Wellington, Florida - November 22, 2010 - The traditional sport of polo will take on a new field of players on April 2, 2011, when the world's only Gay Polo League (GPL) will host their second international Gay Polo Tournament. Held at the Grand Champions Polo Club in Wellington, FL, the tournament will kick off with opening ceremonies and conclude with an awards presentation about 5:00pm. Followed by an after-party!
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 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.
On April 2, 2011, the GPL will bring out 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 periods throughout the six-chukker game. Melissa and Marc Ganzi (owners of Grand Champions Polo Club in Wellington, FL), will provide sixty-four horses for GPL and professional players alike during the tournament.
After such a great beginning and a warm greeting from the community after the first tournament in April 2010, the GPL believes that this event has a long shelf life. GPL Founder and President, Chip McKenney, (COO of Troika Design Group) says, "Last year, GPL arrived in Wellington charged with excitement about playing polo at Grand Champions. And while we anticipated having a wonderful time, we were overwhelmed by the community turn-out and support we received. It was incredible! We can not wait to play there again and reconnect with our new friends - polo and non-polo."
GPL has players from all over the country to participate in their events, and is now offering polo on the West Coast for members. GPL is looking forward to competing at the first Open Polo Tournament to be held at the Bel Air Polo Club inside the Los Angeles Equestrian Center on Saturday December 4th and Sunday December 5th, 2010. Next up for GPL players will be the United States Gay Polo Tournament held at the El Dorado Polo Club in Indio, CA, on Sunday, February 20, 2011.
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
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 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 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
| Last Updated 11/22/2010 |
