Johannesburg, 19 November 2019. Standard Bank and African Deluxe Company hosted the very first Action Polo event in Africa this past Saturday 16 November. The spectacular event took place at the immaculate Steyn City’s new Polo Park, specifically built for the event, which has breath-taking views of Steyn City’s manicured parklands, which is adjacent to the estate’s pristine Jack Nicklaus designed golf course and international award-winning clubhouse.
Renowned actress and international style icon Amanda du-Pont welcomed captains of industry and celebrities from across the continent to witness Africa’s first park-based Action Polo event. The beautiful guests did not disappoint on the Nomadic Couture dress code set out for the inaugural event, with the best dressed judged by GQ magazine. Staying true to the event’s theme “Polo Through the Ages“, which was inspired by the iconic countries that polo became famous in over the years, the event took guests through a journey around the world, from Persia, where it all started more than 2000 years ago, to China, India, Spain, Italy, the USA and of course Africa. The VVIP Polo Patron Lounge welcomed guests to a Marrakech-inspired affair with artistic mixed dry and fresh floral installations suspended from the ceiling, and inspired décor, mixology and gourmet cuisine from around the world. Dj Zinhle, Peroni South Africa’s latest brand ambassador (also a brand partner of the event), kicked off the day’s entertainment, while Standard Bank 2018 Young Artist winner in the jazz category, Thandi Nthuli mesmerized guests with her sultry voice diring the afternoon. Malfy premium gin hailing from Italy’s Amalfi coast was the drink of choice for the day, while Mumm champagne helped VIP guests celebrate the winning team at the end of the action-packed main match before Dj Lerato Kganyago kicked off the after party. Other celebrity guests included Kim Jade, Jessica Van Heerden and Seth Shezi, and E! Entertainment was there to interview them on the blue carpet.
The event’s visionary headline sponsor, Standard Bank was thrilled to welcome esteemed customers to the day’s action-packed activities. “As Africa’s largest banking group, it was fitting that we would host Africa’s first polo in the park experience. This was a first of its kind and we wanted to offer our customers as well as event goers an inimitable take on the iconic sport. The values of the sport of polo – integrity, fair play and passion – align perfectly with our brand values,” says Lindy-Lou Alexander, Head of Marketing at Standard Bank.
The sensational polo line-up in its brand-new format with spectacular hospitality, riveting entertainment and a programme of luxury lifestyle experiences showcasing the City of Gold like never before, made this an event not to miss. A lounge fashion show by SA designer Jacques Lagrange and Mozambican designer Taibo Bacar ended off a memorable afternoon. Beautiful people, fashion, picturesque surroundings, delicious food and cocktails were all the right ingredients for a perfect balmy Jozi afternoon in the city’s most iconic resort estate.
“Polo in the Park is an event which speaks to our own ethos, which revolves around providing a lifestyle that’s unrivalled by anything else in South Africa. Of course, given facilities like our world class equestrian centre, it goes without saying that many of our residents are equine enthusiasts!”, comments Tammy Menton, Group Head of Marketing and Events, Steyn City Properties.
Park polo is a modern form of action polo that forms part of a new global polo movement focused on creating exciting ways to play polo in and around urban centers where space is often limited. First made famous in London, the Standard Bank Polo in the Park was the first park polo event to be held on the African continent, and African Deluxe Company was thrilled to introduce its portfolio of luxury lifestyle events with this African first.
The Standard Bank Polo in the Park was by far the most spectacular polo event of the SA social calendar and the perfect way to end the year in style. Polo lovers should keep their eyes tuned on the 2020 social calendar as the date for the second Standard Bank Polo in the Park will be announced soon.
Keep a look out for more info on the event’s website at www.JoburgPolointhePark.com or email info@theafricandeluxegroup.com for early bird inquiries and sponsorship opportunities for 2020.