Along with Ralph Schomp MINI, members of MINI5280.org were invited to participate in the festivities of the 2005 Denver Polo Club Invitational. The polo match was held July 9-10, benefitting the Southeast Denver Rotary Foundation Charities and the Kempe Children's Foundation. The MINI Coopers added a bit of British flair to the event, as well as transporting players to/from the field.
Members' rides (l to r) Andy & Erin, Al & Debby, Kendall, our cousin Rose with her sons Chance & Evan and Rick & Wendy. Rose & sons drove/rode our MINI (Purple Haze), while Wendy and me drove Jonathan's MINI (Silver).
Polo watchers ready for the game to begin: Chance, Debby, Rose & Evan, seated is Andy & Erin.
The best seats in the house, along the polo field, which is about the size of three football fields.
A way for some to get a feel for what a polo horse feels like and training for others. In polo, the horse counts for 80% of the game. The rider is mostly there for the ride and to hit the ball now and then.
Five MINI convertibles in various colors, provided by Ralph Schomp MINI, were used to transport players to/from the playing field.
Rob takes a look at the convertibles.
MINI5280.org member Al gets to drive one of the convertibles with players to the field.
A trailer load of horses are required for one player for one polo game. There are six, 7/12 minute "chukkars" per game and a fresh horse for each one.
The convertibles (with a few MINI5280 drivers) parading the players and Erica, Tournament Director in front of the audience.
Players enjoying the ride in the red horse.
Getting ready for the match.
Pre-game festivities included the MINIs.
The game begins...
Lots of ground is covered in polo.
The horses are doing most of the work.
The MINI5280 contingent enjoying the game.
After three chukkars, halftime. The audience is invited to "stomp the divots."
Also during halftime, MINI5280 gave away a handful of doorprizes (random drawing), courtesy of Ralph Schomp MINI. Al's Chili Red R50R Robot matches his own car.
Cousing Chance takes home the Electric Blue R50R.
Kendall won the MINI Cooper slippers in Chili Red (size XL). Perfect for stomping the divots!
Cousin Rose drove our MINI to the polo match.
A couple of cousins, Evan and Chance, riding in the backseat, after a full day (Saturday) at the Invitational.
MINI5280.org presence at the second day, Sunday of the Denver Polo Club 2005 Invitational.
