Photo © Richards Budd Photography
Up to 10,000 people including sports enthusiasts, party people and celebrities descended on a sun drenched Sandbanks Beach last weekend to enjoy the spectacular Asahi British Beach Polo Championships.
Two days of adrenaline-fueled sport, fine foods, live music and glamorous parties combined to make the event the ‘place to be seen’. Spectators enjoyed top International polo players from across the UK battling it out to win the event’s coveted title.
Team Clogau Wales stole victory from Team Asahi Scotland with an 11 – 8 defeat after a hard fought final. Team SBSA Ireland and Project Kudos England also played extremely well to keep the crowd on the edge of their seats and their toes firmly dug into the sand.
The volleyball ‘Oakley Sand Slam’ was another unmissable event with Australia taking on England in the super clash between the great rivals. Australia took the series 3 sets to 1 on day one and 3 sets to 2 on day two against.
The children’s charity, Variety, benefited from the proceeds of a charity race between a polo pony and an Audi Q7, and a silent auction as spectators bid for an array of amazing lots on the wonderful backdrop of the Blue Flag beach.
Johnny Wheeler, event organiser said: “This was the seventh year that we have held the Asahi British Beach Polo Championships and I have to say it must be the best yet! We were delighted with the number of spectators and their enthusiasm. We still attract the very best polo players and are proud to showcase this spectacular sport. Whether guests were there to enjoy the beach hospitality, or watch from the free view area, the positive feedback has been unbelievable. Plans are already underway for next year’s event and we will do everything possible to top this year – although that could be tricky!”
After a day of high octane sport, guests enjoyed the after polo beach party on Friday and Saturday night, (12 and 13 July) where the star-studded crowd enjoyed the music until the early hours.
