FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Susan Koehler September, 20, 1999 303-948-2014
ASPEN SNOW POLO CLASSIC DEC. 17-19, 1999 The 1999 Snow Polo Classic will return for the fourth year to Aspen, Colorado Thursday, December 17, through Sunday, December 19. This year's event is being presented by Fortune Magazine and attracts Polo's top stars and athletes to compete for the North American Snow Polo Championship. The winning team will then have an opportunity to compete during the 16th Annual Cartier World Cup Polo on Snow, in St. Moritz, Switzerland, January 2000 and in the future. St. Moritz is considered one of the world's premiere polo events with more than 25,000 spectators each year.
Polo Gear's, Gary Fellers and MESH INC., a Connecticut-based sports and event marketing agency, are directing the effort that also involves Palm Beach Polo Club Manager Jimmy Newman and representatives from USPA polo clubs in Colorado. Team captains entered to date include Wally Ganzi &endash; Palm Restaurants, Tim Gannon &endash; Outback Steakhouse (the 1999 US Open Champions), Michael Donahue &endash; Excaliber, John Goodman - Isla Carroll, Bowen Farrell &endash; Triton Capital and Adriano Agosti &endash; Altamira representing St. Moritz. Professional high-goal polo players returning this year include Mike Azzaro (10-goals), Carlos Gracida (10-goals), Owen Reinhart (9-goals), Julio Arellano (8-goals) and Luis Escobar (8-goals). New players may include 10 goal Polo legend Memo Gracida, Francisco Bensadon (9-goals), Adam Snow (9-goals), Gonzalo Tonoira (8-goals) and Javier Tonoira (7-goals).
Aspen Snow Polo represents the highest concentration of the world's finest polo athletes in the United States. It's the all-star game of polo. "We have received a great deal of support from the local community where many of the residents and businesses are making every effort to welcome us and help us coordinate the event," said Gary Fellers, Event Chairman. "Aspen and St. Moritz complement one another well as world class international destinations and it's exciting for the sport of polo to see this partnership grow and new opportunities unfolding." The historic T-Lazy 7 Ranch, nestled in the shadows of the famous Maroon Bells, the world's most photographed mountain range, will host the Aspen Snow Polo Classic. Practice chukkers are open to the public free of charge on Thursday Dec. 16, and Friday Dec. 17. Qualifying matches take place on Saturday, Dec. 18, with a consolation game and the championship match scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 19.
This unique destination caters to all including tourists, locals and polo enthusiasts. T Lazy 7 offers snow mobiling, sleighrides and tours into the White River National Forest. Expanded services for general admission to the matches are being planned which include concession services, free parking and shuttle bus transfers. General admission tickets cost $20 per person, which includes both Saturday and Sunday for a total of four matches. Children under 12 years old are admitted free. General admission tickets will be available through the Aspen Ski Club with proceeds going to support the development of their new alpine center.
A series of VIP events also are being planned around the Aspen Snow Polo Classic including: * Kick-off party at the Caribou Club * Players BBQ at host site T Lazy Ranch * Snow Polo Ball (Black Tie) * Country Western Awards Party in downtown Aspen VIP ticket sales will be available through Challenge Aspen, a local non-profit whose mission is to provide year-round access to recreational and cultural arts activities for people with disabilities and their families. Challenge Aspen works in conjunction with Aspen Skiing Co., local outfitters and volunteers to offer activities such as skiing, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, horseback riding and fly fishing, as well as cultural arts programs for children and adults. "Our vision is to provide a barrier-free program that promotes a high quality of life for challenged individuals of all ages," said Amanda Boxtel, Challenge Aspen Co-Founder and Director of Special Projects. All VIP ticket sales will benefit Challenge Aspen and its programs.
Aspen Ski Tours is the event's Official Travel Partner and has developed exceptional travel packages, which can include premier accommodations at the St. Regis, formerly the Ritz Carlton (official hotel) and ski lift passes through Aspen Ski Company. For travel arrangements please call Connie Morrell at 1-800-444-8950. For more information about participating or for details contact Rob Foster at MESH Inc. at 203-662-4631.
