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QREC general manager Sami Jassim al-Boenain (left) shaking hands with People Lover Experiences-Worldwide chief executive Lucy Perkins. with them are QREC chairman Sheikh Mohamed bin Faleh al-Thani and People Lover Experiences-Qatar chairman Khalid Ahmed al-Shajra |
The country will soon be on the world map of equestrian sport as the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) is hosting “Polo in Doha” from November 14 to 16 this year.
Polo, which is making its debut in Qatar, is being held under the patronage of Special Adviser to HH the Emir, HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani.
A contract to this effect was signed between People Love Experiences-Qatar chairman Khalid Ahmed al-Shajra and QREC chairman Sheikh Mohamed bin Faleh al-Thani yesterday.
In line with Qatar’s National Vision 2030, introducing and hosting world class sporting events, the advent of polo would assist in building a bridge between the present and the future.
The introduction of polo in Qatar will enable the country to showcase its world-class infrastructure and exceptional facilities on an international platform.
“This international sporting event, recognised worldwide as the ‘Sport of Kings’, has deep and strong cultural ties in this region. It is yet another example of QREC’s dedication to fulfilling our country’s equestrian aspirations,” Sheikh Mohamed told reporters during the signing ceremony.
“I would like to welcome People Love Experiences and polo into Qatar and thank them for coming forward and associating with us and for making this new partnership possible,” he added.
As part of this collaboration, “Polo in Doha” will be hosted at the state-of-the-art facilities on the green pitches at the QREC.
“Together with People Love Experiences, we are confident that with great attention, we can further develop polo as a sport for all in Qatar and produce an event that will express the excellent stature of Qatari equestrian sports in the international arena,” Sheikh Mohamed said.
“I would like to extend my gratitude to the Emir HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, the Heir Apparent HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, and HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani for their unwavering support to equestrian sports and QREC.
“We are confident that the efforts put in will make this an event that will be remembered for long,” Sheikh Mohamed stated.
“We look forward to working with People Love Experiences over the coming months and welcoming the players and international supporters to Doha in November this year,” he concluded.
People Love Experiences Worldwide founder and chief executive Lucy Perkins, who was on her first visit to Qatar, said: “We are looking forward to showcasing the sport of polo in Qatar for the first time and highlighting on a global platform the beauty of this country, its culture and its people.
“Having worked with some amazing players and sporting personalities previously across the globe, we are welcoming the opportunity to demonstrate our talents in presenting outstanding and inspiring events in Qatar.”
“Over the coming years, our team will be working tirelessly to deliver exceptional events to the region and assist in delivering Qatar’s National Vision for 2030. We are honoured and proud to be a part of the exciting times that lie ahead,” she added.
Scotland’s Jamie Le Hardy, who represents City of A.M. team, was looking ahead to being a part of this event in Doha.
“My interest and excitement in this project is not only the opportunity to play with my peers in the first class facilities of the QREC, but also the opportunity to work with, educate and coach students in Doha, an element of my profession that is incredibly important to me.
“I am looking forward to my first visit to Qatar and working closely with People Love Experiences and QREC for many years to come,” he said.
Ruki Baillieu, Australia’s highest-ranked polo professional, has been part of polo events for the last seven years in Australia.
Having had the opportunity to play international matches since 1998, he feels honoured to be a part of introducing polo to a brand new audience in Doha.
“I am honoured to be involved at a grass-roots level with a country that has showcased to the world its determination in producing world class sporting events. I know that ‘Polo in Doha’ will be a fixture in Qatar’s prestigious sporting calendar for many years to come,” Baillieu said.
This sporting event, featuring some of the world’s greatest polo players, “Polo in Doha”, promises to deliver excitement, prestige and wonder.
The event will start on November 14 with a Pro-Am Celebrity match in the morning followed by the Argentina versus All Stars-Rest of the World in the afternoon featuring team captains from across the globe.
Hospitality tents and exclusive sponsor marques befitting of polo’s lure will be erected around the custom-built pitch.
In addition to the tournament, special events and entertainment have been designed to ensure all sponsors are able to fully leverage their tailor-made partnership packages and showcase their products.