Newport Polo’s annual Players Dinner on Oct. 21^st at Clark Cooke House in Newport gave opportunity to celebrate the 2017 polo season and recognize those who contributed to an outstanding year.  

Glasses were raised in appreciation of our 2017 sponsors, including NBC10, BMW Centers of RI, ALEX AND ANI; Blue Cross Blue Shield, Gurney's Newport, The Chanler, Veuve Clicquot Champagne, Vanderbilt International Properties, Hotel Viking, Brahmin, Rib & Rhein, Clarke Cooke House, of course, Newport Daily News, Atria Senior Living, Rockstar Limo, Stella Artois, Patrón Spirits, and Where Boston, and recognitions were made to the private lodging hosts of international teams.

International Polo Charity Ball ovations were expressed to the 2017 Gala Ambassadors Mary Marwick & Peter Jenkins and to the dedicated auction committee volunteers present, including Heather Souto, Jim DeAngelis, Margaux Buchanan and Agnes Keating, who helped raise a record $32K supporting beneficiary Newport Opera House, and to all our generous attendees this year, without whom the results would not have been so successful.

Also acknowledged were the 2017 Best Playing Ponies: Jack Loaned to Peru by D Keating; Diva Loaned to France by C Maldonado; Yum Yum Loaned to Italy by  P Friedman; Persia Loaned to Ireland by M Keating; Negrita Loaned to Mexico by D Keating; Venicia Loaned to Jamaica by J DeAngelis; Coca Loaned to England by D Keating; and Sospiro Loaned to Dominican Republic by D Bullis.

Presentations of this year's Sportsmanship Award and Most Improved Player Award were conveyed by previous recipients Heather Souto and Stefanie Boyer/Lauren Howe (see former recipients).  Chosen by their peers, the perpetual trophies were awarded to Jenna Davis, voted Most Improved Player this season, and to Carlos Maldonado, named the 2017 Sportsmanship Award recipient.  

Club President Dan Keating expressed unanimous Appreciation to Polo Manager Dave Markell for his tireless efforts all year long.

The presentation culminated in an induction into the Newport Polo Hall of Fame: none more deserving than the beloved consulier in the early years of Newport Polo's vision to revive America's first polo club and reinstate its heritage of international competition, Commander Jack B.L. Leavitt, who led the Newport Rotary Club’s Polo Committee, was on our board of advisors since the second season, recognizing an opportunity to help Polo and the Rotary Club.  Jack’s vast business expertise helped Polo get on its feet, and navigate through its early challenges, without whom we might not be here today to celebrate our 26th season.  Jack Leavitt and his legacy will forever be acknowledged in the Newport Polo Hall of Fame.”

“The awards dinner is an opportunity to express appreciation for the leading figures that make the Polo Series a great tradition,” commented Newport Polo president, Dan Keating.  “Plans are already underway to make exciting improvements for 2018.”  

Newport International Polo Series XXVI begins on Saturday June 2, 2018 when USA hosts the season’s first international rival on Opening Day.  Subscribe to our eMagazine for the latest news and announcements, including team lineup, important dates and upcoming events.  Secure, spam free and minimally issued.