The NSW Government, in partnership with the Sydney Polo Club, will host the 2017 World Polo Championship, a tournament that will see the world\u2019s eight best nations compete for the world title in Sydney\u2019s Hawkesbury region.
\n11 December 2015<\/p>\n
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events and Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres said the victory was confirmed overnight by the Federation of International Polo (FIP) in Buenos Aires, Argentina.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe World Polo Championship is the sport\u2019s most prestigious event and I\u2019m thrilled Sydney has been chosen by the FIP as the host of the 2017 event. This is yet another major sporting event secured exclusively for our State by Destination NSW,\u201d Mr Ayres said.<\/p>\n
\u201cPolo is a popular sport in Australia, with 50 clubs and associations around the country; half of those in NSW. The NSW Polo Association is the oldest in the country, formed in 1892.\u201d<\/p>\n
Member for Hawkesbury Dominic Perrottet said the event delivers part of the NSW Government\u2019s election commitment to grow tourism in the Hawkesbury region.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a great win for Hawkesbury, with more than 5,000 domestic and international visitors expected to spend $3.3 million,\u201d Mr Perrottet said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe World Championships will give this historic sport a great boost locally, and see our polo fields broadcast around the world.\u201d<\/p>\n
The tournament will consist of eight teams \u2013 the winner of each geographic region and Australia, the host nation. The tournament was first held in 1987, and is played every three to four years, with the 2015 Championship played in Santiago, Chile in March.<\/p>\n
Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer, Sandra Chipchase said this win continues the State\u2019s record of securing exclusive major sporting events.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe World Polo Championship shows that NSW is the home of international sport, and forms part of a packed Major Events Calendar which also includes the College Football Sydney Cup, Sydney Sevens rugby, and many more,\u201d Ms Chipchase said.<\/p>\n