Switzerland

A game of superlatives. The highest and happiest polo game ever was played Wednesday 24th of July at Polo Park and Country Club Zürich in Switzerland.

Six high-goal players took a day off from their busy schedules to visit their friend Min Podestá at his home club. Min used to play in the kids‘ club as a junior player before his talents took him to higher levels.

Such a high level of polo had never been played in the country‘s history before. This friendship game was all about fun, and it certainly was that. During a short break in the high-goal polo season in England or France, these talented and focused athletes became like kids again, playing their favorite sport with friends without having to focus on winning, or training horses.

In the first chukka, Lukin Monteverde had to return to the pony line to ask for a new mallet, as his first one got broken due to a hook from Juan Cruz Gallegos. Bumpy field ? Let’s tap the ball in the air along its full length. Jacinto Crotto and Juan Jauretche were distributing the ball from the back, and the game was fast-paced and a true demonstration of skill.

All the amateur participants were deeply involved in the game, making passes, receiving the ball, and trying to score goals. La Irenita missed many opportunities and the final score was 5 to 4 in favor of Polo Park Zürich.

After the game, all the club members were invited to join the players and share their growing passion for the sport. The crackling fire added to the enchanting atmosphere as the players lay on the grass, chatting with their new friends.

Lifelong friends Min Podestá and Basti
Fernandez caught up about Basti‘s plans and recent developments in his life. In August 2017, Basti suffered an accident during a polo match at Legacy Polo Club, leaving him quadriplegic. As his stay in Switzerland was short, the insurance did not and will not cover all his future costs.

Despite this, Basti‘s love for polo and horses continues. He regularly visits the club, meets his hometown friends, and is part of the PPZ family. He sets a tremendous example of resilience with his winning soul.

If you would like to donate to his foundation, you can find all the information on the
website: www.bastifund.org

Teams

Polo Park Zürich (+21)
David Kalberer / Sébastien Le Page (0)
Armand Le Page / Markus Gräff (0)
Juan Cruz Gallegos (+5)
Jacinto Crotto (+8)
Martin Podestá Jr. (+8)

La Irenita Polo (+23)
Stefan Roth (0)
Morgan Van Overbroek (0)
Juan Jauretche (+7)
Lucas Monteverde (+8)
Facundo Fernandez Llorente (+8)

Text by Morgan Van Overborek
Photos by Kathrin Gralla

The Kusnacht Practice is the world’s most luxurious Rehab & Treatment Centre and a high-quality centre for mental health and addiction treatment.

Teamwork, the pursuit of excellence, and l’esprit de corps: these are among the values that animate the sport of kings, and both players and spectators of polo well understand the game’s finer qualities. They are also values shared by The Kusnacht Practice, an institution located not so far from Zurich’s Polo Park & Country Club which, for some years now, has been providing best-in-class care and rehabilitation services to a discerning clientele.

Since its founding The Kusnacht Practice has rightly won a reputation as the world’s most luxurious rehabilitation clinic, assisting high net worth individuals to overcome the challenges of mental ill-health and addiction with the expertise and discretion for which Swiss care has long been renowned. And it’s perhaps no coincidence that The Kusnacht Practice’s CEO, Eduardo Greghi, is himself a dedicated and talented polo player.

“Nothing can be more luxurious than expert care today,” says Mr Greghi, “and no other clinic offers treatment and rehabilitation services to a standard higher than The Kusnacht Practice. Our psychiatric and medical teams comprise the world’s best-trained clinicians, and we provide best-fit care.”

Nor is the Practice’s location a coincidence: Zürich enjoys a storied past as the crucible of psychiatric expertise, with Carl Jung and Eugen Bleuler among the eminent figures to have practiced in the city. There is tradition but at The Kusnacht Practice there is also innovation, and most importantly of all there is quality, discretion, privacy and luxury.

“From the first contact we are highly responsive and attentive to clients, our clinicians listen empathically to learn about a person’s needs, and – very importantly – we give them hope,” Mr Greghi adds. “We treat the underlying causes of symptoms so that clients are healed to their essence, and we provide them with tools and skills to lead healthy, happy and fulfilled lives.”

