'Polo rocks' in Gormley for Heart and Stroke Foundation

Polo for Heart Chairperson Gabrielle Spanton welcomed the audience to the opening Friday.

The weather was perfect and the atmosphere elegant over the weekend.

It was the perfect setting for the 28th annual Polo for Heart, held at the Gormley Polo Centre in Richmond Hill.

And on top of it all, there was some great polo action.

The event was once again held in support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario.

"Every year we keep getting bigger and better," commented player and event vice-chair Cliff Sifton. "This year's theme, 'Polo Rocks!' brings with it more excitement and activities to appeal to every member of the family, from toddlers and teens to moms and dads.

"When my father, Michael Sifton Sr., founded Polo for Heart in 1979, the event was such a hit that we had to keep going. Now, 28 years later, Polo for Heart has become a can't-miss summer charity event."

Very few of these charity events turn into 28-year traditions," observed Rocco Rossi, CEO of the Heart and Stroke Foundation. "This is a fabulous weekend."

They came from far and wide to play polo in Gormley over the weekend. Enrique Bauzada hails from Buenos Aires, Argentina, but spends part of his time working in this part of the world. He was assisted by his groom Pablo Rodriguez getting Madra ready for a Friday afternoon match.

During the breaks from polo action, people taking in the event were able to try some food and drink, as well as check out the displays of horse and polo-related merchandise in the

Naturally, Polo for Heart produced plenty of exciting polo action on the field.