For immediate release:
Monday, May 28, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Rapuano, (212) 440-2205


Polo Returns to “the Island at the Center of the World” With the Veuve Clicquot Manhattan Polo Classic   

Almost 70 years since polo was last played on Governors Island, the enchanting “Sport of Kings” returns to New York City with the Veuve Clicquot Manhattan Polo Classic, to be played at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 31st, the opening day of the 2008 Governors Island season. A free treat for those in the NYC metro area, arriving by ferry, the riveting afternoon match is between two North American Polo League (NAPL) teams: Black Watch, captained by Nacho Figueras and Skeeterville sponsored by Asprey, captained by Will Johnston.

“The Veuve Clicquot Manhattan Polo Classic is re-establishing polo’s historic connection with Governors Island and New York, while providing a truly unusual and exciting event for everyone to enjoy,” said Leslie Koch, President of the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation. “The polo match is an incredible highlight to our Opening Day, and we are thrilled to be hosting this historic match.”

Renowned French champagne house Veuve Clicquot embodies a lifestyle of celebrating enjoyable moments with family and friends with spirited passion.

“Veuve Clicquot is thrilled to continue its long-standing support of polo in both Europe and the US by bringing this wonderful event back to historic Governor's Island in Manhattan,” explained Aisha Thompson, Veuve Clicquot Senior Brand Manager. “We look forward to welcoming spectators for a sparkling afternoon of sport and fun in a scenic setting.”

NAPL Chief Executive Charles Smith officiating the match commented: “Since New York was the birthplace of polo in 1876, it is exciting to see polo return to Governors Island after so many years’ absence and we are pleased to see two great NAPL teams take part. Polo is an exhilarating spectator sport and this match kicks off the polo season in the Northeast in style. I am personally honored to be here since my father, an American 10 -goaler played one of the last matches on Governors Island in 1941.”

Black Watch Captain, Nacho Figueras said: “I jumped at the chance to play as soon as I heard about bringing polo back to New York City. Polo brings history, passion, sport and spectators together all in this amazing location. There is no other place on earth to play polo in a spectacular location like this – the most famous skyline in the world overlooks the polo field!”

Polo was played regularly on Governors Island when it was an Army base. Matches were played throughout the early part of the 20th century, with the last match being played just before World War II in September 1941.

To view photos of polo, click here.

Governors Island Opening Day Celebrations on Saturday, May 31st

• The Veuve Clicquot Manhattan Polo Classic is being played at 3 p.m. on the South Island - is part of the Governors Island Opening Day celebrations, and is free to visitors.
• Entry to Governors Island is free and open to the public between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.
• Free ferries run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to and from Governors Island from the Battery Maritime Building, Slip 7, 10 South Street, New York, NY 10004. For specific ferry times, please visit www.govisland.com.
• As well as the polo from 3pm, visitors can bike, picnic, and take tours of the National Historic District. There are also two exhibits opening on the Island.
• Family Festival - Open from 12:00 Noon– 4:00 p.m. Come celebrate opening day of Governors Island at the free 4th Annual Family Festival, Brought by the Governors Island Alliance and partners, the festival will feature a full range of children’s activities including musical and dance performances, historic ship tours, bike parades, arts and crafts, face painting and more!
• Bring a picnic and spend a great day on Governors Island!

For further information, photos, access to grounds, players etc, media should please contact:

Alison Kelley, NAPL/Polo: 203 550 1686
Elizabeth Rapuano, GIPEC: 212 440 205
Teresa Busillo, Veuve Clicquot PR agency Harrison & Shriftman: 917-351-8660
Karen Kranenburg, Event Producer: 561 542 0149
www.govisland.com
www.northamericanpololeague.com
www.veuveclicquot.com
www.stregis.com
www.asprey.com