World's top stars play in Laureus Polo Cup
WINDSOR, UNITED KINGDOM, June 23, 2012
Many of the greatest players in the sport served up a feast of exciting, world-class polo at the highly successful Laureus Polo Cup, staged once again at the Guards Polo Club, Windsor.
Argentinian stars Juan Pablo MacDonough, Juan Martin Nero and Nachi Heguy joined Uruguay’s David Stirling for a thrilling match which raised over £100.000 for the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation Argentina.
Also present, watching the action, was polo legend and Laureus Ambassador Eduardo Heguy, a trustee of Laureus in Argentina and the man who was instrumental in creating the Laureus Polo Cup.
An enthusiastic celebrity audience including Laureus World Sports Academy Members Boris Becker, and his wife Sharlely, Sean Fitzpatrick, Edwin Moses, Hugo Porta and Daley Thompson also enjoyed the day's sporting action at Windsor.
In a spirited contest, the victors were a team representing Laureus Global Partners Mercedes-AMG, the performance brand of Mercedes-Benz, who won 5½:4 against a team sponsored by IWC Schaffhausen – but the real winners were disadvantaged children all over Argentina, who benefit from the help they receive from Laureus.
The teams were: IWC Schaffhausen - 1. Mohammed Al Habtoor, 2. Saad Audeh, 3. Juan Martin Nero, 4. David Stirling; Mercedes-AMG - 1. Amr Zedan, 2. HH.SH. Maitha Mohd Al Maktoum, 3. Juan Pablo Macdonough, 4. Nachi Heguy.
In addition to sponsoring one of the teams, renowned Swiss watch-maker IWC Schaffhausen donated a special Laureus edition Ingenieur Automatic watch from the IWC Portofino Chronograph in stainless steel, only 1,000 of which are being manufactured, which was auctioned to raise additional funds.
Rugby legend Hugo Porta, the President of Laureus Fundacion Argentina, said: “This has become a great annual event. The people who came to Windsor have not only had a great day out, but they have contributed to an important humanitarian cause. I would like to thank all the great polo players who took part and to thank all the individuals and companies who supported us in one way or another. They all share with Laureus the belief that sport can help to improve young people’s lives. You just cannot exaggerate what good the money that has been raised here today will do for the youngsters we are trying to help in my country.”
Edwin Moses, Chairman of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, said: “Everyone at Laureus is delighted to be able to support this great day out at Windsor. It has become one of the highlights of the Laureus year, where we can combine great sport with the opportunity to raise funds for a good cause. I must compliment Hugo Porta on the passion which he has demonstrated in his work in Argentina which has seen the Foundation there becoming an increasingly important element in the life of the country.”
Nachi Heguy, player of the winning Mercedes-AMG team, said: “I really enjoyed the game. We played a very fast game and the amateurs played extremely well. What a fantastic day out at the Guards Polo Club. I am very pleased to be a part of this initiative benefitting the Argentinian foundation.”
