Alabaré clients join in the Power of Polo
We were delighted to arrange for five Alabaré clients to take part in Power of Polo last week. The group from our veterans and young people’s services were able to learn to ride, play polo and take part in an elite tournament, as well as get an insight into the equine world! Power of Polo, a charity focused on bringing together charities and polo clubs to use the sport of polo to change lives
The Alabaré team joined other groups who have benefitted from Power of Polo at their end of season polo tournament, the Change Your Line Charity Cup at the prestigious Guards Polo Club grounds last week.
The tournament, sponsored and hosted by OUT-SOURCING UK (OSUK), brought together inner-city youth from Lambeth as well as serving members of the Metropolitan police as well as our vulnerable or homeless military veterans and young people to celebrate the completion of three Power of Polo camps they participated in earlier this year
The 28 participants played a four-chukka game with mixed teams from the three different camps along with players from Ebony Horse Club. The Guards Polo Academy provided expert ponies, kit and umpires, ensuring everyone had the opportunity to play and support each other during the tournament. The Change Your Line tournament cup was presented to the winning team by Mr. Yuya Ono, Director OSUK, Managing Executive Officer, OUTSOURCING, Inc and prizes were awarded to all the participants.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Power of Polo; it’s been incredible. I have never ridden a horse or done anything like this before. I’ve made memories for life,” said Mark, a veteran who has been living with Alabaré. “Taking part has given me confidence to try new things – once I’ve got over my initial anxiety, I always give 110 percent. Looking forward, I definitely want to look for employment opportunities in the equine world now!”
Since returning from the tournament, two of our five clients are actively exploring opportunities to start jobs in the equine industry as a direct result of getting involved in Power of Polo – we can’t wait to hear how they get on!
Main group photo: © Tony Ramirez/imagesofpolo.com