FIP AMBASSADORS TOURNAMENT HELD IN COSTA CAREYES
The 74th FIP Ambassadors Cup was held in Careyes on February 3rd through February 6th with 7 Ambassadors making the trip to the beautiful Pacific Ocean resort and polo facility in Mexico. Bruce Colley, New York, Teodoro Calle, Ecuador, Joe Meyer, Atlanta, Georgia, Piero Dillier, Geneva, Switzerland , Wesley Ru, California and Guillermo Steta, Mexico City, came to play polo and be hosted by Giorgio Brignone and the Careyes Polo Club. The local players and two other Mexican players – Ramon Fernandez, Balvanera, and Sergio Guzman, Guadalajara, made up the four teams.
The format was simple as all teams played each other using the FIP format of 2 points for a win, 1 point for a tie. All teams had 3 games – Bruce Colley/Joe Meyer captioned the USA team, Guillermo Steta – Team Mexico, Piero Dillier, Switzerland and Teodoro Calle,Ecuador. After the first 2 days of play both USA and Mexico had 4 points and ended up playing each other the last day. Play was fast with all players wanting to win. Fernandez and Steta scored for Mexico ending the first chukker 2 to 1 with USA awarded one goal on handicap. Colley scored in the second chukker but Mexico’s Diehl put 2 more between the uprights. The third chukker USA came to life with Joe Meyer making a goal – none for the Mexico team . Final chukker Steta put through a goal but Rios for USA answered with a goal between the 30 second bell but not enough time to tie the score with Mexico winning 5 to 4. The Switzerland-Ecuador was fast paced and close – Chris Falk lead the Switzerland with 3 goals and Dillier and Giebler each had 2. For Ecuador Zamora scored all 5 goals – Switzerland the winner 7 to 6.
Besides all the polo play, relaxing by the pool and beach, boating, fishing, touring local villages and crafts kept the FIP Ambassadors busy – the Chinese New Year – Year of the Rabbit was celebrated in grand fashion by all the FIP Ambassadors and their guests. The elegant party was entertained by the Isaac Borcegui band, which has instruments made of natural elements, and culminated by an especially made Silver Rabbit which was a fireworks display for all to enjoy and not forget!
At the end of their stay, Bruce Colley commented – ¨Beautiful Careyes – natural elegance, perfect weather, wonderful beaches, great horses, competitive Polo, dangerous Margaritias and delicious food – what else could we possibly need? Look out – we are coming back!¨ .
Costa Careyes has two mature fields, 40 head of very handy horses and plays polo November through April. See www.careyes.com