Brits Arrive for Barbados Cup
International Segway Polo players from the UK arrived in Barbados over the weekend, ahead of the 2018 Barbados Cup – Segway Polo in Paradise. The third edition of the tournament is set to get underway this Friday at the Usain Bolt Sports Complex.
Paul Davies a member of the last winning team expressed his excitement to return to Barbados. “I come to Barbados for the rum, sun and the fun, and also to visit my friends. Segway Polo is also a major reason for me being here and I reckon as the sport develops even more, Barbados can expect to see even more international players come in for the tournament.”
2016 tournament MVP Nathan Angell shared similar sentiments as Paul, but added, “because of the Barbados Cup, I am now here with my entire family to have a great time.
The Segway Polo Club of Barbados will welcome players from the US, Sweden, Singapore, India and Germany throughout the week according to club president Nevin Roach. Local players have also been working diligently.
Head of the local organizing committee, Ralf Luther, explained that the tournament is slightly different to other Segway Polo tournaments, in that all registered players will be drafted into teams of equal strengths. He further added that while some matches may be more competitive than others, the competition, which is hosted under the “Segway Polo in Paradise” brand, is promoted as a fun tournament. “There will be competition, but ultimately we would like the visiting players to have as much fun as possible on the field while also enjoying what Barbados has to offer as one of the top tourist destinations in the Caribbean. Hosting this competition helps with tourism.”
Segway Polo merges elements of horse polo and hockey, with the five players on each side riding a Segway PT on the field. The rules have been adapted from bicycle polo and horse polo. As all of the Segways used are identical, male and female and players of all ages can play on the same team, giving the sport its nickname “Sport of Equals”.
The Barbados Cup takes place on May 18–21, 2018 at the Usain Bolt Sports Complex. Two sessions will be played daily, starting 8am and 6pm.
The Segway Polo Club of Barbados would like to thank the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., Cool Runnings Catamaran Cruises, Vaylen Yogurt, What’SUP Paddle Boarding, Jubilee Suppliers Ltd, Earthworks Pottery, Academy of Sport Cave Hill, Flower Forest, Buzz Maintenance, Courtesy Rent-A-Car, Dr. Che’s Healthy Center, Melon Helmets, iNev88 and Totally Barbados for their support.
