On September 9th2012, Polo brought together Argentina´s Pampa and “Estancias”tradition to Oak Brook, Illinois. Organized by Willow Harbor Winery and Oak Brook Polo Club, as part of the Willow Harbor – Oak Brook Polo Club Cup, a Polo match between an Argentine Polo Team and the AirButler (US) Polo Team took place at the Oak Brook Polo Club Fields.

With the collaboration of the Consulate General of Argentina in Chicago, the Argentine-American Midwest Chamber of Commerce, INPROTUR –National Tourism Office of Argentina in New York -, attendees to the Polo Match enjoyed an elegant evening with some of the best internationally known Argentine trademarks: Polo, food and wine.

The event started with the American and the Argentine anthem played in guitar, followed by tango and electronic-tango music, asado –Argentine barbecue, wine and a greeting by Mr. Marcelo Suarez Salvia, Consul General of Argentina in Chicago. Traditional Argentine objects as Mate, Boleadoras and Pato were showcased next to the Polo Field and tourism promotional brochures were distributed by Ms. Ines Segarra - INPROTUR's Representative. 

 

Background:

The world's largest number of professional Polo players come from Argentina and the United States.

During the Argentine-AirButler Polo Match 2012, local league Argentine and American players represented their two countries.

The Oak Brook Polo Club, with long tradition in this equestrian sport, has served as a venue for the U.S. Open Polo Championship from 1954 to 1978.

Since the first Polo match took place in Argentina in 1875, the “sport of kings” has become an important component of the Argentine Culture as well as a signature of the country. The Argentine National Team has won many international tournaments and awards, including the World Polo Championship in 1987, 1992, 1998 and 2011.

The Argentine-AirButler Polo Match seeked to promote Argentine culture, cuisine and tourism as a means of fostering the friendly relationship between Argentina and the United States.