Polo
The traditional sport of polo will take on a new field of players on April 3, 2010, when the world's only Gay Polo League (GPL) will host the first international Gay Polo Tournament. Held at the Grand Champions Polo Club in Wellington, FL, the tournament will begin with opening ceremonies at 1:00 p.m. and will conclude with trophy presentations at 5:00 p.m.
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 plays. 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 the coveted rating that is only held by the few that have established themselves as the best in the world. Members of all different levels are seen throughout the GPL, as the club welcomes anyone with a passion for the sport.
On April 3, 2010, at Grand Champions Polo Club, the GPL will put forth their highest players to compete in a USPA governed tournament. The tournament will be comprised of twelve GPL players, and four world-class professional players. Each player will be provided with four horses, one per every seven and a half minute period throughout the six chukker game. Melissa and Marc Ganzi (owners of Grand Champions Polo Club in Wellington, FL), will provide sixty-four horses for use at the tournament.
With so many interested polo players wanting to participate, the GPL hopes that this event has a long shelf life. GPL Founder and President, Chip McKenney, (COO of Troika Design Group) says, "It's the shelf life of an event that tells you how great the event truly was, and there is no doubt that The First International Gay Polo League Tournament will be a hit."
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| Team Maximus and Team Quadrus. |
The GPL was recently asked to participate in an exhibition arena polo game during the 2010 World Equestrian Games. McKenney envisions great things for the future, and explained that he seeks to "increase the number of chapters in America and the World, and eventually have four large events per year in the four corners of the United States."
If you would like to become a member costs are as follows:
Joining the GPL can be done on one of three levels:
1. Patron Membership - $500 per year
2. Full Membership - $250 per year
3. International/Social Membership - $50 per year
1st Annual International Gay Polo League Tournament
Fast Facts:
Event: The International Gay Polo League (GPL) is pleased to announce their 1st Annual 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 women 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 3, 2010
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
$150 Tailgate Space
-Includes 8 General Admission Tickets & 1 Tailgate Parking Space
$3500 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: 561-868-1807
Fax: 561-753-3386
Gay Polo League
C/O PMG
12230 Forest Hill Blvd. Suite 214
Wellington, Florida 33414
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