The event will benefit Work to Ride, a community-based youth equestrian program
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The first Philadelphia Polo Classic is coming to Fairmount Park Saturday, benefiting a groundbreaking grassroots equestrian organization in the city.
Work to Ride, Philadelphia’s community-based equestrian program which empowers underserved youth in the city, created the long-awaited event. It teaches kids how to ride, care for, and respect horses. It offers riding lessons, a summer camp, and a polo program.
Kareem Rosser, a Work to Ride alumnus and current board member, was also captain of the first all-Black team to win the U.S. Polo Association National Interscholastic Championship in 2011.
“The event will center around a pair of polo matches concluding with a feature match where each team will compete for a championship title,” said Rosser.
“Opposing teams will be captained by myself opposite my good friend Nacho Figueras, one of the world’s most decorated polo players.”
The 2022 Philadelphia Polo Classic is expected to draw at least 3,000 people to Edgely Field.
“This polo classic is going to be absolutely unforgettable,” said Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell. “The horses, horseback riding, polo…it’s just a small fraction of what this program really is. The horse side of it is just a vehicle for helping children achieve their potential.”
The guests attending the family-friendly event will encounter the Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders & mascot Swoop. They can also enjoy a large and small breed dog contest, along with wine and beer gardens, food trucks and a live DJ.
“Ranging from VIP offerings to family-friendly activities,” Rosser said, “we have the pleasure of creating a truly memorable event with the capacity of growing year after year.”