The world’s first Para-Polo match is taking place next month (1 June), to raise money for Help for Heroes.
Life-changing injuries
The match will see injured Veterans Clifford O’Farrell, Elaine Corner, Andrew Jelinek and Major Nick Cowleyplay alongside members of the Army team as part of of the Best of British Polo event on 1 June.
The event was inspired by David Cowley who saw first hand the support Help for Heroes provided for his family when his son Nick was seriously wounded in service.
Polo is part of the charity’s sports recovery programme, which uses the rehabilitative nature of sport to help those with life-changing injuries or illness to return to an active life.
Freedom and exhilaration
“The freedom and exhilaration the Help for Heroes para-polo team has gained from playing polo up until now is fantastic to see,” said Martin Colclough head of sports recovery at Help for Heroes. “The influence the sport has on the mental and physical health of someone who has suffered life-changing injury or illness makes this – and all adaptive sport – incredibly valuable.
“I imagine that the match will be closely fought and we can’t wait to see who wins. Thank you too to the Best of BritishPolofor allowing us the opportunity to play and for raising vital funds that will help our heroes now and into the future.”
Top players
The day will kick off with the Tidworth Polo Club‘s Duke of York’s Cup (Royal Navy vs Royal Air Force), followed by the Para-Polo match and finally the Best of British U25 match, featuring eight of the top young names in British polo.
In keeping with theBest of British theme there will also be a rally of vintage Rolls Royces and other vintage cars.
Tickets for the event at Tidworth Polo Club in Wiltshire can be bought online. All proceeds will go to Help for Heroes.