“Polo for Heart” Offers World Class fun

June 12, 2013 · 0 Comments

Polo for Heart, one of Canada’s more unique equestrian sporting events, offers a spectacular venue from which to watch thoroughbred polo ponies and players from Argentina to Canada as they thunder down an area equivalent to nine football fields engaging in the “sport of kings.”

This year, Polo for Heart will be held at the Toronto Polo Club in Richmond Hill June 14 – 16.

Entering its 34th year, proceeds from this year’s Polo For Heart will go to the Heart and Stroke Foundation Centre for Stroke Recovery, as well as towards purchasing a new MRI machine at Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket.

“Every year, thousands of people in northern York Region travel to Toronto because Southlake’s current MRI has more than a 100 day wait for non-urgent cases,” said Beverley Brooks, spokesperson for the event. “Polo for Heart is helping to change this situation. We are proud to support Southlake in its efforts to become the gold standard in the complex imaging required by many cancer and cardiac patients.”

Since Polo for Heart’s inception, more than $5 million has been raised for heart and stroke related charities.

Each day, guests will be treated to two international polo matches, a silent auction, charming boutiques and daily half-time entertainment. Guests can also visit The BMO Kids Zone and the Mallet Lounge and can participate in the traditional champagne divot stomp and polo picnic and the best hat contests.

For a second year, Polo for Heart has named Lloyd Robertson as Honorary Chair of the Polo for Heart Executive Committee. The former legendary TV news anchor will be donating copies of his most recent book “That’s the Kind of Life it’s Been” to Polo for Heart.

“The Toronto Polo Club is proud to have successfully hosted Polo for Heart for over three decades,” said event chair Derek Watchorn. “In its 34th year, Polo for Heart still thrills audiences – offering glamour, uniqueness and excitement for everyone. We are particularly pleased to support the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Southlake Regional Health Centre,”

Neila Poscente, president and CEO of the Southlake Foundation, said the support from Polo for Heart will go a long way in helping the hospital purchase a second MRI machine.

“Over the next five years, more than 1.5 million patients will come through the doors of Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket, and chances are, many will be facing the toughest battles of their lives,” she said.

“We are so appreciative of their incredible support.”

General admission to Polo for Heart is $15; children under 12 are free. Anyone interested in taking part can visit www.poloforheart.org for more information.