Press Release

U.S. Team Participates In Maiden International Military Polo Tournament In Kaduna

January 9, 2006

A five-member U.S. Military Polo Team, sponsored by the U.S. European Command, will participate in the maiden edition of an International Military Polo tournament scheduled for the fifth Chukker's Polo Club in Kaduna from January 11 - 14, 2006.

The players are Commander Steve Smith, Lieutenant Colonel Roman Fontes, Colonel Steve Walsh, and Lieutenant Andrew Hochhaus. Mr. Dan Keating is the team coach.

The polo tournament which opens at 1400 hours on Tuesday, January 11th, will feature assorted matches between teams from six participating countries, including the host country, Nigeria. Other countries participating in the 4-day tournament are Egypt, Argentina, India, and the United Kingdom.

Polo has a history with the U.S. military that dates back to the 19th Century when polo was introduced to horse calvary units. The U.S. military polo team draws on a pool of some 20 players who are associated with the U.S. armed forces. The players include both males and females from different races and religious backgrounds. They play at tournaments in the U.S. and around the world.

With the demise of the horse calvary after World War II, the U.S. military polo team was disbanded but it was reestablished in 1991, and has so far played in 12 countries, including Brazil, Argentina, France, UK, India, Pakistan, and Chile. This is their first time in Nigeria.

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