When the first of three matches against The Villages team from Florida launches the Barbados Polo Club’s 2015 season next Tuesday (January 27), it will mark the start of an exciting new phase in the life of this historic organization. A series of action-packed games will thrill the crowds at Holders Polo Field, while the Club will have a fresh new image following a rebranding programme, including new logos and the forthcoming launch of a web site and Facebook page.
Club Secretary Stewart Gill welcomed a large gathering to the Holders Clubhouse to launch the season Friday morning, January 23. Sponsors and commercial partners were joined by guests, local and international players and members of the media.
With the stated aim of further developing polo within the island’s sports-tourism portfolio, the Club will be focusing on hosting quality events to enhance the growing awareness of the sport. With exciting new off-field activities planned, Sunday, February 1, will be one of the season’s early highlights, when the Final of the Digicel ICBL Villages Tour is joined on a spectacular double bill by the opening match in the Diamonds International Bulgari Battle of the Sexes.
Commercial Operations Director of Digicel Tanya Menzies-Beckford said: “Digicel is very pleased to be co-title sponsor of the inaugural Digicel/IBCL Villages Tour. For a number of years, we have been heavily involved in polo, a commitment which is in keeping with our focus on sports and its contribution to the development of Barbados. There is no doubt about the role which polo plays in bringing visitors to the island of Barbados, with players more often than not traveling with family, or returning to the island in the future on vacation, thus bringing much-needed foreign exchange entering into the economy.”
Alistair Brown, Director of Sales & Marketing for UNNA, added: “Barbados is uniquely placed in the Caribbean when it comes to high quality sports. UNNA Resorts & Residences welcomes couples and families from all over the world to our shores, these great events help us do that.”
Although unable to attend today’s function, in thanking the Barbados Polo Club’s Tour and Season sponsors, President Wayne Archer enthused: “This is going to be an extremely exciting Polo season! There is going to be back-to-back action starting next week with The Villages team from Florida, followed by an extremely competitive Ladies team facing up against the men. We have Cheshire Polo from the UK, always a good crowd puller, and lastly, the ever-competitive Barbados Open at the end of March. We are extremely grateful to all of our sponsors again this year. Without them none of the above would be possible.”
While matches will continue to be played throughout the week, the Club will be placing extra emphasis on the Sunday fixtures, with special food stations offering culinary delights to patrons: on February 1, Scott Ames of Scott’s Catering will be in charge, while west coast restaurant Cin Cin will provide the fare on the following Sunday.
Barbados Polo Club fixtures:
January 27th, 29th & February 1st: Digicel ICBL Villages Tour - all matches played at Holders –February 1st, 3rd, 5th & 8th: Diamonds International Bulgari Battle of the Sexes - matches played at Holders, except for Thursday 5th (Apes Hill)
Future fixtures:
March 1st – 8th: Cheshire Tour
March 12th – 22nd: The Barbados Open
The Barbados Polo Club’s Principal Tour and Season Sponsors for 2015 are Diamonds International, Digicel, ICBL and Virgin Atlantic Airways, supported by Banks Beer, Bulgari, Piper Heidsieck, Platinum Motors, Select Rentals, UNNA Resorts & Residences and Y103.
For further media information: e-mail – barbadospoloclub@gmail.com
Web site: www.barbadospoloclub.com (soon to be launched)
