Fourth-Grade Polo Day Delights Local Youths
The Engel & Vӧlkers Field at the International Polo Club Palm Beach resonated with shouts, giggles, and whoops at the annual Fourth-Grade Polo Day on January 20. The meticulously groomed and graded field, which measures nine times larger than a football field, is often referred to as “holy ground,” and is reserved only for Sunday high-goal polo competition. However, Fourth-Grade Polo Day is the exception. It is the one day that is all about the children who annually participate in a program designed to teach them about the sport of polo. A sport that dominates the western communities during the winter polo season. Panther Run, New Horizons, Binks Forest, Equestrian Trails, and Wellington were the five elementary schools participating.
“Fourth-Grade Polo Day is one of the great highlights of the winter polo season,” said John Wash, president of the International Polo Club (IPC). “Seeing the excitement of over a thousand children in the stadium, filling the toney box seats normally reserved for members, is as heartwarming as it is fun,” said Wash. Four of the world’s top professional polo players, Luis Escobar, Augustin Arellano, Julio Escurra, and Matias Magrini, gave instruction on the game – from selecting the ideal polo pony to wielding a mallet and mastering three basic shots: the back shot, the neck shot, and the tail shot. The polo professionals, and their children, ages 6-11, played a two-chukker exhibition match for the students.
In place of the traditional, complimentary champagne served during the festive divot stomp, goody bags filled with healthy treats and juice boxes, provided by Whole Foods, were met with cheers. Also, “Chukker” the mascot performed sideline antics and posed for photos with the children.
The trophy presentation was highlighted by ice cream bars provided by the Jacobs Family and the Wellington Preservation Coalition. “We’re proud to sponsor the trophy presentation, with ice cream bars for everyone,” said Tom Wenham, executive director of the Wellington Preservation Coalition. “We always look forward to seeing the students having fun and growing the sport of polo.” The match ended in a tie and both teams proudly accepted tournament award gifts donated by the International Polo Club.
The International Polo Club has hosted the annual Fourth-Grade Polo Day since 2002, sharing the excitement of the sport with local youths. Enthusiasm for the game continues to grow in the United States with the USPA’s current membership exceeding 4,500 members, many of whom are women players. Over 250 clubs and intercollegiate and interscholastic schools are registered with the USPA. IPC is committed to the support and growth of junior players – assuring a bright future for the sport – as polo’s strength will hinge on the young players of tomorrow.
Please visit our website at InternationalPoloClub.com for information on the 2015 high-goal polo matches that are held every Sunday at 3 p.m. through April 19, 2015.