al Merri(0), Ahmed Al Nuaimi (0), Nasser Al Dhahri (+1) and Argentine ace, Oscar Colombres (+5), the ADCB team are out to defend the Pink Polo title they claimed last season. St Regis will field a side consisting of Abdulla Bin Desmal (0), Ahmed Bin Desmal (0), Nasser Al Shamsi (+1) and Argentine player, Nicolas Petrachi (+4).
Pink Polo, which was launched three years ago, is designed to raise breast cancer awareness among both men and women in the UAE community through a unique sporting initiative.
Carrie McNeill, Initiator of Pink Polo: “After learning about the alarming facts of breast cancer, especially in the Middle East region, it has been a tabu subject due to cultural reasons. But the reality is alarming. With Pink Polo I wanted to establish an event that informs about breast cancer, but also can be fun – for men and women. Previously events of that kind have always been female oriented with survivors fashion shows, tea parties and book clubs. But hardly anyone knows that breast cancer can also affect men.”
It has been held at Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, which is chaired by Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Vice chairman of GRPC, HE Saeed Bin Houfan Al Mansoori, is looking forward to welcoming members of the public to the exclusive venue.“It is always gratifying when we are able to throw open our gates and invite the community to come and share in our love of polo,” he said. “It is even more satisfying when we are supporting such an important cause and we are proud that we have been associated with Pink Polo since the very beginning of the concept.”
St Regis polo player, Ahmed Bin Desmal said his side was ready to challenge ADCB for the title. “We are still at the start of the season but we are ready and our ponies are ready,” “The anticipation has been building and now we really just want to get out there and start playing. “Having a good match at this stage in the season can really set a player up for the rest of the UAE polo calendar, so its important to make sure that we are firing early.”
Paul James, Global Brand Leader, St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, and W Hotels & Resorts commented on the brand’s first participation in a Middle East polo event. “We are thrilled to be a part of Pink Polo and support such an important cause through the sport, which is an innate part of the St. Regis legacy.”
Dr. Majdi Abd El Muhdi, Head of Corporate Communications as ADCB said: he was hopeful his side could retain their crown. “I know that the players have been working hard and I wish them good luck as they take to the pitch,” he said. “ADCB has been associated with Pink Polo since its inception and we are very happy with our continued involvement in this unique project which uses a fun and family friendly sporting vehicle to raise awareness of a very serious issue.”
Carrie McNeill: “In the past three years Pink Polo has become a prestigious event in the region. We get great support from sponsors like Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, one of the leading banks in our country and Abu Dhabi Sports Council.”
Gates open at 2pm and polo starts at 5pm. Pink Polo is a free family day out featuring activities for all the family.
The Teams:
ADCB (+6)
Ali Al Merri (0)
Ahmed Al Nuaimi (0)
Nasser Al Dhari (+1)
Oscar Colombres (+5)
St. Regis ( +5)
Abdulla Bin Desmal (0)
Ahmed Bin Desmal (0)
Nasser Al Shamsi (+1)
Nicolas Petrachi (+4)
For more information visit www.pinkpolo.ae
