Polo For Heart: International Polo Matches raise Funds for Hearts

Just over a quarter of a century ago a man named Colonel Michael Sifton saw an opportunity to bring two of his favourite things together: People and polo. In addition to being a huge polo fan and a respected polo player, Col. Sifton was also committed to charitable causes, particularly anything to do with heart-related research (his father had died of a stroke). And so he saddled up his friends at the Toronto Polo Club and the Heart Action Committee, and together they set in motion what became the very first Polo For Heart Charity event. This first event was a resounding success involving an exuberant crowd of 600 people and raising $25,000 for charity.

Fast forward 30 years and Polo For Heart is still going strong. In fact it is now truly an international event, with players hailing from as far away as Ireland, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, England, South Africa and the United States. The annual event has raised over four million dollars for the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario. When Colonel Sifton passed away in 1995, his wife Heather and their sons Cliff, Michael and Derek decided to continue his legacy. Today Polo For Heart has a volunteer base of over 100 volunteers, with the Sifton family still very much involved. Sheila Clark and Mike Egan are the 2010 Chair’s, with Cliff Sifton as honorary Chairman.  

Activities at Gormley Polo Center, 30 minutes from Toronto, include:

Raised funds benefit:

COMING THIS YEAR....

The Maharaja of Jaipur and the Royal Indian Polo Team will be our guests at PACE|Polo For Heart 2011. They will be playing in the first ever Team Canada vs. India Royal Jaipur Challenge. Games will be Friday & Sunday.

Come and enjoy an afternoon in the country, and help raise money for a great cause! Polo is an exciting game to watch, and you can get a close-up view of the action at PACE| Polo For Heart. There are two games played each day, as well as lots of other activities going on off the field.

Reserved tables offer a sumptious gourmet lunch, or you can bring your own picnic. In fact, if you get creative you could be the winner of one of our daily “perfect polo picnic” contests (Saturday & Sunday only). Dress for the weather, don’t forget that you are outside and on grass, so high-heeled shoes can be difficult! Wear your best hat, you could end up winning the daily “hat contest”.

There is something to do for the entire family at PACE| Polo For Heart. Children love the pony rides and bouncy castle, and the boutiques and silent auction tents are always filled with unique and interesting merchandise. Between games do the “pretty woman thing” and stomp some divots, also enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne during the divot stomp to help you on your way!

JUNE 17, 18, 19, 2011

 
EVENT AGENDA
11:30 Gates Open. Boutiques, silent auction, Art Walk, Mallet lounge all open.
* Junior/ peewee polo game Saturday & Sunday
12:30 Polo "101" demonstration
12:50 Opening Ceremonies & polo pony parade
1:00 Polo Game #1
2:00 Half Time:
Champagne divot stomp
entertainment show featuring the Canadian Cowgirls drill team and the Descenders skydivers
Player presentations from game #1
2:50 Polo pony parade
3:00 Polo Game #2
4:00 Player presentations from game #2. Silent auction closes. 50/50 draw
5:00 Gates close

For more information, check out www.poloforheart.org.