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Beach Polo Comes to Sandbanks

Poole's Sandbanks beach is set to play host to the glamorous sport of polo this summer.

The world-famous beach will stage the first-ever British Beach Polo Championships on July 11 and 12, following an agreement between organisers Sandpolo and Borough of Poole.

Six teams featuring top international riders and horses will compete for the title over the two-day tournament - the first of its kind in Europe. Beach Polo is a variation of Arena Polo which is a popular sport worldwide. However, similar events have only been held previously in Miami and Dubai.

Following consultation with the local residents' association, Borough of Poole has agreed to provide a small section of Sandbanks beach to stage the event. Sandpolo will erect a temporary arena, measuring 100 metres by 50 metres, surrounded on three sides by seating and corporate hospitality facilities for spectators. A viewing area will be also provided on one side of the arena for beach users to watch the action for free.

On Sunday July 13, the arena will stage a beach football tournament featuring teams of young people from Poole's Football FOCUS community project.

Cllr Peter Adams, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Culture and Leisure, Borough of Poole, said: "We are delighted and extremely excited to be staging Europe's first-ever beach polo tournament here in Poole. Sandbanks has a reputation of being a world-class beach and is ideally suited to hosting this thrilling sport. I am sure it will attract a lot interest and certain the free viewing area will give anyone using the beach a chance to watch the action."

Beach Polo is played over four 7 ½ minute periods or "chukkas". The two-day tournament will feature six matches and each of the six teams will have three riders who change horses at the end of each chukka.

David Heaton-Ellis, of Sandpolo, said: "Beach Polo is a great spectator sport. It is extremely exciting, with many changes in direction, high speed, and intense action. The teams will be of a high standard and evenly matched. We believe Sandbanks will prove a great venue and with a full range of accommodation, restaurants, bars and clubs in Poole, it's the ideal place to hold this new event."

For further information about the British Beach Polo Championship and details about tickets for the event, visit www.sandpolo.co.uk .

Ian Turner, Media Relations Officer
Tel: 01202 633295