Dec 12, 2016
The first international Gay Polo League (GPL) tournament outside North America came to an end December 10, 2016 with the finals at Bautista Heguy's Chapa Uno Polo Club in General Rodriguez, Argentina. Three teams, made up of polo professionals and LGBT players, fought to become GPL Argentina champions. PMG continued their winning streak, beating RSM 3-2 and Cedar Crest 2-1. The matches were competitive and fun, with players sharing a lot of laughs both on and off the field. |
"We have had a fantastic time in Argentina," shares Chip McKenney, President and Founder of the Gay Polo League. "We are looking forward to taking the GPL further afield, and hosting a tournament in England next year. It's been an unforgettable trip and we are very excited about watching the final of the Argentine Open at Palermo tomorrow."Fabian Martinez, Director of Tourism in Pilar, was one of the many people who came to support the league. "We are very interested in supporting the GPL because LGBT tourism is something we need to pay more attention to. Argentina is a very open country and there are many opportunities to develop this type of tourism. We have the infrastructure to do it and we are very happy to welcome everyone."
GPL artist-in-residence Laura Douglas captured some colorful portraits of the game while the sun set over the club. Once the final whistle blew players headed to Chapa Bar for the official prize giving, followed by drinks and a traditional Argentine asado.The next edition of the Gay Polo League will be in Florida in April. Be sure to come out and support!
Teams
Phelps Media: Tomas Heguy (PRO), Eduardo Heguy (PRO), Chip McKenney, Michael Sahakian
RSM: Matt Perry (PRO), Masha Zaporozhets, Phil Tremo, Tim Lewis
Cedar Crest: Andres LaPlacette (PRO), Stacie Simpkins, Mark Bennett, Severance MacLaughlin
About Gay Polo League:GPL has positioned itself on the forefront of human rights. Its mission is to inspire and empower individuals who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender through the promotion of and participation in the sport of polo and other equestrian related sports. The organization strives to create an atmosphere that affirms and supports the understanding and acceptance of all individuals regardless of age, race, sex or sexual or gender identity and works to promote goodwill and camaraderie in the community.For more information, visit gaypolo.com.
Effective Date: Saturday, May 16, 2020
The suspension of USPA Tournaments and Events will be lifted for USPA Member Clubs in locales where hosting polo matches and tournaments is permitted under applicable state and local laws, executive orders and similar decrees. The USPA Member Clubs in these locales are encouraged to follow all such requirements of their state and local authorities with respect to polo operations. In addition, we also encourage all USPA Member Clubs to take the precautions recommended by the CDC. We are preparing a detailed list of best practices for USPA Member Clubs as they return to hosting USPA Tournaments and Events and plan to circulate these guidelines within the next week. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely and will notify you if we determine a different course of action is necessary.
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