Over the weekend, the 11th International Polo Club Tournament took place, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the Luxembourg Polo Club.
As the official media partner, RTL had the privilege of immersing itself in the regal world of polo at the 11th Coupe du Luxembourg. This prestigious event, often dubbed the 'Sport of Kings,' truly lived up to its reputation.
During their busiest day of the year, Mr. Erik Lauro, the person behind the thorough organization of the event, took time to share insights into the world of polo, specifically in Luxembourg.
A week earlier, professional polo player Estelle Wagner and Lauro discussed the event on Today Radio, providing an engaging preview of what attendees could expect.
Mr. Lauro's journey into the Luxembourg Polo Club began through his daughter’s passion for horseback riding, which started at the age of 10.
Today, he is a polo player, and she is one of the top players in Luxembourg, having participated in several European championships.
Lauro attributes the success of the event to a quality polo field, which Luxembourg offers uniquely close to the city center in Merl, and strong teams.
Over the weekend, teams from Luxembourg, France, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, and Argentina competed for the cup, bringing together the best of the best polo players and magnificent horses for the audience to enjoy.
An interesting fact is that a polo player needs four horses for one single game given the intensity and energy required. When asked about his involvement in the club, Lauro echoed President J.F. Kennedy's sentiment: “I like to always ask not what the club can do for me – I ask what I can do for the club.”
Ms. Valerie Fontaine, the club's president who is driven by her passion for horses, described polo as an addictive sport.
Her ambition is to maintain the club's legacy, provide high-quality service to its members, and make the sport accessible to Luxembourg’s horse lovers.
Managing the stables, workers, field, and horses is demanding, but for Fontaine, playing polo feels like a superpower, making all the hard work worthwhile.
Dr. Paul Lee, one of the general sponsors of the tournament, explains that his fascination with the power of polo drove him to support the club. Dr. Lee describes playing polo as a luxury, a way to connect with animals and experience sportsmanship that alleviates the stresses of a high-intensity job and daily life.
The event brought people together, allowing them to experience the true essence of polo. The atmosphere at the club is open and welcoming to everyone interested in trying out the sport, with members from various age groups and nationalities.
Saturday concluded festively with the divot stomping tradition. Players galloped away as guests, in glamorous attire, gently made their way onto the field to smooth out the churned grass with their heels. This tradition is one of the longest-standing and most important in the 'Sport of Kings'.
The field is now ready to welcome new games, emotions, and continued sportsmanship, offering fabulous entertainment for spectators. To learn more about the Luxembourg Polo Club and discover their offerings, visit their website.
