CELEBRATES CHARITY SUCCESS AT GUARDS
Power of Polo, the charity which uses polo as a sport for change, celebrated another year of growth and success with its annual Change Your Line Cup at Guards Polo Club last Friday, once again generously sponsored by Outsourcing Inc. The tournament brought together young people and military veterans facing adversity in their lives, all of whom had participated in previous residential courses, and was a resounding success. The aim of the day is to celebrate achievements and showcase the impact of Power of Polo, which is now a Hurlingham Polo Association-affiliated organisation.
15 participants from Power of Polo partner charities South Central Youth, Alabaré and Ebony Horse Club were joined by PoP youth leaders and extra sparkle was added in the shape of professional player Timi Badiru, who joined the players on the field. Three chukkas were played by six mixed teams and the crowd, which consisted of friends and family, charity supporters, and key people from the polo world, were impressed by the standard shown by the players, many of whom had completed just one course prior to playing at Guards.
Long-term partner Cool Hooves Polo provided wonderful ponies as well as umpires to ensure a safe, fair game. The final score was tied on 3-all and the MVP prizes were presented by polo legend Glen Gilmore to Kaira and Isaiah from South Central Youth and Renee from Ebony Horse Club, before the final presentation of the Change Your Line Cup.
“When I started playing three years ago with Power of Polo, I was really underconfident,” said South Central Youth participant and MVP Kaira. “The camps have increased my confidence so much and I’m learning to believe in myself and know that I have the capability to succeed. Forming a bond with horses has taught me how to make better bonds with people and the importance of connections in life; my life at home has improved because of it.”
19-year-old Brendan, who came to PoP’s April course this year with charity partner Alabaré, had never ridden before that and acquitted himself brilliantly on Friday, despite having only played in an arena on the course. “Being involved with Power of Polo has been insanely fun and truly life-changing. Getting out there, getting on a horse and learning to play has made me realise there’s still a spark in me that I didn’t think I had anymore. It’s made me see that I still have time to be more than I thought I could be. Being here today at Guards Polo Club…I don’t have any words! The clapping…people cheering…celebrating…walking round the club; it’s been nothing short of absolutely fantastic.”
Power of Polo is lucky to have such a supportive sponsor in Outsourcing Inc. and was delighted to welcome Dolph Westerbos, CEO of Outsourcing International. “I’ve met and talked with many of the participants involved in today’s tournament, from young people from very disadvantaged backgrounds to military veterans; seeing their smiles and getting their energy has been really impactful. Their stories are very powerful, and it’s made me realise that polo can be much more than people think it can be. Not only can it provide people with a complete change of environment, but it teaches them to connect with and take care of animals, connect with other people, connect with the outdoors and nature, and build emotional trust. All that is way broader than just the sport of polo. I feel very grateful that we are a small part of what Power of Polo does.”
“This is an exciting time for us,” commented PoP Founder Katy Hayward. “Our new HPA-Affiliation recognises the importance of what we do and now we want to go further, working with more charity and polo partners and helping more people from different backgrounds to change their lives through polo.”
26 June 2025