For Immediate Release
Alyson Sanderford for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
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Gay Polo League to Donate 50 Percent of General Admission Ticket Sales to Palm Beach County Human Rights Council
Wellington, FL – December 13, 2010 – The Gay Polo League (GPL), the world’s only polo league for Gay, Lesbian Bisexual or Transgendered (GLBT) players, will return to Wellington in April of 2011 to host their second International Gay Polo Tournament. The event will be held on Saturday April 2, 2011 at the Grand Champions Polo Club in Wellington, FL. This year, half of the money raised from general admission tickets sold will go to support the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council.
The GPL is a United States Polo Association (USPA) official club and consists of all levels of polo players, from beginners to professionals. The USPA rates polo players based upon athletic abilities, playing skills, and tournament play time. Beginning at the lowest level “C”, players move up as they acquire knowledge and refine techniques, eventually getting to “B”, “A”, and then 0- 10, respectively. “A 10” is that coveted rating, and is only held by a few players in the world. Those players who established themselves as the best in the world are awarded with the “A 10” rating. Members of all different levels are seen throughout the GPL, as the only skill required for club members is to have a passion for the sport of polo.
After last year’s Gay Polo Tournament, The Village of Wellington (pop. 55,584) amended its Equal Employment Opportunity policy to prohibit discrimination based on both “sexual orientation” and “gender identity or expression” in Village employment. The policy covers the Village’s 258 employees.
The action was taken following a request from the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council, a local non-profit organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.
“The Gay Polo League’s selection of Wellington encouraged the Council to ask the Village to adopt a more inclusive Equal Employment Opportunity policy and to provide family benefits to employees with domestic partners,” said Rand Hoch, President and Founder of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council. “Wellington’s equestrian community came out in support of the tournament – and in support of our requests.”
As a result, Wellington’s revised Equal Employment Opportunity Policy now states: “Wellington’s employment practices are without regard to race, color, creed. religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, age, marital status, familial status, veteran’s status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law in all personnel and employment actions and in all terms and conditions of employment.”
The Gay Polo League wishes to continue its support of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council by donating half of proceeds from the General Admission tickets sold to their event for 2011 to the council. The event will again be held at Grand Champions Polo Field in Wellington on Saturday, April 2, 2011. The GPL will bring out their highest players to compete in a USPA governed tournament, comprised of twelve GPL players, and four world-class professional players.
“We are thrilled to have this support and partnership from the Gay Polo League,” noted Hoch. “Palm Beach County is the friendliest place for the LGBT community in all of Florida. For us to be a part of this wonderful event for 2011 is very special, especially such a high quality event that the public is excited about!”
2nd Annual International Gay Polo League Tournament Fast Facts:
Event: The Gay Polo League (GPL) is pleased to announce their 2nd Annual International Polo Tournament in Wellington, FL
What: Unprecedented, the GPL Tournament will take place during the first week of April. The tournament will field four teams, each of which is to be comprised of GPL players and anchored by a high-goal professional.
Who is GPL: GPL is the sole international polo league to be primarily comprised of lesbian and gay players. Founded to enable gay men and lesbians to share their interest in this unique sport, GPL has created a community of passionate, like-minded athletes. GPL’s mission is to provide the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) community with the opportunity to develop and refine the necessary skills for participating in this exceptional sport. To achieve its mission, GPL continues to promote participation in amateur competitions and foster fellowship and goodwill among all members.
Where: Grand Champions Polo Club
Located at the corner of Lake Worth Road and South Shore Boulevard
When: Saturday, April 2, 2011
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Prices: $20 General Admission
-Includes a field side view of an elegant and exciting game of polo
*Please Provide Your Own Chair
$175 Tailgate Space
-Includes 8 General Admission Tickets & 1 Tailgate Parking Space
$2500 VIP Table
-Includes 8 Seats at Private Table in VIP tent
-Gourmet Food and Beverage
Sponsorship: The GPL offers numerous ways to get involved and connect with participants, spectators, and receive press coverage of future.
For more information about the GPL or for sponsorship opportunities please contact:
The Gay Polo League
Website: www.GayPolo.com
Phone: 561-753-3389
Fax: 561-753-3386
Gay Polo League
Mason Phelps
C/O PMG
12230 Forest Hill Blvd. Suite 214
Wellington, Florida 33414