By Gowon Akpodonor
EXCITING moment is here for lovers of polo in Nigeria, following the construction of a beach polo arena in Lagos. It is the first of its kind in the country.
The arena, which is constructed at the Elegbushi beach area in Lekki, Lagos, is now a beehive of activities for polo players across the country.
The Co-founder of African Beach Polo, Uneku Atawodi, told The Guardian during a test-run game played at the arena on Wednesday that the coming of beach polo would contribute positively to the development of the game in the country.
Atawodi explained that unlike the other polo ground, which occupies nine hectares of land, the beach polo is constructed on a smaller piece of land measuring 100×60.
“In beach polo, we use a bigger ball. The arena is smaller and it is easy to flow along with the spectators, unlike the other polo venue, which is 10 size bigger”, she stated.
Speaking further, Atawodi, who runs a Charity organisation called Ride To Shine, said that beach polo has different rule, which in particular, protect the players and the horses.
She disclosed that the maiden African Beach Polo series, which will see many top foreign players coming to compete in Lagos would be organized soon at the arena. The series will run for six weeks.
According to her, a major test run of the facilities will take place this weekend.
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