While the 2006 polocrosse season winds up in Australia, it is just beginning in countries such as New Zealand. Whether players are on or off the field, the international polocrosse community is a hive of activity as we've passed the six month marker until World Cup competition begins at Morgan Park, Warwick. Read on...
Competitors: Australia, Canada and the UK have all selected their players for their official teams including the appointment of Captain and Vice Captains. Other team names will be posted when announced. To learn more see www.polocrosse.com.au/worldcup/about_nations.htm. Strong interest has been received from players in France, Netherlands, Germany and Norway. While they do not qualify to compete in the Ridley Polocrosse World Cup competition, they may participate in the concurrent Australian Equine Alliance Club Carnival. For developments see www.polocrosse.com.au/worldcup/about_nations_Other.htm.
Tour Packages: With Qantas confirmed as our official airline, tour packages have now been launched. Whether you are coming from the northern or southern hemisphere, or travelling from within Australia, we've got a one-stop shop solution for you. Packages include flights, transfers, accommodation and tickets and begin from as little as Aus$1099 from the east coast of Australia. For more information follow the links at www.polocrosse.com.au/worldcup/visitors_travel.htm.
On-line: Harnessing the power of the Internet we have just formed an on-line partnership with one of the sport's pioneers in on-line marketing: www.polocrosse.net. The site has a large and loyal audience and the partnership includes a number of reciprocal links; some shared content such as news, reference information and links; plus on-line polling.
The equestrian fraternity has also embraced the opportunity to spread the word about the World Cup with a growing number of specialist equestrian magazines and associations adding links from their websites to us. Particular thanks to Polo Australia who is amongst those helping to raise awareness within their ranks. If you see a site where we should be, please email
Volunteers: The volunteer recruitment drive is well underway with the initial focus for 100 horse handlers. Other volunteers will be required in catering, ground care, ticketing, administration and in the information and media centre. All volunteers will take home unforgettable memories of this world-class sporting event. For eligibility, benefits and how to apply see www.polocrosse.com.au/worldcup/about_volunteers.htm.
Horses: The historic national horse recruitment drive is in full swing with official horse selectors Kent Wells and Neville Gilpin having attended the national titles in NSW as well as major carnivals in Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
Did you see? A number of consumer magazines are hearing about Polocrosse and the World Cup with feature articles appearing in national magazines such as Friday, 50 Something and RM Williams Outback. And there are more in the pipeline. If you missed them on the newsstand, we've introduced this new feature online - see www.polocrosse.com.au/worldcup/news_articles.htm.
Countdown: Want to know just how many days till the action kicks off at Morgan Park, Warwick? A new feature of the website is a daily countdown timer. Simply enter www.polocrosse.com.au/worldcup.
Masters: For absolutely your last chance to see Polocrosse in Queensland during 2006, head to the Gold Coast for the Pan Pacific Masters Games. Some 300 polocrosse masters aged 40 to 79 will take to the field, all keen to show what a lifetime of polocrosse can produce. The action takes place at the Carrara Equestrian Centre 3-5 November. For more email Michele Cozzi
or Gold Coast Polocrosse Club
VIP Welcome Packs: When hundreds of competitors, officials, sponsors and VIPs arrive in Warwick next April, they will receive a special pack with welcome messages from the Mayor and Premier, a comprehensive event programme, plus tourist information and gifts from major sponsors. Small local business operators have now been invited to participate in the pack programme - they can draw business through their doors by including a special deal or gift voucher in the pack. For more email
