CHUKKA FOR CHANGE: SPORTS STARS TRY OUT POLO AHEAD OF LAUREUS KING POWER POLO CUP

• A.P. McCoy, Victoria Pendleton and Jonathan Joseph learn about the sport of polo ahead of Laureus King Power Polo Cup on June 16
• ‘It's a privilege to be here today to support the work of Laureus Sport for Good’ – says A.P. McCoy
• Click here for more information on Laureus Sport for Good

LONDON, May 9, 2016 – Laureus Ambassadors and sporting legends A.P. McCoy and Victoria Pendleton were today joined by England and Bath Rugby star Jonathan Joseph in a learn-to-play polo session.

The three sports stars were given an insight into the fast-paced and exciting sport from King Power Foxes player Hugo Lewis, British Young Player of 2015. The event previewed the Laureus King Power Polo Cup, which takes place at Ham Polo Club on June 16. Last year, the King Power Foxes won both the Queen’s Cup and Gold Cup with ‘Top’ Srivaddhanaprabha, Vice Chairman of Leicester City Football Club on the team.   

Laureus Ambassador and National Hunt record winning jockey A.P. McCoy, said: “It's a privilege to be here today to support the work of Laureus Sport for Good, something I’m passionate about. I’ve spent my life around horses and today was a great experience, it was enjoyable to learn about the sport of polo and the skill required to compete at the highest level. I think I chose the right career as a jockey though!”

Fresh from her remarkable performance at Cheltenham, Laureus Ambassador Victoria Pendleton, enjoyed immersing herself in a new sporting environment. She said: “I’m always looking to set myself new goals and challenge myself so learning polo was fun for me! I know how important the work Laureus Sport for Good does and it’s an honour for me to be here to spread the message about the power sport has to improve the lives of young people around the world.”

England and Bath Rugby star Jonathan Joseph said: “This is a bit of a change from my usual Monday training session but learning from Hugo about polo has been amazing. The people who play the sport are incredibly talented. Through rugby, I’m aware of the power sport can have to unite and inspire people around the world, and I hope people really get behind the Laureus King Power Polo Cup next month, to raise lots of money which will make a positive impact on the lives of young people.”

The Laureus King Power Polo Cup will see a Mercedes Benz AMG team take on the St Tropez Polo Club, as some of the world’s best polo players take part in an exhibition match in front of a star-studded audience to raise funds for Fundación Laureus Argentina.  

The Fundación Laureus Argentina was founded in 2003 by Academy Member and legendary rugby player, Hugo Porta. The Fundación is based in Buenos Aires and currently supports eight projects: Asociación Civil Mostrando Caminos; Club Deportivo Barracas (Mi Club Nuestro Lugar); Programa A Ganar; Fundacion El Desafio (Deporte Por La Vida); Proyecto Fatima (Fundación CUBA); Virreyes Hockey, Granja Andar and Fundacion Temas (Escuela de Boxeo).

Since its inception, Laureus has raised over €100 million for projects which have helped to improve the lives of millions of young people. The mission of Laureus Sport for Good is to use sport as a means to tackle some of the toughest social challenges facing young people today such as violence and crime, discrimination, unemployment and lack of education.