Here Comes the Law
The lawyers are coming and coming with force! The ninth edition of the Lawyers Polo is set to arrive on the shores of Plettenberg Bay from 14-19 March 22. The eight-team tournament comprises of ‘high-level international lawyers’ that meet annually to network, catch up with old friends and play polo.
Eduardo Bereterbide is an International Arbitration lawyer, living in Paris, who started Lawyers Polo more than a decade ago. Having grown up in Argentina playing polo with his family, he is passionate about the sport and horses. As founder Eduardo explained: “Law and chivalry; these are the main pillars of Lawyers Polo. This association was founded in 2008 with the objective of bringing together all lawyers in the world who play polo. Lawyers Polo meets once a year in the most spectacular polo clubs of the world in order to share a week of polo, interesting discussions and exchange professional experiences.”
Lawyers from Argentina, Austria, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Macao, Malaysia, Portugal, Slovakia, Singapore, Switzerland, Chile, Venezuela, the United Kingdom and the United States have already confirmed their participation. Local tour organiser and Plett Polo representative, Garth Kanigowski had this to say, “We are very excited to be hosting this International polo tour. With 380 International lawyers in the association, this is an incredible opportunity for us to ‘spread the word’, not only of our very special polo club but also of this amazing part of the world. This is the largest tour of its kind and Plett is sure to benefit”.
Eduardo recently spent a week in Plett touring the polo facilities, choosing hotels, visiting venues and building the agenda. Enjoying a touch of polo was also on the cards, but only to ensure the level of polo ponies on offer were up to expectations! He said he was amazed at the incredibly high standard of the polo fields and ponies, all whilst being seduced by the beauty of our town. He commented, “after having spent this time in Plettenberg Bay, I am certain I have chosen the right polo club for the 2022 Lawyers Polo tour and have no doubt, it’s going to be a spectacular week.”
Lawyers Polo is also focused on giving back to the local community and each year they work with a local children’s charity.
Sabrina Love Foundation and The Plettenberg Bay Music Field Band charities are in ongoing talks with Lawyers Polo, on how best to make a meaningful difference to the local underprivileged children. These children will also be invited to perform ahead of the finals on Saturday 19th March at Kurland.
Everyone is invited. The tour kicks off with an invite-only Black Tie cocktail party, with some of South Africa’s leading dignitaries and business people in attendance.
When pushed for a closing comment, Garth added, ‘There is a lot of work to be done ahead of the arrival of Lawyers Polo, however, our foundations are good. Plett is a world-class destination and if you like polo, the Plett Polo Club is arguably the best on the African Continent. However, we are more humble than that, and see ourselves as committed community members who run an inclusive club. As always, we invite the town to help us in welcoming the guests and give the Lawyers Polo Association the best week they have ever had.”