Kitzbühel, 19th of October 2020., We have been attentively monitoring the course of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic and upon careful evaluation of the matter and in consideration of the figures published by the Austrian Department of Public Health, the management at Lifestyle EventsGmbH, alongside our Sponsors and Kitzbühel Tourismus have decided to postpone the BENDURA BANK Snow Polo World Cup to 2022. We have reached this conclusion with heavy hearts but have decided this is the necessary decision, ensuring the safety of all involved as we align our efforts with an eye toward a wonderful 2022 event.
There are many factors that contributed to the decision to cancel the tournament. First and foremost, our responsibility goes out to all of our esteemed guests, sponsors, players, partners, staff and volunteers. Global uncertainty and travel restrictions, as well as mandatory quarantine guidelines, have made it impossible to successfully organize an event inclusive of our diverse, international audience – with players coming from over 10 countries, over 120 horses and guests from all over the world. The decision was unanimous among Kitzbühel Tourismus and government officials as well as all of our great sponsors and partners including our title sponsor with us since inception, BENDURA BANK. Furthermore, aside from travel restrictions and quarantine guidelines, we have explored all alternative options to safely organize this event, but have come to the conclusion that we cannot execute the event up to our traditional standards and expectations with all the current restrictions in place.
Collectively looking ahead
Founder and organizer Tito Gaudenzi is confidently looking ahead: “We have to adapt to the world the way it is today. Safety is, and always will come first. We have successfully built and organized this event for over 18 years now, and we are in this for the long run! We believe in the future of this crown event for the international sport of Polo, and have been fortunate to grow together with BENDURA BANK and Kitzbühel Tourismus along with all of our great partners and sponsors.”
BENDURA BANK is a sponsor with a long history supporting the Snow Polo World Cup. CEO Dr. Peter Krenn explains: “For 18 years we have been a sponsor of the BENDURA BANK Snow Polo World Cup and carry a very successful partnership with the organizer. The event lives and thrives through it’s connection with our international guests and the pleasure of getting together on this occasion to unite and celebrate the sport, but the safety of our guests is most important. Hence, with renewed appreciation, vigor and confidence, we look forward to the next Polo event and many more Snow Polo World Cups in Kitzbühel.”
Dr. Viktoria Veider-Walser, Executive Director Kitzbühel Tourismus: “Together we are facing great challenges in these eventful times. The Snow Polo World Cup has been one of Kitzbühel‘s winter highlights for 18 years now and is firmly anchored in our calendar. We sincerely regret that the actual situation does not allow the 19th edition to be held nevertheless we look with confidence toward 2022.”
We would like to thank BENDURA BANK for being our partner since day one, as well as Kitzbühel Tourismus. Along with our other sponsors, partners, players and guests. We look forward to welcoming you back to Kitzbühel for Snow Polo in 2022.
VIP tickets that have been purchased for the 2021 event will either be reimbursed or credited towards the 2022 tournament.
