Polo For Heart Welcomes Polo Heart Throbs Brandon Phillips, Fred Mannix Jr and Team Mexico

TORONTO, June 7, 2012 /CNW/ - Polo For Heart, the city's most chic and unique fundraising event is galloping into town next week, bringing with it some of polo's princes.   Competing this year in the international matches are Brandon Phillips, Fred Mannix Jr. and Team Mexico by Pologistix.

Taking place June 15, 16 and 17, Polo For Heart enters its 33rd year as a charity event raising money for heart and stroke related charities.

"As a long standing fundraising campaign, Polo For Heart is committed to both raising funds for heart and stroke related initiatives, as well as entertaining guests with a genuine polo experience," said Derek Watchorn, Polo For Heart Event Chair.

Added Watchorn: "While polo is known as the sport of kings, Polo For Heart is an event for everyone - from polo aficionados to those who just want to learn more about the game and have fun."

This year, Polo For Heart named Lloyd Robertson as Honorary Chair. With his life-long interest in horses, and support for cardiac-related causes, Polo For Heart was a perfect fit with the former TV news anchor.

Also new this year is the luxurious Polo Pavilion, an 80-foot contemporary lounge that will keep guests entertained with daily fashion shows, as well as performances by famed band George St. Kitts.

Spanning 10 grassy acres, the polo field becomes the backdrop to eight thoroughbred polo ponies galloping at full speed, while their riders maneuver to compete for the opportunity to make contact with the ball.

Truly an international event, Polo For Heart attracts players from across the globe with this year's featured team hailing from Mexico.  Canadian-born, but internationally trained Brandon Phillips will come from Wellington, Florida for the event, while Calgarian Fred Mannix Jr. will travel from New York.

Competitors from Argentina, Chile, England, the United States, and South Africa will also be in attendance. Each day of the three-day event, guests are treated to two international polo matches, delectable food and wine, a silent auction, and daily entertainment sure to keep every spectator occupied.

In addition to being a spectator to the sport, guests can also visit the boutiques tent, the silent auction, the children's village and the exclusive Mallet Lounge.

And even more likely to make you feel like polo-regulars Prince William and Kate Middleton is the traditional champagne divot stomp (guests take to the field and pat down torn-up grass), polo picnic contest (free to anyone who wants to participate, simply show off your alfresco culinary style and set up your best spread) and the best hat contest (there are no limits when it comes to head fashion).

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

"There are 300,000 Canadians today living with the after-effects of stroke and a dramatic increase is expected in the next 10 to 20 years," said David Sculthorpe, CEO,  Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. "This means there is a great need to focus attention on stroke recovery, and we're grateful that Polo For Heart has dedicated funds to the Heart and Stroke Foundation Centre for Stroke Recovery."

"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," said Neila Poscente, President and CEO of the Southlake Foundation. "Now, with thanks to the generosity and vision of Polo For Heart, the purchase of a second MRI will transform care at Southlake, leading to early detection and early start to treatment."

General admission to Polo For Heart is $15; children under 12 are free. An event that will offer entertainment for all ages, anyone interested in taking part can visit www.poloforheart.org for more information.

Where:	The Gormley Polo Centre, 13401 Leslie Street, Richmond Hill
When:	Friday, June 15 11:30 AM - 4:00 PM Saturday, June 16 11:30 AM - 4:00 PM Sunday, June 17 11:30 AM - 4:00 PM

 

interviews or images please contact:

Tiffany Fisher
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416 456 7650
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