WELLINGTON — Goshen Hill won the Senator's Cup at the 16th annual GPL International Gay Polo Tournament April 25 before a packed house at Patagones Polo Club.
The foursome of Pete Grover, Richard Prather, Kareem Rosser and Pablo Dorignac topped Greenberg Traurig (Rachel Spencer, Jill Hunt, Kelli McLean Newton, Gringo Colombres), 5-3.
In the consolation Founder's Cup, Cherry Knoll Farm (Gina Padilla, Gus Larrosa, Chip McKenney, Brandon Phillips) topped Melzer/Lorenzo Compass (William Ellis, Peter Secor, Lily Laurent, Michel Dorignac), 7-5.
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It was more than just about winning and awards. The tournament and two days of festivities (Wigstock and Black Tie Dinner) leading up to the games emphasized the sport's diversity and changing perceptions in the LGBTQ community, athletics and society at large.
"We had two new professionals play with us, Gringo Colombres and Brandon Phillips," said Gay Polo League founder Chip McKenney of Wellington. "That's always a compliment when professionals are willing to participate and play in our tournaments. That was incredible.
"We had a lot of new first-time spectators and new tailgaters, which was really fun. Overall, it was beautiful. The games were open and well-matched, not only exciting to play but to watch, which was great."
The games attracted top players, including 7-goaler Colombres, fresh off the U.S. Open where he played for Clearwater; local pro favorites Pablo Dorignac, Michel Dorignac and Phillips; and award-winning author and collegiate polo champion Kareem Rosser of Philadelphia-based Work To Ride.
The United States Tennis Association sponsored the tailgate awards, including Best Theme (Zach Cain); Best In Show (Billy Vertucci's "Stop To Smell The Roses"); Best Drink (Village of Wellington Peach Sangria; and Best Food (JP Morgan Franz).
"It was great," Colombres said. "It was my first time. I had a good time and met a lot of new people. It's good to have something like that. It wasn't just about polo. It was something different.
"I didn't know my teammates, they were all new and they made me feel comfortable. We all had a good time. I hope they will invite me back."
The GPL has raised more than $400,000 for charitable causes. Last year it raised $50,211 to benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation. This year's event is expected to top that, McKenney said.
The tournament benefitted Equality Florida with proceeds supporting the organization's Safe & Healthy Schools Project. The initiative focuses on creating more inclusive and supportive learning environments for LGBTQ students across the state emphasizing issues such as bullying, social isolation and mental health challenges.
"We wanted to choose a charity that would have a local impact," McKenney said. "We raised quite a bit of money."
Rosser, known for breaking barriers in the sport, was awarded the Lauracea & McCourt Partners Most Valuable Player. Tackeria Best Playing Pony was Grace, played by Kelli McLean Newton. Secor had the Best Goal of the Game.
"Everybody just brought magic to our event," McKenney said. "It was fun. We had great polo, great food, great people and great entertainment."
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: MVP Kareem Rosser leads Goshen Hill to GPL International Gay Polo win