Clients arriving at the Practice are ushered from the airport to their own private residence, each benefitting from a live-in counsellor who is available 24/7 to assist the client with arising issues, plus an in-house chef who devises and implements a diet plan. These are among the building blocks of a treatment plan which through the Practice’s clinical teams – today counting 60 full-time staff with a further roster of 100 therapists – is tailor-made for each client in every case. Care plans fit the client’s needs as would a bespoke suit or ballgown, both for the duration of the client’s stay (typically six weeks but often longer) and beyond.

As polo competitors know, sport can be extremely demanding on the mind, body and soul, and recovery is an absolutely vital partner to play. The same applies in the game of life itself: each of us know just how demanding modern life can be, and the stresses it can place on individuals. That’s also why the Kusnacht Practice excels in providing both psychiatric care – for issues including substance and behavioural addictions, mental illnesses including schizophrenia, borderline personality, bipolar, obsessive-compulsive and eating disorders – along with medical care. Instant access to the best of Switzerland’s clinical facilities is available under the leadership of medical director Dr Konrad Hitz in collaboration with the Practice’s partner Double Check medical partner.

“Our clients are all too familiar with demanding much of themselves to achieve their goals,” says Dr Hitz. “Creativity and self-belief are no strangers to them: they are resourceful and resilient individuals, typically high achievers who have had to face challenges without the sufficient inherent resources to cope. When a downward spiral ensues, we step in.”

And then there’s the innovation we learned of above. Clients at The Kusnacht Practice soon come to feel better in Switzerland’s rarefied air, enjoying beautiful views from their private residences overlooking Lake Zürich, with up to eight therapeutic sessions per day – conducted, naturally, in private – providing for their needs. Alongside the fundamental therapeutic processes of psychiatric monitoring, psychological and psychotherapeutic support, medical management and physical wellbeing the clinic applies an impressive range of complementary therapies. These include including hypnotherapy, rTMS (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation), neurofeedback, EMDR (eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing), somatic experiencing and Satori Chair plus yoga, reflexology, meditation, reflexology, acupuncture, massage and many more.

But recognising the truism that we are what we eat, a decisive pillar of The Kusnacht Practice’s approach is the use of Biomolecular Restoration (Bio-R) treatment, led by Nutritional Director Dr Antoinette Sarasin and delivered to clients every day by their personal chef. This highly individualised medical approach corrects imbalances and stress factors in body and brain biochemistry, providing a one-of-a-kind formulation which is as unique as a client’s fingerprint. Biomolecular restoration strengthens physical and emotional wellbeing and energy, promotes successful weight management, sleep, rejuvenation, anti-ageing and immune system support, and restores crucial micronutrients including vitamins, minerals, amino acids and fatty acids.

“This approach allows us to detect the true root of health problems and symptoms, and provides personalised tools and solutions for a significant gain in sustainable health, vitality and happiness,” says Dr Sarasin.

Not unlike a wise sport manager, the Practice’s team of clinicians and therapists work together to take a long view of a client’s health – spotting the inner rhythms and invisible tensions and devising strategies for wellness that lead the client to the ultimate goal of returning to a happy and healthy life. As sport can sometimes achieve the heights of art, so The Kusnacht Practice turns rehabilitation and wellbeing into the finest of crafts – perhaps as close as medicine itself can come to art.

“We provide what is necessary to treat the entire person in the most personal way possible, and we have been polishing this approach for 10 years, continually bringing in the best professionals, and our success rates are exemplary,” Mr Greghi notes.

Recovery begins when clients arrive in Kusnacht but it doesn’t end there. Research has demonstrated that the longer an individual can commit to residential treatment, the greater the likelihood that they will experience sustained recovery; of equal importance is the onward journey and that’s why families and loved ones are encouraged to visit the Practice to learn strategies for maintaining the client’s ongoing health.

“Recovery is a long-term process and main predictors of success are a client’s engagement during their stay, and ongoing support from family and loved ones as well as our clinicians after they depart,” says Mr Greghi. “We strongly encourage family and loved ones to visit us, and we equip them with the skills to support the client as they progress through the stresses that life can bring.”

A testament to the quality of The Kusnacht Practice’s care is that clients often leave deeply changed: healed in body, mind and soul and enabled to lead their recovery with the tools they need to ensure a healthy, content and productive lifestyle. They depart freed from harmful behaviours, reliance upon medical pharmaceuticals and with balance restored to their biochemistry, neurochemistry and self-perception, empowered to lead a full and happy life.

