Looking for something unique, exciting and caring to do on Valentine’s Day? The Nespresso 40-Goal Challenge is coming to the International Polo Club Palm Beach on Saturday, Feb. 14. Eight international polo megastars will donate their time and skills to the charity event.
Featuring the highest level of polo played anywhere in the world, the 40-goal tournament will be “like watching the superbowl of polo,” said Polo Hall of Famer Memo Gracida, a supporter of the event since its inception. “This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to witness the best players in the world on the field at one time. There is absolutely nothing like it.”
The event is a fundraiser for the Polo Players Support Group (PPSG). The nonprofit organization provides financial assistance to dedicated horsemen and women whose lives once played out on the polo field but who now have to watch from the sidelines due to illness or injury. To date the PPSG has awarded over $1.6 million to 53 seriously injured or ill players and grooms.
“It’s really gratifying to see the appreciation of the people we have helped, especially the grooms,” said David Offen, president of the PPSG and organizer of the Nespresso 40-Goal Challenge. “We’re helping people who could so easily have been forgotten.”
Among them is Rob Walton, whose injury prompted the formation of the PPSG. “The 40-goal tournament means a lot to me,” said Walton, who has been in a wheelchair since he was seriously injured in 1995. “It makes the difference in being able to take care of myself or not. Without the PPSG’s help, I’d be in a lot of trouble. A guy never knows when he may get hurt.”
Polo, which has strict standards to keep the game safe for horses and riders, involves fast, exciting play. “Due to the dangerous nature of our sport, it is likely we will continue to find members of our polo family in need of financial assistance,” said Offen. The PPSG and the Nespresso 40-Goal Challenge, he added, “enable people to make tax-deductible donations to help those in need while at the same time enjoying great polo and camaraderie.”
The game starts at 3 p.m., followed by a dinner and auction. For tickets or to make a contribution, please contact Dave Offen at 516-528-3821 or email info@polosupport.com. More information is available at: http://www.polosupport.com/
1. Adolfo Cambiaso
2. Polito Pieres
3. Juan Martin Nero
4. Sapo Caset
vs.
1. Facundo Pieres
2. Pelon Sterling
3. Gonzalo Pieres
4. Miguel Novillo Astrada
NESPRESSO 40 GOAL CHALLENGE FAST FACTS:
WHAT: 2015 Nespresso 40 Goal Challenge. This year’s game will be dedicated to the memories of Carlos Gracida and Javier Novillo Astrada.
WHERE: International Polo Club Palm Beach
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 14, 3:00 pm Bright’s Creek “Future 10’s” and 3:15 NESPRESSO 40 Goal Challenge, followed by dinner & auction.
WHY: To help those members of our polo family who have suffered a serious injury or illness and need some help to get back on their feet.
HOW: Please reserve your box seats, dinner table or make a donation if you cannot attend.
Due to the generosity of people like you, the Polo Players Support Group has awarded over $1.5 million in assistance grants to 53 and counting different players and grooms who suffered a serious injury or illness.