Newport Polo’s annual Players Dinner at Clark Cooke House in Newport gave opportunity to celebrate the 2015 polo season and recognize those who contributed to a successful 24th year.  

Among those named were the recipients of this year's Sportsmanship Award and Most Improved Player Award. Congratulations to Alexander King, voted Most Improved Player this season, and to Michel Nseir, chosen by his peers to receive the 2015 Sportsmanship Award.  Nearly a dozen mustache-clad nominees in each category heightened the anticipation until the winners were announced.

It was a festive celebration and last dance of the year in the Skybar, where players, sponsors and supporters gathered for a final victory lap, celebrating a banner year.  The Player’s Dinner reached its most anticipated hour with the presentation of the polo club's highest individual honors. In voting by its members, the peer nomination process narrowed the field of players to the aforementioned two winners.

Glasses of Veuve Clicquot were raised in appreciation of our 2015 sponsors in attendance, including Title Sponsor NBC10; Veuve Clicquot Champagne; International Team Sponsors & hosts including Vanderbilt International Properties; Grandstand Sponsor Balfour Beatty Communities, and of course Clarke Cooke House.

Also recognized were the 2015 Best Playing Ponies & their lenders: DoSiDo Loaned to Monaco by P Friedman; Ceruccha Loaned to Scotland by C Stiegler; Geronimo Loaned to Ireland by H Souto; Fugitivo Loaned to Italy by D Bullis; Coca Loaned to Brazil by D Keating; Snowbird Loaned to Jamaica by S Clemens; Persia Loaned to England by D Keating; and Fleur Loaned to Mexico by P Friedman.

Polo Manager Appreciation was extended to Dave Markell for his tireless efforts all year long; and last but not least, International Polo Charity Ball ovations were expressed to the 2015 Gala Ambassadors including former First Lady Stefanie Chafee, Sophie F. Danforth, and  Lynn & Jonathan Kaye, and to dedicated auction committee volunteers Becky Schenker, Stacie Mills, Kimmie Schumann, Heather Souto, Dave Markell and Agnes Keating from Newport Polo  for their time and energy to benefit Roger Williams Park Zoo, and to all our generous attendees without whom the event would not have been so successful.

“The awards dinner is an opportunity to express appreciation for the leading figures that make the Polo Series a great summertime tradition,” commented Newport Polo president, Dan Keating.  Preparation for our 25^th anniversary season is currently underway, with major announcements coming later this month.”  Forthcoming news will be published www.nptpolo.com and by private Subscription to Newport Polo's monthly lifestyle E-magazine.

Season XXV begins on June 4, 2016 when USA hosts an international rival on Opening Day, marking the start of the Silver Jubilee.