“As practitioners as well as people we are altruistic first and foremost,” concludes Mr Greghi. “No matter how hopeless a situation looks or feels to an individual, we can help. In fact, where everyone else gives up is where we start.”

The results of its exceptional work demonstrate why The Kusnacht Practice is regarded as one of the most successful treatment centres in the world: the ultimate in care and treatment in one destination.

© Kusnacht

The Kusnacht Practice in Zollikon.

Beautiful views from the residences overlooking Lake Zürich – first-class care and Swiss excellence.

Eduardo Greghi, CEO.
 
Left: World-class treatment facilities.
Right: T
he Practice’s Medical Director Dr med. Konrad Hitz.

POLO+10 is more than delighted to start the production of the new highclass Magazine for the Polo Park & Country Club Zürich 2020. The new magazine will come out in spring 2020. PPZ – these three letters stand for Polo Park Zurich and at the same time for entrepreneur spirit, innovation and development. Since it was founded in 1998, Polo Park Zurich has developed into the Polo Club with the largest headcount and the most important training centre for polo in Switzerland. Morgan Van Overbroek and Sébastien Le Page direct the club into a bright future and celebrated a glamorous 20 years jubilee with the opening of the new club house in 2018. They bring so much passion to the sport and travel the world for new polo experiences which they transform and adapt to take the polo in Switzerland on a new level. “It is the harmony in every detail that makes this club unique and unforgettable for its visitors.“ We are grateful to share this passion, to be part of their team and support them with this contemporary documentation of their work for the sport of polo. 

www.polopark.ch

© Thomas Wirth

The 24th Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad at the Saanen airfield saw spectacular polo matches against the breathtaking alpine backdrop. Polo Grandsigneur Dr Piero Dillier and his team could take the victory home.

With perfect weather and unforgettable alpine views it was only fitting the final be equally spectacular, and as expected, the teams boasting some of the world’s best, didn’t disappoint. Finally it was team Clinique La Prairie with Piero Dillier, Bautista Beguerie, Juan Manuel Gonzales and Lucas Labat who made it to the very top of the 24th Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad. They defeated opponent Team Hublot with Marco Elser, Marcos Antinori, Nicola Antinori and Julio Novillo Astrada by a clear 10-5.

The best amateur player of the tournament, American Marco Elser, wore his trademarked grin while explaining that despite the clear defeat (10-5) there was no place for disappointment at the awards ceremony: “Being a finalist is already a great success in and of itself, and the winner was a beautiful team which produced a beautiful game with effective team organization and very good horses.”

Lucas Labat, Clinique La Prairie’s backbone, admitted it wasn’t that difficult to win with a team which has both, talent and chemistry. “I think this team is one of the best I’ve played with here in Europe, where I’ve been playing since 1998. The team worked together perfectly, the conditions were ideal, and the organization a well-oiled machine. For me, Gstaad is one of the best tournaments in Europe. My job was to send the ball to my forwards, who could then chain the goals. This is the type of polo I believe in, and I am convinced that in the future, we must return to this kind of open game.” In the match for 3rd, Banque Eric Sturdza made good on their promise to try for the best result despite being dethroned of their title by Clinique La Prairie. In a much tighter game, they beat Gstaad Palace. In August 2020 this unique polo event will celebrate its 25th anniversary. With Pierre Genecand and his teams at the helm, the quarter century celebration is sure to amaze team.

www.polo-gstaad.ch

© ThomasWirth

The Swiss Ambassador in Morocco, Massimo Baggi, playing alongside Michele Cattadori,  Attila Tanzi and Ignacio Tegerina won the first edition of  the Ambassador’s Polo Cup at the PGH La Palmeraie Polo Club, next to the beach Sidi Mghait in the south of Tangier/Morocco.

Four teams took part in this first edition of the Ambassador’s Polo Cup: Beside Team Switzerland, CONSULT IT featured Mehdi Nsiri, Yasssine Daouda, Simohamed Daoud and Khalid Lakhmiri. For Team Jnan Amar Polo Club started Adrien Chapoutot, Patrick De Guillebon as well as Bruno and Baptiste Rossi. PGH La Palmeraie Polo Club saw Nacho Silvestre, Gergely Juhász, Daniel Hurstel and Willy Lopez competing for goals.

