PRINCE HARRY AND PRINCE SEEISO TO LAUNCH CHARITY POLO EVENT AT APES HILL CLUB IN BARBADOS

12-22-2009

(BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, December 21, 2009) --Children affected by HIV/ AIDS on the African continent will benefit from a fundraising polo event at the Apes Hill Polo Club in Barbados on Sunday, January 31, 2010,  when HRH Prince Henry of Wales and HRH Prince Seeiso of Lesotho travel to the island to launch The Sentebale Polo Cup.

 

Sentebale is a charity set up by both Princes that has helped over 3,000 of Lesotho’s orphaned, abused, disabled, ill and most vulnerable children.  The polo event is expected to raise a considerable sum that will go toward providing health, care and education through a variety of targeted initiatives.

 

President & CEO of the Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA), David M. Rice, CHA, said it was an honor for Barbados to be chosen to host the inaugural event as it had the potential to generate tremendous tourism benefits for Barbados, while contributing to a very worthy cause.

 

“This is a fantastic opportunity for Barbados to showcase to the world our ability to host world class sporting events.  We also see it as a dual honor that Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso have selected Barbados as the ideal location for the inaugural Sentebale Polo Cup, while raising funds that will go toward renewing hope and inspiration within those vulnerable children in Lesotho.”

 

Speaking on behalf of the Apes Hill Polo Club, Sir Charles Williams said, “This represents one of my life long ambitions to establish polo as a sports tourism leader in Barbados as we look forward to welcoming Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso.  I sincerely hope that corporate Barbados will follow the excellent example of our Government and support this occasion. 

 

We at Apes Hill are always anxious to assist in supporting any desirable cause but we are particularly excited to be hosting The Sentebale Polo Cup.  The most admirable efforts by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso, to carry on the legacy of their late mothers, deserve the highest possible commendation.”

 

Kedge Martin, CEO of Sentebale, who recently visited the island ahead of the official visit stated, “Thousands of children in Lesotho have had their lives devastated by the HIV/Aids epidemic - they have very little chance of a healthy and safe childhood and decent future. The aim of the Sentebale Polo Cup, which we are delighted to be launching at Apes Hill in Barbados, is not only to increase awareness of the plight of these children, but to raise vital funds so Sentebale can increase its help to those most in need and very often forgotten

 

This inaugural event of The Sentebale Polo Cup is being hosted by Sir Charles Williams at Apes Hill Polo Club and its title sponsor is the Barbados Tourism Authority.   For more information about Barbados and accommodation options, visit www.visitbarbados.org.

 

 

 

About Barbados

The island of Barbados offers the most authentic Caribbean experience with its exceptionally rich culture and history rooted in remarkable landscapes, including The Crane beach, St. Philips, voted one of the world’s sexiest beaches for 2008 by Concierge.com.  Barbados is the first and only Zagat-rated Caribbean island with numerous internationally renowned chefs who masterfully put signature spins on local delicacies and traditions. Barbados is also an ideal stage for world-class events and has hosted numerous sporting championships, including the ICC Cricket World Cup Final 2007 and the 2006 PGA World Golf Championship-The Barbados World Cup. Accommodations range from picturesque plantation houses and villas to quaint bed and breakfasts to award-winning five-star resorts. The newly renovated Grantley Adams International Airport offers even more non-stop and direct service from a growing number of U.S. cities via newly-launched Jet Blue, Air Jamaica, American Airlines, Delta and US Airways, making Barbados the true gateway to the Eastern Caribbean.  Barbados was voted #8 in the World by Trip Advisor’s ‘2008 Travelers Choice Destination Awards’ in its Top 100 Destinations category.  Follow the Barbados beat and catch up on the latest news via the Barbados Facebook page at www.tinyurl.com/barbadosbeat and Twitter at www.twitter.com/barbadostourism.  For more information on travel to Barbados, visit www.visitbarbados.org, or contact the Barbados Tourism Authority at 1.800.221.9831.

 

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