America's Polo Cup facts for kids
The America's Polo Cup was a special polo event held each year in the United States from 2007 to 2010. It was organized by Tareq and Michaele Salahi through their company, "America's Polo Cup Inc." This event was mostly for people to watch, as it wasn't officially approved by the main international polo group.
The event faced some problems, mainly about money. There were claims that people who provided services weren't paid. Also, there were questions about money that was supposed to go to charity. Some companies also said their names were used as sponsors without their permission. The company behind the event, "America's Polo Cup Inc.", officially closed down due to financial problems on September 13, 2010.
History of America's Polo Cup
The 2007 Event
On May 12, the first America's Polo Cup took place. The team from the United Kingdom played against the team from America. The United Kingdom won the match with a score of 7-3. This event was held at Morven Park in Leesburg, Virginia.
The 2008 Event
In 2008, the America's Polo Cup was held again at Morven Park in Leesburg, Virginia. This time, the American team played against a team from Italy. America won the game with a score of 6-2.
The 2009 Event
The 2009 event happened on May 9. The American team played against a team from Australia. America won this match 4-2. This game took place at the Capitol Polo Club in Poolesville, Maryland.
The 2010 Event
The last America's Polo Cup was held on June 12, 2010. It took place in a very famous spot: the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The teams were announced as the United States and India. Tickets for the event cost $95 per person. About 250 people attended the event, and food was provided by Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen.
There were some issues with the 2010 event. In previous years, real polo players from the visiting country would travel to America. However, reports said that the players who were introduced as being from India were actually Americans of Pakistani origin from Florida. A spokesperson for the Embassy of India also stated that neither the Embassy nor the government of India had anything to do with the event.
The event's website also listed an Indian company, Kingfisher Beer, as a sponsor. However, the head of Kingfisher Beer said that their company had not sponsored the event. The president of Kingfisher's parent company even said they had sent legal notices to stop their name from being used.
On September 13, 2010, the company "America's Polo Cup Inc." officially closed down due to financial difficulties.
