On Saturday Oct. 29, the United Arab Emirates’ Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club hosted Pink Polo. An annual charity event organized in association with Abu Dhabi Health Authority and under the patronage of Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nayhan, Pink Polo’s primary objective is to raise awareness for breast cancer. Breast cancer survival rates can reach up to 98 percent; however, in several Middle Eastern countries it is still the number one killer of women. While more than 70 percent of patients in the US are diagnosed with breast cancer in early stages, in both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the figure soars to less than 30 percent. Early diagnosis is a life-or-death factor.
Pink Polo is the brainchild of Carrie McNeill, a sports marketeer who had been calling the region home for the past five years. The idea came into mind in early 2010 after coming across the shocking breast cancer figures in the region. Indeed, there were a handful of breast cancer awareness events that took place here and there; however, McNeill wanted to do something different than the typical fare.
“After doing research of breast cancer awareness events, I found out that the majority were either very boring, involving doctors and seminars, or too pinkie and girly. I wanted to create an event that has the awareness component, wrapped up in a sporty ambience, and that makes up for an all family day out where kids can play around, women can dress up and know more about breast cancer, and where men can enjoy one of the world’s most action-packed sports,” elaborated McNeill.
This year, Pink Polo came in its second edition with a wide array of activities that catered to all family members. The Pink Majlis was the epicenter of the event where doctors gave talks on the importance of breast cancer early diagnosis and how can women perform a self-exam to help screen for breast cancer before they decide to go the doctor. There was also a portable mammogram unit where any of the female visitors could undergo breast cancer check up. Pink Majlis also acted as a venue where visitors had a chance to meet breast cancer survivors who spoke about their experience with the disease.
While the mommies learned more about breast cancer, the kids enjoyed pony and camel rides, face painting as well as jumping and playing in the kids park. Entertainment did not stop there, however, as everybody’s attention was then drawn to the pitch once the falconry show started. Falconry is a time-honored tradition across most of Arabia and it is highly regarded by locals and residents as well.
The cherry on top of the entertainment cake was the sky diving show. Everybody’s gaze was glued to the sky as several professional performers took the leap of faith and jumped off the plane soaring some 3,000 feet up in the air.
The event’s finale was the much anticipated polo match. It was Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank polo team playing Estée Lauder Companies polo team with Argentinean players joining local players in both teams. It was a high-octane, thrilling match that was enjoyed by avid polo fans as well as first time watchers. Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank team had the final word.
Ticking all the boxes on its “to achieve” list, the second edition of Pink Polo proved successful, and its founder, Carrie McNeill, had already received requests from several cities around the world interested in hosting their own pink polo event. What took off as one crazy idea two years ago might end up being a trademark awareness event — all for the better cause of a healthier life for women and our community.
