If you go
› What: Polo matches› Where: Bendabout Farm, Highway 11, just south of Cleveland, Tenn.› When: 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 16; 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17› Admission: Free, donations collected for 6th Cavalry Museum on Sunday› For more information: 423-476-6602
Bendabout Farm will continue its long-standing tradition of September polo matches when the U.S. vs. Argentina match is held Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 16-17.
The matches will feature local, national and international players from professional and amateur ranks. These 18 Goal Polo matches are the highest rated in the Southeast during this time. Players from both teams have played worldwide and the matches offer people in this area an opportunity to view polo competition at its very best.
The USA team is made up of four players. Gillian Johnston is a local favorite and the highest-rated female player/sponsor in high goal polo. Owen Rinehart is a former 10 goaler and Hall of Fame inductee. Julio Arellano plays on the Coca-Cola team with Johnston and is the highest-rated American player. Wes Finlayson is the youngest member of the team, but a strong leader among the next generation of professional polo players.
The Argentine team will be led by former 10 goaler Miguel Novillo Astrada. Astrada captained the Coca-Cola Polo Team's 2002 winning U.S. Open Team. Lucas Arellano, Hector Galindo and Omar Cepeda will also compete for the Argentine team.
Admission and parking are free, but donations will be accepted for the 6th Cavalry Museum in Fort Oglethorpe, Ga., during Sunday's match. Representatives of the museum will be on hand Sunday to answer questions and accept contributions.
Games are played "weather permitting." Gates open to the public two hours before start time. Spectators should bring folding chairs for seating.
Bendabout Farm is located just south of Cleveland, Tenn., 3553 South Lee Highway (Highway 11). Look for the "Polo Today" signs.
For more information: 423-476-6602.