It’s been a banner year for John Wash and the International Polo Club. Earlier in the year John Wash, president of club operations for the International Polo Club, received the Palm Beach County Sports Commission’s prestigious President’s Award for his commitment to the sport of polo and the South Florida equestrian community.
“In 37 years, this coveted distinction has only been proffered four times,” said PBCSC’s executive director, George Linley. “This year, the Palm Beach County Hall of Fame Committee was unanimous in its selection of Mr. Wash.”
And if that wasn’t enough, the International Polo Club was recently given the Providencia Award based on the club’s significant and substantial impact on the destinations tourism industry.
“The Providencia Award is Palm Beach County’s most important symbol of recognition for the local tourism industry,” said Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau President and CEO Jorge Pesquera before an audience of over 400 attendees.
“The International Polo Club is home to American polo’s Triple Crown-the three highest rated tournaments in North America—the C. V. Whitney Cup, the USPA Piaget Gold Cup and the Maserati US Open championship,” said Wash as he accepted the award. “Our 10th anniversary season broke all records in both attendance and revenue,” Wash offered. “Winning the Providencia Award is truly the icing on the cake,” he added. “We thank everyone for their support.”
The International Polo Club’s popular Sunday champagne brunch was sold out throughout the season, and record attendance cheered on world-class players and teams, but there was more to the International Polo Club than polo.
Professional soccer games, rugby tournaments, international croquet competition, tennis and the world’s biggest women’s field hockey festival were also a part of the club’s contribution to the community, along with a number of charitable events.
“It’s been a team effort,” said Wash following the presentation ceremony in which he called for his staff and support group to join him on the stage to share in the celebration. “and hopefully part of a legacy that the club will continue to build on over the years to come.”