MESSAGES
WELCOME
BMW INTERNATIONAL
POLO
BMW SA
GUY KILFOIL General Manager: Brand Management BMW, Marketing Services BMW Group
KELLY CLEVERDON Manager: Event Marketing
NIKITA ACHADINHA Social Media Specialist
MEDIA ENQUIRES: LINDSAY PIETERSE Manager: Lifestyle Communications
Welcome to the 2016 BMW International Polo Series. The tournament is taking place in the centenary year that is being celebrated by the BMW Group under the motto‘ The next 100 years’. This means that the identity of our organisation will continue to be more future orientated and adaptable to ever-changing global trends. Since it was founded in 1916, the BMW Group has played an important role in shaping the future of mobility.
Throughout its history, the company has placed its sights fi rmly on the future and this has become embedded in the BMW Group’ s DNA. So, for the centenary, it is natural that we continue to sponsor the South African Polo Association for the 27th consecutive year. This continues to be one of the longest-running sport sponsorships in South Africa. Polo has always been an embodiment of highquality sportsmanship and lifestyle. On the other hand, the‘ Game of Kings’ also symbolises the bond between humans and horses � one of the very fi rst steps in mobility.
In essence, we believe that new forms of mobility will open up countless possibilities for people to get where they want to go and the BMW Group aims to play a part in shaping these future forms of mobility – we know you will want to be a part of it.
Enjoy the polo!
� i� A�bo�
���e� E�ec�t��e O�ce� BMW Group South Africa and Sub-Sahara
On behalf of the South African Polo Association, I am delighted to welcome all guests to the 2016 BMW International Polo Series.
This two-match series, contested at the spectacular venues of Shongweni and Waterfall Estate, is always a highlight on the South African sporting calendar and, thanks to the hard work of all organisers, this event off ers both a fantastic sporting and social experience.
This year, our South African team will be challenged by an extremely skilled team from Uruguay. We expect that our visitors will show highly profi cient horsemanship, as well as a deep passion for the game and I have no doubt that spectators will enjoy a thrilling viewing experience.
Our sincere gratitude is extended to BMW for their long-standing partnership with South African polo, which allows us to invite leading polo nations to compete on our grounds; test our high goal players on an international level and showcase this sport to our country.
The association would like to acknowledge the support of Mr Tim Abbott, Chief Executive O� cer of BMW South Africa, and his team. The refi ned and respected brand of BMW is a perfect fi t with this distinguished �Sport of �ings’ and it remains an honour to have their backing as we continue to grow and develop polo in South Africa.
Wishing you all a fantastic day!
�ar� �avies
President South African Polo Association
EDWARD MAKWANA Manager: Group Automotive Communications
SA POLO ASSOCIATION BRIDGET MACDUFF
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The South African Polo Association acknowledges with gratitude the enormous contribution made by the following:
PONYLENDERS The ponylenders are a critical element in making this Test Series the success it has become. South African polo players can be justifiably proud of the reputation they have internationally of providing excellent mounts to touring players. Without their generosity in lending their beloved horses these tests would not be possible.
PONYMASTERS Shongweni: Beth MacLarty Waterfall: Richard Pohl
TIMEKEEPERS Shongweni: Courtenay Gace Waterfall: Jane Pohl
TEST UMPIRES Shongweni: Campbell Macnab & Duncan Ellis Waterfall: Campbell Macnab & Duncan Ellis
CURTAIN RAISER UMPIRES Shongweni: Rob Hampson & Murray Hampson Waterfall: Langdon Taylor & Matthew de Gersigny
COMMENTATORS Shongweni: Jamie Haywood & Angus Williamson Waterfall: Jamie Haywood & Matt Pohl
SUPPORTERS Programme advertisers and all hosts of marquees, boxes, picnics and marquee tables. Nick Jonsson for sponsoring the grooms’ overalls.
12 BMW INTERNATIONAL POLO