POLO magazine 2016 | Page 12

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