WELLINGTON, FL. – It’s almost game time! The LEXUS International Gay Polo Tournament - Presented by Douglas Elliman Real Estate’s four days of festivities returns to The International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington, Florida from April 7 – 10, 2022.
Beginning with a by invitation only Thursday night VIP Reception at the 7th Chukker, players and sponsors will have the opportunity to meet and greet while hearing about the 2022 festivities and benefitting charity, OnePULSE Foundation.
Friday kicks off with Gay Polo League (GPL) Senator Cup preliminary matches at both 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. before the fun turns up a notch during the GPL Polotini’s WIGSTOCK! presented by Baccarat beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Mallet Grille in the International Polo Club. Experience hair-raising fun, cocktails and light bites, live entertainment, and dancing. Tickets are $250.
On Saturday, International Polo Club gates open at 8:00 a.m. when tailgaters will begin to deck out their tents before the Parade of Teams and first match begins at 10:30 a.m. The colorful competition taking place off the field is always a sight during the world-famous tailgate competition recognizing winners in one of five categories: Best in Show, Best Cuisine, Best Cocktail, Best Single Tailgate and Best Multiple Tailgate, sponsored by First Republic Bank. Be a part of the sophisticated and spirited competition, where no detail is overlooked, in the viral-worthy social scenes, decor and carefully selected decadent servings. Highlights from past participants recreated moments from Steel Magnolias, Gray Gardens, Brunch at Tiffany’s, Gay Polo League (GPL) yacht club, Gert’s 1950’s Beauty Salon, Wizard of Oz, and more. The rolling thunder of majestic ponies only complements the lighthearted laughter from the tailgaters as they race up and down the field in the event culminating match featuring elite athletes from around the globe.
Highlight of the day will be the GPL Senator Cup Finals and GPL Founder’s Cup Finals which begin at 10:30 a.m. Teams participating in the tournament include Baccarat, Cherry Knoll Farms, First Republic Bank and Woodford Reserve. Tickets range from $30 general admission to $1,800 for a VIP table for 8. at
Sunday is the conclusion of the weekend with an exclusive brunch beginning at 1:00 p.m. in the Mallet Grille. Relax while indulging in delicious foods, cocktails and the best of company while watching the US Open Polo Match. Tickets are $150. (NOTE: these are not GPL matches)
Founded in 2006 by Chip McKenney, the LEXUS International Gay Polo Tournament - Presented by Douglas Elliman Real Estate has grown in popularity, creativity, and impact with nearly 3,000 players, attendees, and merrymakers from around the world attending the event annually. This year, 16 LGBTQ+ polo players, representing 6 countries, will participate in the matches. The event was created to generate awareness and to move the needle forward for LGBTQ athletes, the event works to ensure athletes not only have the same opportunities, but also a safe place to learn, grow and excel in their sport. The tournament has created opportunities to connect wonderfully diverse people, have conversations with changemakers, and to elevate experiences to shift conversations.
Proudly, the work expands beyond the game of polo and equestrian sports and the Gay Polo League has been named the recipient of the prestigious Palm Beach County Sports Commission “Champion of Equity & Diversity Award”.
“Being named the award recipient, from a non-gay organization, is validation for diversity event organizers like us,” shared Chip McKenney, founder of the Gay Polo League and Tournament. “This reflects a belief in the value our event(s) brings to the community. This recognition is crucial for LGBTQ athletes and their supporters. We are proud that GPL has become an instrument of change and oftentimes introduces gay people into the lives and consciousness of people who may not have known gay people firsthand.”
In addition to the awareness and outreach, raising money in support of diversity and inclusion initiatives for other LGBTQ organizations remains a priority. The 2022 event will benefit onePULSE Foundation, an organization born after the tragic events that unfolded at Pulse Nightclub where 49 people lost their lives in 2016. The onePULSE Foundation’s mission is to create and support a national memorial that opens hearts, a museum that opens minds, educational programs that open eyes and legacy scholarships that open doors.
“We are grateful to be back this year and invite everyone to join us for an incredible weekend,” ended McKenney.
To experience the excitement, or for additional information, please visit www.gaypolo.com.
About the Gay Polo League (GPL)
The Gay Polo League (GPL) is the only LGBTQ identified polo league in the world. Since its founding in 2006, GPL has built an international network of LGBTQ polo players and enthusiasts in 14countries. The league embraces a cross-section of ages, abilities, professions, and riding experience. Through its enthusiasm for the sport, the league works to foster positive perceptions about gay athletes and the LGBTQ community. The focus is to provide the LGBTQ community with opportunities to learn how to play polo and successfully compete in GPL tournaments and events. In late 2016, GPL became a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. This designation enables the Gay Polo League to use its events to benefit others and raise much needed funds for programs aimed at help those within the LGBTQ community.
