Richmond, NSW – the premier polo precinct in Australia located in the Hawkesbury region – will become the host of the XI FIP World Polo Championship. The Sydney Polo Club (SPC) and World Cup Polo Pty Ltd (WCP) welcome local, regional, interstate and international guests to attend the 9-day event, taking place from 21 – 29 October 2017.
Eight of the world’s most elite tournament Polo teams will be clambering to take the title from current champion, Chile. The tournament will see seasoned players such as Jack Archibald (AUS), Guy Higginson (NZ), and Hector Guerrero (ARG) meeting on the field to go head to head for the top gong.
The North American Qualifier will take place at the end of the month with the finals on April 30, and the European Qualifiers scheduled to be announced on May 7. With so much at stake, The North American team has gone to great lengths to ensure they are ready for the Richmond conditions. Earlier this month, the team traveled to Australia and spent two weeks training at the host venue, Sydney Polo Club, giving them a chance to better prepare for the upcoming qualifier in Florida, USA.
While the on-field competition will be fierce, the World Polo Championship will host a variety of family friendly events, tailoring to the likes of all ages, engaging with the Hills, Hawkesbury and surrounding areas. The all-encompassing Polo Championship will include a show stopping equine festival complete with rodeo, jousting, show jumping and vaulting– just a few of the many family friendly entertainment elements to complement the competitive games.
The 2017 World Polo Championship presents unparalleled opportunities for the sport of polo in Australia, leading considerable spin-off benefits for the Hawkesbury region, New South Wales and tourism across the state.
The organisers are working with local artisans, producers and entertainers to ensure that all offerings are a showcase of the local talent, offering economic benefits to everyone in the region.
The organisers will also be working closely with local veterinary students, clubs and organisations to truly cater to the Richmond community. Over 1000 local volunteers will be working with the team to ensure a seamless and quality event for all locals and visitors to the region.
The World Polo Championship is also looking to include educational partnerships, sustainability programs, ecological restoration initiatives, community developments and indigenous partnership programs within the event to ensure community benefits are received across a diverse range of groups and industries.
Early bird ticket pricing is available now until the end of May.
Please visit
www.wpcsydney.com
by Arrnott Olssen
Editor Rogue Homme
