Sponsor & Supporter News FINAL ISSUE 13 - May/June 2007
When the competition began on Monday 23 April, it marked the culmination of two years of preparations. Events are like weddings in that the months (or years) of preparation disappear as the day itself comes...and goes...in a flash. Whatever happens behind the scenes, everything must be in place for when the bride walks down the aisle. So too we were ready when the Governor-General declared the 2007 Ridley Polocrosse World Cup open. A massive effort by all concerned bore fruit that last week of April when we shared a spectacular sporting success for the sport and for the community.
On the field, congratulations go to Australia for retaining the Cup, as well as to all competing nations for their sportsmanship during the week. Thanks to all who made the event a success, from those who contributed money, those who gave time, and those who loaned their horses...and some did all three.
This is the final issue of From the Horse's Mouth and from the feedback we've received you've told us that it has helped provide you "ample" information since issue one in October 2005. Now to some final comments...
Sponsors: Results of the sponsor's exit survey confirms a high level of satisfaction by those organisations who invested in the event. Those who completed the surveys were equally spread between long-term supporter and a first-time supporter. Encouragingly, across both groups there was a strong expression of interest to continue to support Polocrosse events. Thanks to all who participated in this important feedback, as well as those who took the time to write with your congratulations on the success of the event and your thanks for the opportunity to be involved.
Schools: Almost 2000 excited schoolchildren spent a day at the World Cup in April. The Governor-General declared that Warwick West State School were the best cheerleaders of the first day, though local MP Lawrence Springborg favoured the students from Texas State School who shouted their allegiance to team USA. Visiting schools had the opportunity to participate in a story competition entitled "My Day at the World Cup". Special congratulations to Glennie Heights and St Mary's Primary Schools in Warwick and to St Josephs School, Stanthorpe for their winning entries. Presentations will be made at assemblies next week.
Media: Polocrosse's first press day attracted a good attendance, which translated into excellent additional pre-event coverage. There was strong demand for the classic photo of each of the country captains trying to snatch the world cup from Australian captain Tanya Hollow's grasp. During competition week a steady stream of journalists were onsite - some TV film and news crews, radio journalists and a strong contingent of print journalists from daily newspapers to glossy magazines. Daily match results were distributed via Australian Associated Press who broadcast these figures to their national and international media network. This service, together with the media photo gallery provided by Sporting Images, kept sports writers up to date with progress. Results were also posted online www.polocrosse.com.au/worldcup/results.htm and once again, the internal daily newssheet Chukka Chat proved a real collectors item. If your copy didn't survive the journey home, download from www.polocrosse.com.au/worldcup/about_chukka_chat.htm.
Fast Facts: 2000 campers made Morgan Park their home for the World Cup; boosting gate takings, which were almost double that of the 2003 world cup. By day two of competition, the canteen had sold as much soft drink to that point as it did in the whole of the 2003 Cup. Bar sales looked likely to exhaust local supply in the town at one point, but at no time was it declared the pub with no beer. Back at the canteen, sliced white bread ran out on the final day, and the ATM pumped out $200,000 in cash in the time to 1.30pm on the final day of competition. Crowd estimates grew to 10,000 on the final day with our target of 40,000 being achieved for the week.
A total of 870 individuals participated in the visitor survey - the data for which is now being processed by Dr Diana Beal. The results of her economic impact study are due towards the end of June and the highlights will be announced via a media release, which you will receive.
Web wanderings: Feedback received verbally as well as via the online polling at www.polocrosse.net confirmed that our website proved a popular source of information for competitors, visitors and the media. Queensland Events too has used it as an example for other event managers looking to build a web presence. Pre-event visitors in the lead-up were well up on 2003, with our online traffic up just over 60% for Cup week itself.
Memorabilia: A day of intermittent showers on the penultimate day of competition was welcome, but did cause a bit of a dent in merchandise sales. However, the silver lining provides an opportunity for anyone wanting a hot deal on merchandise after the event. A small amount of merchandise remains at reduced prices - see this online by following the links. www.polocrosse.com.au/worldcup/about_merchandise.htm. Follow that link too to obtain your order form for the DVD or video and click through to the photo gallery to purchase souvenir photos or photo products.
The Future: The UK has been awarded the rights to host the 2011 Polocrosse World Cup, which marks another milestone for the development of Polocrosse. On this side of the world, the team that successfully brought you two world cups will continue to pursue the growth of their sport here. Warwick's Morgan Park now boasts the finest polocrosse facility in the world, which means it will continue to stage major competitions. To find out how to be involved, keep in touch with Les Fraser 0419 714 545 or email
