Courchevel, France – The world’s highest polo tournament set new standards and exceeded all expectations. At an altitude of 2010m, the “sport of kings” took on incomparable style and beauty. The fascination of the sport, paired with the unique backdrop of the French Alps, enraptured both spectators and players alike during the tournament from 23 to 25 January 2009.
The S Club Snow Arena Polo World Cup, a further project by Reto Gaudenzi, inventor of Polo on Snow, was successfully organised by the World Polo GmbH and ably supported by Courchevel Tourisme with necessary logistics. The airport was blocked for over a week; tents, stables, barriers, boards, and much more were taken up the mountain. A large transporter assured the safe arrival and departure of the 48 polo ponies. 12 players from seven nations converged on Courchevel – Europe’s most exclusive ski resort – set on winning the S Club Snow Arena Polo World Cup 2009.
Before mounting their steeds to compete in earnest, the teams entered the city centre in traditional horse-drawn carriages, accompanied by models in fur creations from the Parisian furrier MILADY. The players were presented in a lightning storm of flash bulbs, with champagne, mulled wine and good music, spreading infectious enthusiasm for the forthcoming sporting event to all guests.
The three-day tournament demanded “high” standards of players and horses alike. One and a half metres of fresh snow on the first two days called for concentration and strength. The grand finale was then played out in perfect conditions.
270 guests of honour joined in the excitement, enjoying a unique view of the playing field from the raised 15m-high VIP terrace. A spacious public area was set out at playing field level. From here, or directly from the piste, up to 1150 guests watched the polo event everyday free of charge.
On 23 January 2009, the victors of the spectacular 2nd. S Club Snow Arena Polo World Cup were fittingly celebrated in dazzling sunshine.
The Bernard Orcel team (Sebastian Schneeberger, Cesar Ruiz Guiñazu, Nicolas Ruiz Guiñazu) won the tournament, relegating the S Club Pralong team (Piero Dillier, Kris Kampson, Reto Gaudenzi) to second place following a thrilling final match. The semi final was won by the Kronometry 1999 team (Henk van Druten, Matias Maques, Maurice van Druten) who then took third place ahead of the Bovet 1822 team (Heino Ferch, Marie-Jeanette Ferch, Ignacio Garrahan).
Kris Kampson of the S Club Pralong team was unanimously voted “Best Player”. Ardilla T. T., the best polo pony of the tournament, galloped through the three days in top form for the Bovet 1822 team. The award was accepted by her very proud owner, Marie-Jeanette Ferch.
Kris Kampson and the winning Bernard Orcel team were awarded timepieces worth 20,000 EUR each by the sponsor, Bovet, in recognition of their outstanding achievement.
The social highlight of the tournament was, as always, the legendary “Player’s Night”, this year celebrated in the L’Aventure, one of the hippest venues in Courchvel. Guests were treated to Frois Gras, Filet de Boeuf from the barbecue and various other French gourmet delicacies, including champagne. First-rate live music revved up the mood at the glittering party, which carried on into the early hours.
World Polo GmbH donated an exclusive package for the S Club Snow Arena Polo World Cup, worth 3,600 EUR, as 2nd prize for the charity event of the Dunkelziffer Association, which supports sexually abused children in Germany, to be staged within the framework of the Dresden Semper Opera Ball 2009. Stanislaw Tillich, Minister President of the state of Saxony, publically lauded this social commitment.
What is the S Club? The Pralong Hotel is the first project by S Club Selective Hotels and Residences. The 5-star hotel is situated directly on one of the breathtaking ski pistes above Courchevel 1850. The future S Club Hotel Pralong will enjoy one of the best locations in Courchevel. The present hotel will be completely renovated in 2009, with the aim of offering its guests an unparalleled experience of luxury and comfort in one of the world’s most beautiful ski resorts. The renovated S Club Hotel Pralong will be ready to receive guests again in the winter season 2009/2010.
For further information and details please contact:
World Polo GmbH
Mr Jürg Reinger
www.worldpolo.com
or www.polostage.com
provided by exclusive Partner POLOSTAGE Germany
Tags: Snow Polo
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