Team Switzerland emerged victorious from the first round against CONSULT IT with 7 – 5 goals, before beating Team Jnan Amar in a thrilling match with 8 – 5 in the final encounter on Sunday. The other duel of the day, which decided about the third place in this Ambassador’s Polo Cup, saw the victory of the Moroccan team CONSULT IT by defeating Team PGH Palmeraie Polo Club with 7 – 2.

“It was a great polo weekend”, said Mehdi Nsiri, associate general manager of CONSULT IT. “The tournament organization was really perfect, nothing was left to chance. The level of matches was very competitive. For our brand CONSULT IT it was really a good chance to have sponsored this event. We are very grateful and thank Mr. Guerrand Hermès, owner of the Palmeraie Polo Club, as well as His Excellency Massimo Baggi, Ambassador of Switzerland to Morocco, for their excellent work as well as their wonderful welcome.”

Ranking Teams:

1. Team Switzerland
Massimo Baggi
Michele Cattadori
Attila Tanzi
Ignacio Tegerina

2. Team CONSULT IT
Mehdi Nsiri
Yasssine Daouda
Simohamed Daoud
Khalid Lakhmiri

3. Team Jnan Amar Polo Club
Adrien Chapoutot
Patrick De Guillebon
Bruno Rossi
Baptiste Rossi 

4. Team PGHLa Palmeraie Polo Club
Nacho Silvestre
Gergely Juhász
Daniel Hurstel
Willy Lopez

@pgh_lapalmeraie_polo_club #pghlapalmeraie

 

 

Nestled among the picture postcard hills, in the north of Switzerland, the final of the Zürich Championship Medium Goal took place at Polo Park Zürich. For the 14th year running, the tournament founded and sponsored by Equilibrium patron Daniel Aegerter for both professionals and amateur players alike, rallied a cheery crowd of polo enthusiasts to watch spectacular play.

The match for fifth and sixth place began promptly at 10am, like a reliable Swiss watch. Luck was in for Equilibrium, who have previously won the Championship title over a handful of times, as they won their match 7 – 3 against Wascosa landing them fifth place.

BIO-R took on Banque Havilland for third and fourth spots, and in a very close match, BIO-R secured their place against Banque Havilland 5 goals to 4.

After two surprisingly competitive matches, and with Los Lobos seeking to defend their 2018 title, the final was set to be a nail biting one!

The first chukka set off at an exploding pace, and despite many players testing their ponies jumping skill over the boards, play was forward, fast and action packed. Great defense came from Los Lobos, who were undoubtedly seeking another win. However, when 2 goaler Roberto Rochelle had his chance, he played a faultless nearside forehand off the sideboards, and with a gentle tap in the direction of home, he clinched the first goal for team Grāff Capital.

Confident from their first chukka, Grāff Capital landed themselves very close to goal within opening seconds of the second chukka, only to be defended by Sébastien Le Page, Los Lobos. Play picked up speed, and the first 60 yard penalty was given to Los Lobos, converting it to their first goal, bringing the score even against Grāff Capital.

After yet another brief pony exchange, with both teams ensuring to not overheat their ponies, the third chukka was well underway. During the third minute, a further penalty awarded to Los Lobos resulted in another goal, bringing the score to 2 – 1.  Facundo Kelly gained full ownership of the ball, and at speeds of over 30mph, and team Grāff Capital too far behind, he granted himself the opportunity to score the third goal for Los Lobos, closing the chukka on 3 – 1.

In the opening of the last chukka, Roberto demonstrated yet again how to score, and with the help of father and son duo Markus and Thommy Grāff defending off Los Lobos, Roberto notched a further two goals for Grāff Capital, making the game even. The coveted Zurich Championship was all to play for! Los Lobos had yet another opportunity with a 60 yard penalty, and Pierandrea Müller secured a much needed fourth goal. In a last minute attempt, Thommy Grāff, ridden off fiercely by Martin Podesta, travelled full speed down the pitch in hope of success, but time was up for Grāff Capital, as Los Lobos defended their title, winning the game 4 – 3.

After an exceptionally hot day for the 14th edition of this tournament, the players celebrated in the usual fashion, with a champagne shower, and guests enjoyed an afternoon Asado, in the much-needed shade of the clubhouse.

by: Rebecca Ponzio

Ranking:
1st Los Lobos
2nd Grāff Capital
3rd BIO-R
4th Banque Havilland
5th Equilibrium
6th Wascosa Polo

 

Photo: Rebecca Ponzio

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