For the reason that late nineteenth century, Colorado has been captivated by the elegant sport of polo. The Broadmoor was a famend heart for polo in its early days and as soon as once more is well known as one of many state’s most beloved establishments for this timeless sport.
The historic Norris Penrose Occasion Heart was host to the inaugural Winter Polo Basic, the results of a strong partnership between Colorado Springs Sports activities Company and The Broadmoor.
Spencer Penrose, the founding father of the resort, was not solely a passionate member of the polo neighborhood and excessive society circles however may also be credited with bringing polo to Colorado within the early 1900’s.
“The legacy of polo runs deep in Colorado Springs, and we’re extremely excited to be working alongside The Broadmoor to reintroduce it within the neighborhood,” says Sports activities Corp. President & CEO Megan Leatham. “It is a timeless occasion that brings range to the area’s sport economic system, and we couldn’t be extra excited to assist reinvigorate the game of polo within the area.”
The Winter Polo Basic is the brainchild of Nicholas Francoeur, a proud Air Drive Academy graduate, and member of the Denver Polo Membership and La Dalila Polo – Hobe Sound Polo Membership. Francoeur was a part of the Penrose Workforce competing in opposition to the Emerald Valley Polo Workforce throughout this eventful polo-filled weekend.
The Sport of Kings Meets the Lots
The occasion attracted over 800 spectators, each locals and out-of-state vacationers. It was an thrilling weekend crammed with a four-Chukker polo match, delectable meals and drinks within the VIP space overlooking the pitch, and an entertaining half-time present. Occasion sponsor Distillery 291 was readily available creating customized cocktails for the occasion, and their citrus and clove liqueur, The Decc, was a crowd favourite.
The day of the match was a spectacular one, with Colorado’s crisp solar shining down on attendees because the snow from days prior melted exterior the world’s grounds. Erica Gandomcar-Sachs from Workforce Penrose delighted the viewers along with her defensive play, and easy mallet strikes throughout the pitch. Because the proprietor and CEO of Denver Polo Membership, Gandomcar-Sachs is just not solely a neighborhood authority within the sport but in addition an acclaimed worldwide champion.
The Broadmoor Winter Polo Basic is a real collaboration between the Colorado Springs Sports activities Company, The Broadmoor, and Colorado State College (CSU). The entire horses are from CSU’s Polo Membership, and present President Hannah Inventory was a part of Emerald Valley’s victorious group.
Since 1931, the Colorado State College Polo Membership has offered college students with a chance to take part on this time-honored sport. The membership boasts over 30 polo ponies boarded at CSU’s Equine Heart and allows aspiring gamers of all ages to affix their newbie or junior varsity program.
Led by Emerald Valley group member and alumnus Andrew Wildermuth as coach, one distinctive side of the membership is that yearly it welcomes a gaggle of 15-20 rookies who don’t have any earlier polo expertise.
The Broadmoor Reigns Supreme
Colorado Springs has an extended and illustrious historical past with polo, having had The Broadmoor function its premier taking part in heart beginning within the late 1800’s. A revival within the 1960’s led to the formation of bigger golf equipment, just like the Denver Polo Membership, Aspen Valley Polo Membership, and Colorado State College Polo Membership. The Broadmoor once more joins the lively polo scene with its new, distinct providing of winter polo.
The Broadmoor pulled out all of the stops for lodge company attending the inaugural Winter Polo Basic. Resort packages included two nights’ lodging, precedence seating on the Winter Polo Basic occasion, VIP cocktail reception, spherical journey transportation, and delightful Sterling crystal rocks glasses as a commemorative present with the occasion’s emblem.
Famend for its unparalleled hospitality, company, and event guests loved the lavish lodging and award-winning eating throughout their weekend polo getaway.
The inaugural Broadmoor Winter Polo Basic was a momentous event. With the resurgence of polo in Colorado, there’s hope for it to be an annual occasion for a few years to return. It additionally gives a chance for each previous and new generations to expertise the game of kings in its full glory in Colorado Springs.
The way forward for Colorado’s polo scene appears to be like shiny, and The Broadmoor Winter Polo Basic is just the start. So remember to mark your calendars for this thrilling occasion in 2024!
This text was produced by Media Choice and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.
Casandra Karpiak is a journey author and the co-owner of Savoteur. A Toronto native with Danish roots at the moment residing in British Columbia, her journey writing has been seen on The Related Press wire, MSN, CBS, NBC, Entrepreneur, 24/7 Wall St, Occasions Each day, and plenty of extra.
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