ADCB Polo Team headed by H.H. Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan wins Pink Polo 2013 match against St. Regis by a score of 4 - 3

More than 6000 attending visitors convened to witness and support Pink Polo presented by ADCB  

Pink Polo attendees were served up a real treat for the senses as the Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club arena was set ablaze with the sound of thundering hooves, the sights of profound showmanship and sporting agility, and the aromas of a day spent indulging in the best food and drink experience served in Arabian hospitality, all in the name of breast cancer awareness at the Pink Polo 2013 event, presented by ADCB.

H.H Sheikh Zayed Bin Saeed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan was among the royal patrons to attend, and hand out the prizes to the winning teams and various competitions that were part of the event’s schedule.

Commencing at 2 pm, the event started off with some light entertainment that featured camel and pony rides, face painting and a roaming magician to amuse the flocked crowds of families and children.

 

An Emirati pavilion was organised by the General Women Union that displayed locally handcrafted goods and clothing, and cosmetic products such as henna.

The entertainment then shifted gears to a camel polo match, a sport that has been on the Pink Polo itinerary for the second time since its inception, military skydiving and a balloon release that displayed Pink Polo and UAE flag branding.

The ADCB Pink Garden amassed a great response from the women and children with its many fun-filled activities, giveaways, and entertainment that spanned the entire event itinerary, including a bouncy castle, garden games, and arts and crafts activities among many others.

St. Regis also hosted its hospitality pavilion that served up a delectable food and beverage experience for its guests, along with a heritage section that reflected on the St. Regis brand and its vast history with the sport of Polo.

As the centre of breast cancer information dissemination and awareness at the event, the Pink Clinic received a very positive response from the attendees who were presented with the opportunity to meet with and to talk to medical experts, meet breast cancer survivors, learn self-examination techniques and undergo free screenings at the mobile mammography unit. It was largely supported by the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi (HAAD) and Pink Caravan, an organisation that aims to raise 15 Million AED to continue breast cancer outreach programs to the UAE by providing technically advanced methods in screening for breast cancer and support networks

All donations from the event along with 20 percent of the proceeds from sales went to Pink Caravan.

Fiery action was the main order of the day as the stalwart teams of renown – ADCB and St. Regis – engaged each other once again in a match that has consistently been the highlight of the Pink Polo intellectual property ever since it first started out in 2010

ADCB emerged the winning team, with a final score of 4 - 3.

HH Sheikh Falah said “Today’s match is a testament to the UAE public that there are no winners or losers in this sport. I am proud to have played with some of the finest players in the world on this field today, and I look forward to many more occasions in the years to come.”

He also added his appreciation of the attending UAE audiences for being present to witness and uphold the Pink Polo event year after year.

Oscar Colombres of the ADCB polo team said “Even though we won the match today, we are certain that the real winner is the human spirit of the UAE residents for having united together and fought for a common cause that has claimed the lives of many people all over the world and specifically in the UAE”

Abdullah Bin Desmal of the St. Regis polo team said “We were very touched by the massive turnout, and the support that was garnered by so many people. My team members and I are proud to be associated with such an event, and truly look forward to competing next year against ADCB, and hopefully win!”

The highlight of the evening was HH Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Chairman of the Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club, who returned to the sport after a 10 year gap since he last officially competed on the field, playing for the ADCB team at the Pink Polo event..

Both the teams were very appreciative and honoured to have him back, and to especially mark an event that has made an impact on UAE society.

Among the many dignitaries that attended were the Australian, UK, and Omani Ambassadors to the UAE.

Famous Emirati thespian and noted breast cancer activist Saoud Al Kaabi was one among the many celebrities that attended the event.

The event concluded with prizes handed out to the best pink dressed contestants, with the  ‘best pink dressed’ adult category receiving 2 business class tickets from Etihad Airways to any destination from Abu Dhabi, the ‘best pink dressed’ child category receiving 4 economy class tickets from Etihad Airways to any destination from Abu Dhabi, and ‘best pink dressed’ pet category receiving facial spa treatments for its owners from Silkor.