For founder of Gay Polo League, it's not just a sport, it's about uniting people
Julio Poletti
[Published April 4, 2019. The Palm Beach Post]
With acceptance and understanding being the goal, a one-of-a-kind polo league in Palm Beach County makes it clear that the LGBTQ community is on the athletic map.
The Gay Polo League -- the first and only gay polo league in the world -- will host its 10th annual tournament on Saturday, April 6 at The International Polo Club in Wellington. The annual event raises funds for SAGE, a national organization that advocates and provides services for LGBTQ elders.
Wellington polo player Chip McKenney, 62, says a large part of the reason he founded the league was linked to his personal experiences growing up as a gay athlete.
“As a young kid, I didn’t believe that team-sport opportunities were appropriate for a gay kid,” he said. “On television you never saw successful athletes who were in same-sex relationships, they would never be acknowledged, and you certainly heard rumors.”
Without LGBTQ role models in team sports, as a youth McKenney said he gravitated toward individual sports where he did not need to rely on teammates. He was an active young athlete, participating in sports as diverse as show jumping to skiing.
But in 2006, McKenney knew he needed to affect change and create his own wave of inclusion for gay athletes. It was then that he formed Gay Polo League in Wellington, the world's first and only gay polo league.
“I’m hoping that by us representing ourselves as proud, out athletes, we can influence, and maybe even more importantly, we can reach a young audience,” he said. “We tell them it’s okay to be gay and to be an athlete, and to be out and to be proud, and to be competitive. I think that’s really important.”
Related: Something new to try this year in Palm Beach County: Take a polo lesson
When McKenney talks about polo, his passion for the sport is evident.
“It’s a team sport, it’s an adrenaline sport, it’s a sport of skill and it’s a sport of athleticism. And you can play it in many places around the world,” said McKenney, who is also the league's president. “The league is now in 13 countries.”
Initially, McKenney thought hosting the Gay Polo Tournament would be a one-time thing, but he believes it has continued because its message unites people.
The Gay Polo League Tournament will kick off its festivities with the GPL Polotini Presents WIGSTOCK fundraiser at the Mallet Grill in Wellington on April 5. The poolside party starts at 7 p.m. All proceeds raised will benefit SAGE.
On Saturday, April 6, expect a day full of activities at the International Polo Club. And, with 4,000 to 5,000 estimated to attend, odds are high for a fierce tailgate. The day will also include music, champagne toasts and colorful attire. The first polo match begins at 1 p.m. and the final game is at 4 p.m., followed by an awards ceremony and an after-party in the award tent.
On Sunday, there will be a lavish brunch back at the Mallet Grill.
McKenney says polo is a sport that is easy to learn regardless of experience, and its competitiveness never gets old -- and he invites everyone to saddle up.
“I know that once you do it the first time, you’ll do it a second time, and a third time, and we’ll always keep a GPL Polo pony ready for you.”
Related: Aspiring polo players can take lessons at the league's home club, Palm City Polo Club in Boynton Beach.
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Sarah Hopkins contributed to this story.
What: Land Rover Palm Beach International Gay Polo Tournament
When: April 5 through April 6
Where: International Polo Club Palm Beach, 3667 120th Ave. South, Wellington; 561-204-5687
Link to Palm Beach Post story: https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/entertainment/local/2019/04/04/for-founder-of-gay-polo-league-its-not-just-sport-its-about-uniting-people/5531735007/
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