NEWS

On Saturday, February 17, the polo community will gather at the National Polo Center in Wellington, Florida, for the highly anticipated U.S. Polo Assn. 40 Goal Challenge, the flagship fundraising event for the Polo Players Support Group (PPSG). This year, Airstream (Polito Pieres, Francisco Elizalde, Poroto Cambiaso, Facundo Pieres) and Polo for Christ (Adolfo Cambiaso, Hilario Ulloa, Tomas Panelo, Miguel Novillo Astrada), will compete in what promises to be a thrilling match showcasing some of the world's top polo talent.

Co-founded by Dave Offen, Tony Coppola and Tim Gannon, PPSG plays a crucial role within the polo community by providing financial assistance to seriously injured or ill players and grooms. Since its inception in 2002, the organization has awarded over $3 million to 111 individuals in need, underscoring the event's significance not just as a display of high-goal polo but also as a lifeline for those facing hardships within the sport.

Dave Offen shares insights into the selection process for this elite match that offers spectators an exceptional display of skill and sportsmanship. The event also features the unique two-point rule to encourage dynamic play, with the Tito’s Long Shot of the Day award highlighting the most spectacular goal. Beyond the match, attendees can look forward to a range of activities including a Future 10’s kid’s match, opening ceremonies, gala dinner and auction, all contributing to the PPSG's mission to support the polo community in times of need.

Dave, can you tell us more about this year's U.S. Polo Assn. 40 Goal Challenge? How were the teams selected for this year's match and what can spectators expect?
“If we are unable to get eight 10-goal players, we ask former 10-goal and 9-goal players who appear ready to go to 10 goals. Unfortunately, some of the 10-goal players have schedule conflicts or are unable to play for other reasons. I do know that they all love to play and support the cause if possible.

Each year we try to make two balanced teams whereby eight of the world’s best players get to play with different teammates and put on an amazing display of talent. One of the highlights of the U.S. Polo Assn. 40 Goal is the two-point rule, whereby if a player scores from beyond the two-point line the team receives two goals on the scoreboard. This encourages open play and discourages slow, messy plays in the goal mouth. The player that scores the most spectacular two-point goal is awarded the Tito’s Long Shot of the Day award.”

What other activities or auctions are planned for the event?
“The event starts at 3:00pm ET with the Future 10’s kid’s match which will feature The Wellington Agency Team against the Delorean AI team. After the kids game, we will have opening ceremonies and the National Anthem sung by Tom Blake. The U.S. Polo Assn. 40 Goal game will see Airstream and Polo For Christ in a rematch from last year. After the awards presentation, we head across the field to the Pavilion for a fabulous dinner and auction.”

How significant is this event for the Polo Players Support Group in terms of fundraising and awareness?
“The U.S. Polo Assn. 40 Goal is the marquee fundraising event for the PPSG. Since its inception in 2002, the PPSG has awarded over $3 million to 111 different seriously injured or ill professional players and grooms. As our Co-Founder Tim Gannon said, ‘We help those who could have so easily been forgotten.’”

How does the money raised during the U.S. Polo Assn. 40 Goal Challenge directly benefit the polo community? Can you share any stories on how the foundation has made a difference in the lives of polo players and their families?
“The PPSG is not intended to be a health insurance replacement. We are here to help people who suffer from an injury or illness get through this difficult time by helping with horse expenses, rent or mortgage payments, truck and trailer payments, household bills, therapies, and so on.

When the PPSG helps an individual, we are also helping that person’s network of family and friends who likely would have carried the burden of helping. For the 111 individuals we have helped, we have probably positively impacted another 500 to 1,000 friends and family.”

Could you give us a brief history of how the Polo Players Support Group was founded and its mission?
“Rob Walton’s spinal cord injury that left him a quadriplegic in 1995 was the impetus to originally help Rob from 1997 to 2000 when we had the first 40 Goal game at Royal Palm Polo [now defunct] hosted by the Oxley family. After helping Rob for a few years, we recognized there would be other members of our polo family who would need assistance. After meeting with Tony Coppola and Tim Gannon, we decided to form a 501(c)(3) and be able to provide donors with tax relief. Thanks to Tim, Outback Steakhouse became our long-time title sponsor.”

Who are some key individuals or organizations that work with or support the Polo Players Support Group?
“All 111 of the people we have helped are extremely grateful for what the generosity of our donors has done for them. Over the years I have received heartfelt thanks from every one of them. In respect for their privacy, I won’t share details of individual cases. However, I would like to thank our Board of Directors who respond to requests for assistance within a couple of hours. On several occasions, we have provided financial assistance within 24 hours.”

Looking towards the future, how do you see the Polo Players Support Group evolving, and what are your long-term goals?
“Going forward we welcome polo clubs who are willing to host a benefit for the PPSG. The California Polo Club [Los Angeles, California] recently raised over $100,000 for us in conjunction with the U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship in December.”

All photos courtesy of ©Polo Players Support Group.