This past weekend, Wellington-based International Polo Tour® commemorated the official start of Florida’s polo season with its annual VIP celebration alongside long-time partner We Will Survive Cancer (WWSC). The evening welcomed celebrities, community builders, and sports lovers uplifting appreciation for both U.S. and international culture.
Held at the equestrian estate private home of IPT Chairman Tareq Salahi, Friday night embodied the true meaning of modern luxury with guests dressed to the nines sampling high-quality spreads and beverages (including a newly-debuted line of tequila and vodka produced by the IPT in partnership with Muscle Vodka as well as rum provided by Noxx&Dunn Florida Rum). Embracing an immersive White Lotus/Thailand Casino Spectacular theme, the night spotlighted the IPT’s recently-announced partnership with the Royal Thai Embassy and His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Suriya Chindawongse, a connection that will play a key role in September’s Sunset Polo match amplifying the importance of cultural exchange and unity. The IPT also released the new White Lotus cruise and details are now available on:https://www.hotelsatsea.com/
Also in attendance were NFL athletes Tim Johnson and Josh Norman, who have previously vocalized their support for polo and the IPT’s global initiatives, actor and producer Bruce ‘Busta’ Soscia, The FiiXX Foundation Founder whose known for roles in films such as Dog Gone, Clean, and MobKing, Hollywood actor Kevin Sorbo and actress Sam Sorbo, as well as South Florida sustainability leader Jeff Szur, Founder & COO of Atmospheric Water Generator manufacturer Altitude Water and guest on the upcoming season premiere of The Fish Guyz: Lures to Legends who provided purified water to guests.
“I am very grateful for all of the support we have received,” said Salahi. “This celebration was one we were incredibly excited to bring to life and, as America’s 250th birthday approaches, we are honored for the opportunity to express our love for our country and for the centuries of culture and connection that have been built abroad. Polo, as a sport, has unified so many and we will continue sharing that message well into the future.”
Following luxurious raffles and mingling, the IPT team brought everyone together for a special exclusive announcement impacting the future of polo across South Florida – the development of an official indoor arena polo stadium AND educational & cultural center. International Polo Tour Stadium is a facility that will combine sports, equestrian, tourism and community needs while emphasizing green-space preservation and thoughtful use of land that supports Palm Beach County’s coastal and community character.
The center will also work directly with community leaders in Palm Beach County hosting professional arena polo matches representing varies states & cities across america throughout the year, developing youth and adult equestrian instruction to share wider appreciation for the sport, provide equine wellness and horsemanship programs and traditional educational clinics and school partnerships, celebrate Florida’s rich heritage in equestrian traditions, and host charitable events that support the IPT’s long-time partners.
Salahi added, “This project has been years in the making, and we’re excited to finally open it to our supporters, sponsors and founding hospitality suite partners. The future of the International Polo Tour is strong, and this stadium creates a rare opportunity to be part of something lasting — not just to attend, but to belong — while helping elevate Florida’s communities through world-class sport & cultural events.”
Contributions from the evening went directly to WWSC aiding in their mission to help families battling cancer while also funding global projects such as those with Thailand.
