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Recounting her original vision for the event, Carrie McNeill told us: “I wanted to create something that gave back to the community, something that would be fun and create awareness. Polo is the perfect sport for this region as it combines different elements from high adrenaline action to a relaxed equestrian social environment for families and friends. Pink Polo is an innovative way of addressing the taboo subject of breast cancer and I believe Pink Polo can help to save lives!” The annual event has become so much more than a one day extravaganza. Leading up to the big day, Carrie McNeill and her team created a buzz with several innovative promotions including informative visit to colleges across the UAE and the unveiling of the Pink Polo Abaya collection – their thoughtful way of engaging with the local ladies. From pony and camel rides to falcon and horse shows, a skydiving display from Skydive Dubai, pink makeovers including nail polish and pink ribbon body art and photo sessions with world class polo players, the free event had something for everybody. We were educated and entertained throughout the day, with the heart of the event being the ‘Pink Majilis’ - a centre point for guests to talk to medical experts, meet breast cancer survivors. Ladies were also able to learn self examination techniques and undergo free screenings at a mobile mammography unit. The pinnacle for all was of course the polo match itself, between ADCB and Estee Lauder at Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club in Abu Dhabi – ideally located in-between three of the country’s most expanding cites, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Al Ain to ensure maximum capacity at the event. ‘The Pink Terrace’, provided a unique pavilion viewing experience for female guests to enjoy the game. Argentinean Oscar Colombres was the star of the show, grabbing a hat-trick for eventual winners ADCB, while Emirati brothers Tariq Bin Desmal and Abdullah Bin Desmal scored the other two goals. Mattar Al Yabhouni scored a brace for Estee Lauder, and Naser Al Dhari got the team’s other goal. The final result saw ADCB emerge victorious with a 5 – 3 win in the annual charity match. ADCB’s Chief Marketing Officer, Martin Scott, said: “We are delighted that we have emerged the victors in this polo game and send our thanks and congratulations to our excellent Emirati players, the Bin Desmal brothers, as well as their Argentine professional Oscar Colombres, who have done us proud. “We may have won the match, but we hope that the real winner today is the fight against breast cancer and the message that Pink Polo sends to the people of the UAE.” Pink Polo founder Carrie McNeil was also pleased with the success of the day at Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club. She said: “The Pink Polo event provides a platform to communicate a serious message to the community about how early detection saves lives. Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club is one of the world’s leading equestrian facilities and it’s an honor to see Pink Polo hosted there. The event is under the patronage of H.H Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the son of Sheikh Zayed who has shown great support from the start of this journey.” It’s little wonder the pioneering sports initiative has received rave recognition across the globe. Carrie McNeil is already planning the 2012 event which she tells us will take place on October 27th. With unsurpassable support from prominent local and international companies including presenting sponsor Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) and Estee Lauder Companies, we were certainly tickled pink at being part of such an inspiring day. Here’s to the next Pink Polo event later on this year! As the number one annual breast cancer awareness event for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, we were proud to be in attendance for a successful day of charity and good cheer at the Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club. It’s a humbling experience to be in the company of likeminded patrons of such a worthy cause. Launched in 2010, Pink Polo was founded by Carrie McNeill to raise awareness of breast cancer in the UAE, by staging a world- class polo exhibition game for all the family. She’s certainly made her mark. 127 S IMPLY ABU DHABI PINK POLO UNITE THROUGH SPORT