CIBC Private Wealth Management and CIBC Wood Gundy
present
LOCAL MEDIA
Read Steph Willems' article in the EMC about how some of the proceeds have been used
See what
Doug Hempstead of the
Ottawa Sun says about Polo for Learning 2010
POLO FOR LEARNING
Polo for Learning
CIBC Private Wealth Management and CIBC Wood Gundy
present
Polo for Learning seeks to support those charities who contribute to
sustained wellness and improved quality of life for children.
Access to what is needed in childhood inspires children to become healthy, confident, creative, empathetic, involved members of society.
Polo for Learning 2011 recipients include
Great River School Tuition Assistance Program
What happens at Polo for Learning
12:000 noon Gates Open
There are 2 seating options. General Admission and VIP.
Our General Admission guests will enjoy picnic grass seating. We encourage you to bring your folding chairs for the afternoon. Pack along a lunch or look for the charity barbecue on site.
For those wanting a more VIP atmosphere, tables are available in a specially designated area. VIP guests enjoy a catered lunch while mingling with the polo players between matches.
There will be activities for children throughout the afternoon, hosted by the charities.
Between the two polo matches everyone will be welcome onto the field for the time honoured Divot Stomp tradition.
The Silent Auction is open from noon until 3:30 with some special items auctioned live during the event.
At 4:00 pm is the final award ceremony and the closing of the event.
About the sport of polo
The sport of polo dates far back into history, so far that it is not simple to pinpoint its precise origins.
The references in ancient Persian history and in the Chinese culture suggest that the sport did originate somewhere in Central Asia, possibly from the nomadic warrior horsemen as a test or demonstration of equestrian and battle skill. The modern name can be traced to Tibet where it was known as “Pulu” which means ball.
In the early 1800’s British tea planters observed the game in India. However, it was not until 1850 that the first rules were developed by the British Cavalry. The first polo club was formed near Manipur by British tea planters. The Calcutta Polo Club was founded in 1868 and is the oldest existing club.
English and Irish engineers and ranchers introduced polo to Argentina. The first official match took place there in 1875. It was not long until the sport appeared in Australia and then New York in 1876 with great interest and support. From 1930 - 1936 polo was designated an Olympic sport and has now been recognized again by the IOC.
Today polo is played in more than 84 countries.
Although there are many rules to the game of polo, the primary concept to which all rules are dedicated is safety, for the player and his mount.
A team is made up of three or four players, each wearing a jersey with numbers 1 to 3 or 4, which corresponds to their position. Number 1 is the most offensive player, concentrating on scoring. Number 4 is the defensive player, primarily responsible for defending his/her team’s goal. Usually, the most experienced and highest-rated players are at positions 2 and 3, with the pivotal player being number 3, who must serve as an effective field captain, or quarter back. The number 3 coordinates the offense, and passing the ball up field to his teammates as they press toward the enemy goal. Each player is also assigned an opponent to cover on defense and must be prepared to shift offensive and defensive modes and to make any play that will benefit his team.
Strategy and anticipation are two of the most important elements in polo and usually come with experience. For the spectator, keep an eye on the horses. The speed and athletic abilities of both the horse and rider are spectacular. All of these elements combined, make the fast-paced action of polo one of the most exciting and demanding sports in the world.
(information compliments of Polo Canada and Federation of International Polo)
Photos by Ms. Alea Cardarelli
Click heLive Auction brought to you by Mr. Ryan Watson of
