Hong Kong Polo Development and Promotion Federation (HKPDPF) Aims to Promote Polo as a Spectator and Competitive Lifestyle Sport.
First polo event “FIP Snow Polo World Cup” to be held 2 -12 February 2012 at Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club
A ceremony was held today in Hong Kong to herald the founding of the Hong Kong Polo Development and Promotion Federation (HKPDPF). In attendance were Mr. Harvey Lee, Vice Chairman of the HKPDPF along with Mr. Asad Jumabhoy, Executive Committee, Federation of International Polo (FIP), Mr. Roderick Vere Nicoll, FIP Ambassador and Marketing Committee, and Mr. Tony Yue, MH JP, Vice-President of HK Sports Federation and Olympic Committee.
The HKPDPF is the only member association in China recognized by FIP currently. The HKPDPF aims to facilitate, promote and regulate the playing of polo in Hong Kong and its near region, and is supported by Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club (“Metropolitan Polo Club”), who will provide polo facilities, and assist to organize, and to promote the playing of polo in Hong Kong and its near region. The HKPDPF will assist FIP to host polo activities regularly, and to promote the understanding of the sports to a wider public.
Mr. Harvey Lee, Vice Chairman of the HKPDPF commented, “We are delighted to announce the establishment of the Hong Kong Polo Development and Promotion Federation. Equestrian activities in this city have a long history and loyal following, and today, we are thrilled to declare that Hong Kong has become part of the world’s polo family, promoting the enjoyment of polo to a wide audience in Hong Kong. We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the Federation of International Polo for recognizing the HKPDPF as a legitimate governing body for polo and to Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club in China for supporting our mission to promote polo.”
Mr. Asad Jumabhoy, Executive Committee, FIP, expressed his pride in seeing the increase in support towards polo in Hong Kong and China. He said, “It’s a great joy to see the establishment of HKPDPF. I hope to see many more polo-related activities to be organized in the near future for Hong Kong. I look forward to the day when polo is brought to the public on a much more regular and popular basis.”
Mr. Tony Yue, MH JP, Vice-President of Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, added, “It’s a great joy to see the establishment of the Hong Kong Polo Development and Promotion Federation, which will surely help raise the awareness of horse-related sports in the region and propel Hong Kong’s sports scene and recognition to a new level”.
The FIP Snow Polo World Cup 2012, the first snow polo event organized by FIP, which will take place at Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club from 2 February to 12 February, 2012, will be the first major polo event to be co-organized by the HKPDPF. Twelve teams, representing FIP member associations from eleven nations and one Special Administrative Region team have been invited to take part; they include Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, England, France, Hong Kong SAR, India, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa and the USA.
During the FIP Snow Polo World Cup 2012, families and children can enjoy a wealth of exquisite dining experiences with a range of spectacular musical entertainment in a winter playground setting. At the venue there will also be a winter shopping village and plenty of after-polo parties, guaranteeing an unforgettable experience for spectators from around the world.
Following the successful hosting of the Asia’s first snow polo challenge in 2011, the upcoming FIP Snow Polo World Cup 2012 showcases more teams and is on a larger scale.