Famous players head to Hawkesbury for the World Polo Championships
THE world’s elite players will heading to Hawkesbury in 2017 when Sydney Polo Club hosts the prestigious World Polo Championship, with the NSW Government expecting a multi-million dollar windfall for the area.
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THE world’s elite players will heading to Hawkesbury in 2017 when Sydney Polo Club hosts the prestigious World Polo Championship, with the NSW Government expecting a multi-million dollar windfall for the area.
The tournament will feature winners from each geographic region plus Australia.
The Richmond-based SPC is one of the oldest polo clubs in Australia tracing its roots to 1870.
While polo is not a mainstream sport, its players include royalty and some of the world’s richest people, including Prince Charles and James Packer.
Sports Minister Stuart Ayres said the Federation of International Polo-sanctioned event is a big win for NSW.
“The World Polo Championship is the sport’s most prestigious event and I’m thrilled Sydney has been chosen by the FIP as the host of the 2017 event,” Mr Ayres said.
“This is yet another major sporting event secured exclusively for our state by Destination NSW.”
“Polo is a popular sport in Australia, with 50 clubs and associations around the country; half of those in NSW.
“The NSW Polo Association is the oldest in the country, formed in 1892.”
Hawkesbury state Liberal MP Dominic Perrottet said: “It’s a great win for Hawkesbury, with more than 5,000 domestic and international visitors expected to spend $3.3 million.” Mr Perrottet said.
“The World Championships will give this historic sport a great boost locally, and see our polo fields broadcast around the world.”
Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Sandra Chipchase said this continues the state’s record of securing exclusive major sporting events.
“The World Polo Championship shows that NSW is the home of international sport, and forms part of a packed Major Events Calendar which also includes the College Football Sydney Cup, Sydney Sevens rugby, and many more,” Ms Chipchase said.
Quick facts:
■ Sydney Polo Club is one of Australia’s first polo clubs dating back to 1870 and covers more than 182 ha.
■ The World Polo Championships will feature six countries
■ No dates have been finalised for the event
■ Address: 100 Ridges Lane, Richmond
■ The club’s property is owned and operated by the Higgins family
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