(Tianjin, China, 2 November, 2011) – At a Press Conference held at Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club (“Metropolitan Polo Club”), it was formally announced that the inaugural FIP Snow Polo World Cup invitational tournament will take place from 4 to 12 February 2012 at the Metropolitan Polo Club, China’s most extensive polo facility. During the Press Conference the 2012 Snow Polo World Cup team draw also took place.
This promises to be the largest Snow Polo tournament in the world. Twelve teams from eleven nations and one Special Administrative Region, fielded from each polo association, have been invited to take part namely Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, England, France, Hong Kong SAR, India, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa and the USA. All are members of Federation of International Polo (FIP).
Snow Polo Press Conference & Team Representatives.
The FIP Snow Polo World Cup is also the first ever Snow Polo event to be hosted by the FIP. Established in 1982 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, FIP aims to promote and enhance the sport of polo globally and unite national polo associations across the world.
Metropolitan Polo Club hosted Asia’s first Snow Polo Challenge in February 2011, which attracted more than 7,000 spectators. The 2012 FIP Snow Polo World Cup is expected to take the game to a completely new level.
At today’s press conference, FIP’s Founder and former President, Mr. Marcos Uranga; FIP’s Tournament Director, Mr. Peter Abisheganaden were joined by representatives from Tianjin Municipal Government and the Tianjin Sports Bureau to herald this historic moment. Flying in especially for the team draw were representatives from the twelve participating teams.
Against the spectacular backdrop of this winter wonderland, the 2012 FIP Snow Polo World Cup will offer private boxes from which the thrilling polo matches can be viewed.
Families and children can enjoy a wealth of dining experiences with musical entertainment in the winter playground. At the venue there will also be a winter shopping village and plenty of winter games for all ages, guaranteeing an unforgettable experience for spectators of all ages.
Mr Harvey Lee, Vice Chairman of Goldin Group (parent company of Metropolitan Polo Club) said: “We are delighted to have the 2012 FIP Snow Polo World Cup here in Tianjin. This tournament will bring polo to a much wider audience. We would like to thank the Tianjin Municipal Government, FIP, Tianjin Sports Bureau, Tianjin Polo Association as well as all the international representatives and guests. I am very confident that the FIP Snow Polo World Cup will become an annual event here in Tianjin and I hope to see many more events of this kind at Metropolitan Polo Club which will bring more attention to Tianjin, further raising its international profile.”
Snow Polo first emerged in Europe as a winter alternative to grass polo and the sport spread to the USA.
The major difference with grass polo is that instead of a white ball made of ballistic plastic the Snow Polo ball is a large bright orange ball which is easier to spot on the snow.
Website: www.metropolitanpoloclub.com