PRINCE HARRY, THE DUKE OF SUSSEX PLAYS IN

THE ROYAL SALUTE POLO CHALLENGE TO BENEFIT SENTEBALE

 

 

WELLINGTON, FL; 12 APRIL 2024: Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, Co-Founding Patron of Sentebale played at the Grand Champions Polo Club in Wellington, Florida in support of Sentebale’s work with children and young people in Lesotho and Botswana. Playing for the Royal Salute Sentebale Team, the Duke and his teammates took home the win. The Duke scored a goal, taking the ball out of the air, his team winning 3-1 against the Grand Champions team. This marks the first time The Duke has played in Wellington since 2016.

 

 

 

 

 

Excited crowds cheered on the Royal Salute Sentebale Team, captained by Malcolm Borwick as they took on the Grand Champions Polo Club Team, captained by Sentebale Ambassador and long-time friend Nacho Figueras in a fast-paced game. MVP of the game was long time supporter, and Maseru team captain Steve Cox, and best playing pony was Sarah Jessica rode by Nacho Figueras.

Just under 300 guests attended the event, including Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, and special guests of sponsors and Sentebale. As part of the program, The Duke moderated a fireside chat with Sentebale’s Board Chair, Dr Sophie Chandauka, and Ntoli Moletsane, Sentebale’s Lesotho-based Country Director who has been with the organization for 14 years, as they discussed the future ambitions for Sentebale, and the ongoing challenges for children and young people in the southern African country.

Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, Co-Founding Patron of Sentebale said, “Bringing together the polo community that has long supported the work of Sentebale is always a great experience. Today, we raised funds to support our local teams on the ground deliver life changing programs. The Sentebale team's commitment plays an essential role in the lives of children and young people across Lesotho and Botswana, offering them hope, education and the means to combat the complex social challenges they face including high unemployment, poverty and the impact of HIV/AIDS. We are grateful to all of the guests, sponsors and partners who came together today to support this important work, and of course a huge thank you to all the players for making today’s game possible.”

 

Nacho Figueras, Sentebale’s Ambassador said, “Playing alongside my friend Prince Harry in support of Sentebale continues to be a profound honour. In this case it’s more than just a game; it's a shared commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of those in need. Through our partnership on the field, our mission is to raise awareness and support for Sentebale's vital work.”

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Dr Sophie Chandauka MBE, Chair of Sentebale adds, “We are two years away from celebrating this extraordinary organization’s 20th Anniversary, and the welcoming support we get from every community we hold our fundraising events in continues to showcase that the work we’re doing matters to people and to our partners like Royal Salute. There is no one this support matters more to than the children and young people who benefit from our programmes, and who’s potential is turned into the possibility of a future that means successfully navigating the challenges of poverty and inequity.”

The funds raised from this year’s Royal Salute Polo Challenge are essential to the ongoing programming in Lesotho and Botswana led by Sentebale’s talented local team.

Sentebale’s holistic package of support for vulnerable children and young people focusses on four key areas:

· Strengthening the social and emotional wellbeing of those living with or affected by HIV.

· Working with communities to provide young people with access to health and social services.

· Driving youth advocacy to improve health, education, and social protection.

Building individuals skills and livelihoods so they are more resilient, self-confident and empowered members of their communities.

 

Most recently, Sentebale has expanded into the regeneration of landscapes to mitigate the adverse impact of climate change on the natural resources that communities rely on for survival. This layered approach is supporting positive health outcomes, increasing access to education and services, improving overall livelihoods, and is nurturing children and young people reach their full potential.

Sentebale is enormously grateful to all the players and partners for their support in making this year’s event possible including, Royal Salute, U.S. Polo Assn, the Grand Champions Polo Club and the Ganzi Family, Four Seasons, and The Cox Family of Oklahoma.

 

About Sentebale

 

Sentebale works with children and young people and their communities to create sustainable solutions that address issues of health, wealth inequity, and climate resilience in the Southern African countries of Lesotho and Botswana.

The organisation was founded by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in 2006 as a response to the needs of children and young people in Lesotho and in memory of their late mothers. The name means ‘forget-me-not’ in the Sesotho language, representing a pledge to remember the most vulnerable children in the region.

Over the last eighteen years, Sentebale has developed solutions informed by children, their caregivers and the young people the organisation serves, to address both systemic issues and individual needs of the moment. This work includes providing and enabling the care of young people living with HIV/AIDS, addressing mental health issues, career exploration and entrepreneurship, critical life skills and advocacy; and offering vocational training and education opportunities. Sentebale’s work has recently expanded into the regeneration of landscapes to mitigate the adverse impact of climate change on the natural resources that communities rely on.

 

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

 

Royal Salute Royal Salute is an exceptionally crafted and aged blended Scotch whisky, starting where others end at 21 years old. Created in 1953 to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and the 21 gun salute that honoured her, the brand is steeped in tradition and proud of its royal lineage while firmly engaged in the modern world. Royal Salute seamlessly blends traditionalism and modernity with new and innovative expressions that stay true to its rich heritage. As a brand, it celebrates creativity through enchanting partnerships with a diverse selection of creatives in the luxury lifestyle space from artists to fashion designers, inviting new audiences into the wondrous world of Royal Salute. www.royalsalute.com

 

Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach Palm Beach Island’s only Five-Star, Five-Diamond destination, Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, offers an intimate resort experience where picturesque pools and acres of private beachfront take center stage. With interior design by Martin Brudnizki and 207 charming guest rooms and suites, every detail, character, and memorable experience tells the story of the warmth and spirit that the iconic island is known for. Dine by the water at Seaway, savor Florie’s by three-Michelin starred Chef Partner Mauro Colagreco, relax at The Spa, and settle into the easy going pace of life by the ocean.

 

U.S. Polo Assn. and USPA Global Licensing Inc. (USPAGL)

U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the non-profit governing body for the sport of polo in the United States and one of the oldest sports governing bodies, having been founded in 1890. With a multi-billion-dollar global footprint and worldwide distribution through over 1,100 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores and thousands of department stores, sporting goods channels, independent retailers, and e-commerce, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel for men, women, and children, as well as accessories and footwear in more than 190 countries worldwide. U.S. Polo Assn. was named as one of the top five sports licensors in 2022 alongside the NFL, MLB, and NBA, according to License Global. Visit uspoloassnglobal.com and follow @uspoloassn.

 

USPA Global Licensing Inc. (USPAGL) is the for-profit subsidiary of the USPA and manages the global, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand, providing the sport with a long-term source of revenue. Through its subsidiary, Global Polo Entertainment (GPE), USPAGL also manages Global Polo TV, which provides sport and lifestyle content. A historic, multi-year, global arrangement between USPAGL and ESPN, now showcases many of the top championship polo games in the U.S., enabling millions of sports fans and consumers to enjoy the sport across ESPN’s broadcast and streaming platforms. For more sport content visit globalpolo.com.