Nearly 2,000 people are expected to attend the 15th anniversary of the Gay Polo League’s International Gay Polo Tournament April 24-26 in Wellington. The Lexus International Gay Polo Tournament will commemorate the milestone at the exclusive Patagones Polo Club with what promises to be a fun-filled celebration of competition, equality and camaraderie.
Renowned as one of the most unique and exciting social/sporting highlights of the season, the three-day whirlwind of events attracts a global cross-section of attendees and 24 players from around the world.
The weekend kicks off on Thursday, April 24 with the Polo Players Reception, an invitation-only event for sponsors, players and GPL members.
On Friday, April 25, is GPL Polotini presents “Wigstock!” This hair-raising extravaganza is always a highlight of the weekend, with revelers dressing up in their most fabulous ensembles and outré wigs. Remember, the higher the hair, the closer to heaven! DJ Citizen Jane will spin tunes throughout the evening, while guests enjoy dancing, an open bar, delectable hors d’oeuvres and entertainment. For the second year, GPL’s charity partner is the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which received more than $100,000 from last year’s event.
Saturday, April 26 is when the six polo teams comprised of 24 LGBTQ+ polo players from around the world compete in this year’s Lexus International Gay Polo Tournament. Gates open at noon, with matches at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. While the teams compete on Patagones’ world-class field, spectators will be treated to the annual tailgate competition, with a wealth of fabulous and inventive installations, live entertainment, delicious food and cocktails.
Saturday is also a day of pageantry and celebration, including a procession on horseback of the “Flags of Nations” and performances by the South Florida Marching Band, the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida and Cheer Miami.
VIP ticket holders enjoy an afternoon with an elevated field-side experience in the Cherry Knoll Farm VIP Tent for the final matches of the Lexus International Gay Polo Tournament. VIPs will enjoy reserved seating, an open bar, and lavish food including carving stations, shrimp Creole, smoked salmon, a seafood extravaganza and more.
“Celebrating 15 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’s founder and 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.”
GPL is a truly international organization and has also sponsored tournaments in the United Kingdom and St. Tropez, as well as Lexington, Kentucky, and Menlo, California. In addition, the GPL travels to Argentina every year for the Argentine Open and a week of polo in Lobos. This year’s tournaments are also slated for Chantilly, France, in mid-July and Lexington in September.
For more information, sponsorship opportunities and tickets, visit www.gaypolo.com.
