International Gay Polo Tournament To Celebrate 15th Anniversary
By Rebecca Baldridge
This year the Gay Polo League will hit a milestone as it celebrates its 15th annual International Gay Polo Tournament in Wellington. As is only appropriate for such a significant anniversary, the event promises to be the biggest and best yet with several important additions this year.
The event will take place from Thursday, April 24 through Saturday, April 26 at the Patagones Polo Club. For the first time, six teams will hit the field instead of the traditional four, with two teams in the intermediate bracket and four in the senior bracket. Preliminary matches will be held on Friday, with the winners of the senior bracket games meeting on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. to vie for the Senator’s Cup. The runners-up will meet in the Founder’s Cup at 2 p.m. At the intermediate level, the two teams will play a preliminary match on Friday, then face off for the Futures Cup to kick off the tournament at 1 p.m. Saturday.
The addition of an intermediate bracket is intended to give less seasoned players an opportunity to gain valuable tournament experience, while the senior bracket will become even faster and more competitive. “Our goal is to continue helping players enhance their tournament skills while elevating the level of play to offer spectators a fast and open game,” GPL President & Founder Chip McKenney explained.
Fun Isn’t Limited to the Polo Field — The tournament will return to the Patagones Polo Club for this year’s anniversary event, and for the first time, the league will host an elegant black-tie dinner under the stars for players and their guests. As they dine al fresco, attendees can marvel at the breathtaking sculpture installation, courtesy of the Sladmore Gallery in London, with the meal to be followed by a candlelight concert.
On Friday night, April 25, the evening will be dedicated to raising funds for the Elton John AIDS Foundation. GPL members and guests, along with ticket holders, will trade black-tie for their most fashion-forward ensembles and their most outrageous wigs for GPL Polotini presents “Wigstock!” International DJ, singer and songwriter CJ Citizen Jane will be on hand with her unique blend of Latin rhythms, percussion and electronic sounds. Guests will enjoy an open bar and delicious hors d’oeuvres when they’re not grooving on the dance floor.
Saturday Offers Something for Everyone — There’s not much more fun than watching polo on a sunny Saturday afternoon, champagne glass in hand. This year, the GPL will be offering the best opportunity yet to do it in style in the Cherry Knoll Farm VIP tent.
Sheltered under the welcoming roof of the VIP tent, guests can take advantage of an open bar and enjoy an expanded buffet. In addition to shrimp Creole and smoked salmon, the buffet will include a carving station and a seafood extravaganza, as well as savory sides and luscious desserts.
As if the polo weren’t enough, the 2025 tournament will offer entertainment, including the Gay Marching Band, Miami Cheer and the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida. GPL is strongly committed to allowing other organizations to use its established platform to increase awareness of their talents. In addition, spectators will be invited onto the field at half time to enjoy the traditional champagne divot stomp.
Partnering for Diversity in Sport — One of the beloved highlights of the International Gay Polo Tournament is the annual tailgate competition. With 64 spaces available, expect plenty of participants and a flamboyant exhibition of creativity. Gates open for tailgate ticketholders at 8 a.m. to allow ample time to set up the often-elaborate installations. Attendees are invited to visit all of the tailgates, where the fun lies in sparking new friendships while enjoying the extravagant and often witty displays.
The United States Tennis Association will sponsor this year’s tailgate competition, as both the USTA and the GPL have parallel goals. Polo and tennis have traditionally been viewed as “country club sports,” and each organization is working to change perceptions and increase diversity in their sports. Each reach out to diverse audiences and the goal is the same — to ensure that all feel welcome to participate in an atmosphere where each person’s unique contributions are valued.
Tailgaters play a special role in helping to create the tournament’s party atmosphere, and their hospitality is an essential part of the GPL experience. McKenney noted that the tailgaters “bring spirit and value to our culture. Their buy-in through planning and investing their time, creativity and money is as important as the matches in enhancing visibility.”
Visibility is the essence of the International Gay Polo Tournament, as it leads to awareness, stimulates conversation and promotes understanding. Creating this path to acceptance is the very cornerstone of inclusion. The Gay Polo League is proud to offer an environment of inclusivity and acceptance where the LGBTQ+ community, allies and families can come together for a wholesome and uplifting day of sport.
Learn more about the Gay Polo League at www.gaypolo.com.
