Written by: Carolina Beresford
Client: Gay Polo League http://www.gaypolo.com
Release Date: 2016-12-10
General Rodriguez, Argentina – Dec. 10, 2016 – The first international Gay Polo League (GPL) tournament outside North America came to an end today with the finals at Bautista Heguy’s Chapa Uno Polo Club in General Rodriguez, Argentina.
Three teams, made up of polo professionals and LGBT players, fought to become GPL Argentina champions. PMG continued their winning streak, beating RSM 3 goals to 2 and Cedar Crest 2-1. The matches were competitive and fun, with players sharing a lot of laughs both on and off the field.
“We have had a fantastic time in Argentina,” shares Chip McKenney, President and Founder of the Gay Polo League. “We are looking forward to taking the GPL further afield, and hosting a tournament in England next year. It’s been an unforgettable trip and we are very excited about watching the final of the Argentine Open at Palermo tomorrow.”
Fabian Martinez, Director of Tourism in Pilar, was one of the many people who came to support the league. “We are very interested in supporting the GPL because LGBT tourism is something we need to pay more attention to. Argentina is a very open country and there are many opportunities to develop this type of tourism. We have the infrastructure to do it and we are very happy to welcome everyone.”
Cedar Crest player Stacie Simpkins was one of two women out on the field. “I have been playing with the GPL for two years now; the first time was at IPC at the GPL tournament that happens every April,” says Simpkins. “I love playing the GPL—we just laugh through the whole thing! And playing with Eduardo Heguy is amazing—I have to pinch myself the whole time. He is so cool and down to earth and he just makes it so fun.”
GPL artist-in-residence Laura Douglas captured some colourful portraits of the game while the sun set over the club. Once the final whistle blew players headed to Chapa Bar for the official prize giving, followed by drinks and a traditional Argentine asado.
The next edition of the Gay Polo League will be in Florida in April. Be sure to come out and support us!
Teams:
Phelps Media: Tomas Heguy (PRO), Eduardo Heguy (PRO), Chip McKenney, Michael Sahakian
RSM: Matt Perry (PRO), Masha Zaporozhets, Phil Tremo, Tim Lewis
Cedar Crest: Andres LaPlacette (PRO), Stacie Simpkins, Mark Bennett, Severance
MacLaughin
About Gay Polo League:
GPL has positioned itself on the forefront of human rights. Its mission is to inspire and empower individuals who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender through the promotion of and participation in the sport of polo and other equestrian-related
sports. The organisation strives to create an atmosphere that affirms and supports the understanding and acceptance of all individuals regardless of age, race, sex or sexual or gender identity and works to promote goodwill and camaraderie in the community.
For more information, visit gaypolo.com
