Team Michelob Ultra Polo and Adolphus A. Busch IV to Sponsor Team USA for Upcoming FIP World Championships
WELLINGTON, FL (March 14, 2007) – Team Michelob Ultra Polo and Adolphus A. Busch IV have signed on as major sponsors of Team USA in its quest to qualify for the 8th annual FIP (Federation of International Polo) World Championships.
Team USA is made up of Stevie Orthwein Jr., Chris Nevins, Santiago Torres, Miguelito Torres, Joseph Stuart and Will Johnston.
The FIP World Championships are held every three years. This year’s event will be October 29 through November 11 in Mexico City. Brazil is the two-time defending champion.
The North and Central American playoffs will take place April 28 through May 6 in Tecamac, Mexico. Team USA must finish in first or second place to qualify for the finals.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to help young Americans compete at the international level,” said Busch, a former high-goal player who continues to sponsor teams throughout the United States. “Polo is a great sport and I miss playing but by being a sponsor I still feel a part of the game.”
Part of the team’s preparation includes competing in the 14-goal Outback League in April in Wellington and the 18-goal Gold Cup in Boca Raton.
“We’re glad that Michelob Ultra Polo and Adolphus stepped up as sponsors,” said Orthwein Jr. “It will help Team USA and that’s what they’re about, helping young American players improve.”
Orthwein Jr. is already thinking beyond the qualifying series.
“It will be tough competition and we’re working hard to learn each others styles,” said Orthwein Jr. “We’re confident but not arrogant. In the meantime, we’re raising money so Team USA can play in test matches abroad throughout the summer and fall,” said Orthwein Jr. “The exposure to the different styles played in other countries is great preparation for the difficulties of international play. The test matches are an important part of training.”
Orthwein said part of the money will be to help offset travel expenses for the test matches.
Former 10-goaler Owen Rinehart of Aiken, South Carolina and Roberto Gonzales of Mexico are coaching Team USA.
For information about sponsorship, please contact Stevie Orthwein Jr. at (561) 951-1492 or via email at sorthweinjr@hotmail.com.