LONDON: The GCC team, led by Amr Zedan, overcame Guards Polo Club in a gripping match with GCC’s 17-year-old Salman Alhamrani being named Player of the Match in the 13th GCC Polo Cup match held here.

The Guards Polo Club provided a spectacular setting for the highlight of the year’s social calendar. The event was attended by Queen Elizabeth and Prince Abdul Aziz bin Ahmed. Other prominent guests included Khaled Al-Duwaisan, Kuwaiti ambassador to the UK, in addition to director Malek Al-Akkad, son of the renowned Syrian director Mustafa Al-Akkad.

Organized annually by the BMG Foundation, this friendly match has become more than just a social event. It is now a regular meeting ground for cultures and provides a unique arena for dialogue and mutual understanding.

The actual match ended up being a battle of wits with a display of immense talent on both sides. Indeed, the players lost no opportunity to provide some truly gripping maneuvers to the delight of the assembled crowd.

Basil Al Ghalayini, chairman of the BMG Foundation, reminded his audience of prominent business leaders of the intrinsic importance of corporate cultural responsibility. “It is my firm belief that those of us in privileged positions must learn how to give, not just take.” Al Ghalayini thanked and commended this year’s sponsors for their commitment toward the foundation and the invaluable support they had extended.

Guest of honor Prince Abdul Aziz presented trophies to representatives from Atheeb Group, Zain, Evonik Industries, Saudi Research and Marketing Group, Istithmar World, Beltone Financial and BMG Financial Group, Chemanol, Akar One, Zedan Group, Al Joman for Environmental Care, Coast Investment & Development Company, Impact Proximity and Crystal Arc. The prince, also chairman of Diamond sponsor Atheeb Group, and one of the region’s most celebrated philanthropists, congratulated the efforts of BMG Foundation in staging such a well-attended and important event and commented, “Events like this are very important and I congratulate Al Ghalayini on putting on this wonderful show. It is wonderful to see the bridging of cultures at events like this. “

Tilman Ehret, of Evonik Industries said, “We are very happy to sponsor the BMG Foundation and have had a close relationship with them for two years now. We consider it important to have such cultural events that bring people from all over the world together.”

This year’s GCC Polo Cup also played host to the auction of winning photographs from BMG’s Art Alive competition. The stunning portraits under the theme “Nature in Our Kingdom” depicted Saudi Arabia as seen through the lenses of the country’s most promising photographers.

The winning entries were auctioned off in an exciting finale, with proceeds raised to be donated to various local charities.