It’s the lunar Year of the Horse, and the Gay Polo League (GPL) will honor the strength, majesty and competitive spirit of the polo ponies and the players at GPL’s International Gay Polo Tournament April 23-25 in Wellington, Florida. Now in its 16th year in the Palm Beaches, the events attract a global cross-section of more than 1,000 attendees and 16 players from around the world.
The Year of the Horse and the sport of polo are deeply intertwined through shared historical origins in East Asia, and the GPL International Gay Polo Tournament, with its vibrant energy, athletic excellence and celebration of authenticity and freedom, mirrors the Horse’s spirited nature, making the connection between this lunar symbol and the sport of polo both powerful and poetic.
Blending world-class competition, fun-filled social events, and meaningful philanthropy, Gay Polo League was founded in 2006 by Chip McKenney, uniting a group of friends in Los Angeles who shared a passion for polo. Since then, it has grown into an international network of players and supporters spanning 15 countries. To date, GPL has raised more than $400,000 for charitable partners. GPL has selected “Equality Florida” as this year’s recipient charity, supporting the organization’s Safe & Healthy Schools Project to advance safer, more inclusive environments for LGBTQ students across the state.
The weekend kicks off on Thursday, April 23 as GPL Polotini presents WIGSTOCK! at the famed Mary Lou’s in West Palm Beach. This hair-raising extravaganza is always a highlight of the weekend, featuring DJ Citizen Jane and revelers dressing up in their most fabulous ensembles and outré wigs. Remember, the higher the hair, the closer to heaven! The first-place winner of the Wig Contest will receive two round-trip tickets anywhere in the U.S. including Alaska and Hawaii, courtesy of Delta Airlines. Proceeds from the event benefit Equality Florida’s Safe & Healthy Schools Project.
Friday, April 24th is the GPL Sponsors & VIP Black Tie Dinner Reception held at Patagones Polo Club. This is an invitation-only event for sponsors, players and GPL members.
On Saturday, April 25, four polo teams featuring 16 players from around the world will compete in the GPL International Gay Polo Tournament at Patagones Polo Club, 4659 120th Avenue South in Wellington. While the teams compete on Patagones’ world-class field, spectators will feel the thrill of the match up close as the action unfolds right from the edge of the pitch. This family-friendly event combines thrilling polo action with colorful pageantry, including the tailgate decorating competition sponsored by the United States Tennis Association, DJ Citizen Jane, a horseback “Flags of Nations” procession, and more. Gates open at noon, with matches at 1pm and 3pm.
VIP ticket holders enjoy an afternoon of polo and celebration with an elevated field-side experience in the Cherry Knoll Farm VIP Tent, enjoying reserved seating, open bar and lavish culinary fare.
For locals who want to make it a Staycation, or out-of-town guests, the Hampton Inn & Suites in Wellington is offering a drastically discounted rate of $199 per night. Reservations for this special rate may only be made by calling the hotel directly at (561) 472-9696 and ask for Robert.
The Gay Polo League is truly an international organization and has sponsored tournaments in the United Kingdom, St. Tropez and Chantilly, France, Menlo Park, California, Lexington, KY and Palm Beach, FL. In addition, they travel to Argentina every December for the Argentine Open and a week of polo in Lobos.
“Celebrating 16 years of GPL’s flagship event in Wellington propels us to create and produce the best experience by far, to bring people together to enjoy the best of us,” said Chip McKenney, GPL Founder/President. “My initial goal was to encourage greater diversity and inclusion in the sport of Polo, and now we have polo players, fans and allies who come from all over the world to participate. GPL is changing perceptions in the LGBTQ+ community, athletics and society at large, one chukker at a time.”
For tickets, more information, and sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.gaypolo.com
About the Gay Polo League
A 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, the Gay Polo League (GPL) is the only LGBTQ identified polo league in the world. Since its founding in 2006, GPL has built an international network of LGBTQ polo players and enthusiasts in 15 countries, and the league embraces a cross-section of ages, abilities, professions and riding experience. Through its enthusiasm for the sport, GPL works to foster positive percepti-ons about LGBTQ athletes and the LGBTQ community. The focus is to provide the community with opportunities to learn how to play polo and successfully compete in GPL tournaments and events. https://www.gaypolo.com/
