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Polo Cup draws thousands
America's Polo Cup celebrated its second anniversary in Loudoun last weekend, drawing as many as 10,000 visitors, more than twice the size of the 2007 crowd.The crowd included many ladies in big hats and high heels, who sported their Sunday best despite the gray day and early-morning showers May 10. Some wore boots and tennis shoes under formal clothes to keep dry.
Although the VIP visitors sat under white tents lining each side of the field, the best seats to watch the polo match between the U.S. and Italy might have been the lawn seats in front of the tents, claimed by fans with beach blankets and foldout chairs.
Despite the large crowd, cup organizers announced May 10 that the match would not be held in Loudoun next year.
Capitol Polo Club in Potomac, Md. -- about a half-hour drive north of the Washington Dulles International Airport -- will host the 2009 America's Polo Cup between the United States and Australia.
2008 was the second year the polo match was held at Morven Park, off U.S. 15 north of Leesburg.
“We knew that they were considering a new location because the fields will be having some work done at Morven Field,” said Cheryl Kilday, president and CEO of Loudoun Convention and Visitors Association.
The polo field, which is the size of six soccer fields, needs to be leveled, said Charles Muldoon, director of development at Morven Park.
He said the work will take about a year to complete and will hopefully draw more sporting events.
“The audience that goes to a polo match is a lot of corporate execs, and it's a family-friendly event,” Kilday said, adding that America's Polo Cup brings in tourists and culinary organization like winemakers and fine cuisine. It's an economic boost for the county as well, she said.
Event organizers said the event will likely return to Loudoun once field construction is finished.
The event benefits the Journey for the Cure Public Charity Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports funding for the Multiple Sclerosis Society and Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Vendors from across Virginia showed off and sold their wares, including many of the state's major wine makers and tourism associations.
The pregame show made waiting for the match worthwhile. A parade of mounted U.S. Park Police and Clydesdales preceded an air show. Blackwater parachuters jumped from their plane miles above the polo field, dragging huge American and Italian flags behind them while the countries' national anthems were played.
After a lengthy match, the U.S. polo team went home with the cup, winning 6-2 over the Italian team.
Contact the reporter at hhobbs@timespapers.com
Awesome time... simply amazing. You really outdid yourself despite the rain that must have slowed you down. I am impressed how you stayed strong and made it happen against all odds. Well Done! Thanks for delivering such an experience and supporting Leukemia & MS.
Posted by sunnylady
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