One of the best polo players in the world, Argentina’s Adolfo Cambiaso, was on hand to inspire the next generation at a charity polo event last month.
Twenty-one young people and military veterans took part in the Change Your Line Cup, supported by BREXA and DMMI and organised by charity Power of Polo, a four-chukka match which was held at Guards Polo Club in Windsor.
Power of Polo (PoP) is a grassroots charity which uses polo as a tool for social impact with young people facing social, economic and health challenges.
Participants came from PoP’s charity partners Alabaré, Oxford Community Action and Ebony Horse Club, as well as from residential camps and activities that the charity has run at Oxford Polo Club, Offchurch Bury Polo Club, Tedworth Park Polo Club and Cool Hooves Polo.
Prize winners
Adolfo, who is in England as part of the UK high goal season, spent time chatting with participants, hearing their stories and presenting the prizes.
He awarded Khafayah Shodunke from Oxford Community Action and Ben Murphy-Jephcott from Alabaré Youth, who were named the day’s Most Valuable Players, a shirt which was signed by him, his son Poroto and daughter Mia.
The inaugural recipient of the Change Your Line Award, which recognises a Power of Polo participant who has consistently worked hard to change the direction of their life and who embodies the charity’s values of resilience, determination and perseverance, was Harry Thorpe.
‘Truly special’
“This event has evolved into something very special over our long relationship with BREXA and David Matsumoto and I want to thank them, and Guards Polo Club, for their support,” said Katy Hayward, PoP founder and ceo.
“This was our best event yet and we are so proud of all our participants for playing so brilliantly and shining a light on what we do.
“I also want to thank Adolfo for coming; having the greatest polo player of all time here to present prizes and chat to our participants was a truly special moment.
“We very much hope we can find a way to continue this event in the future.”
Images © Images of Polo.
