Sonu Bottom, mamemo productions said, "It was an amazing experience to see the Showforce team lead and help all our suppliers achieve their goals. Showforce was the backbone of the event and I cannot thank them enough for accepting all the challenges, last minute changes, early starts and late shifts. The team was a pleasure to work with."
Beach Polo was invented in Dubai nine years ago and is now played in 30 cities around the world. After six years the sport returned to its home when the Julius Baer Beach Polo Cup invited international polo players to compete in teams over qualifying matches. Third and fourth place play-offs and a thrilling final saw the Julius Baer team secure a 6-3 win over the Maradiva team.
Ahead of the closing ceremony, an auction was held in support of the Noor Dubai Foundation, a UAE-based humanitarian charity which aims to prevent and treat low vision and curable forms of blindness. Four white polo pony sculptures, which had been stationed around the venue to act as canvases for guests to paint or decorate, were auctioned; the first of which was won by Showforce's chairman, Ian Spendlove. A total of Dh180,000 was raised, including a Dh50,000 pledge from the Julius Baer management.
Speaking after the event, Spendlove commented, "This was a truly spectacular event for the Showforce team and we worked extremely hard to create a memorable occasion for the players, guests and everyone at mamemo productions. It was a real privilege to be appointed an event partner and I am certain it will help raise the profile of the Showforce brand internationally. We are greatly looking forward to next year's Cup."
In addition to the polo matches, the Beach Polo Cup event programme also included an exclusive players' night; official opening and awards presentation ceremony.
(Jim Evans)
