Foresight Lamborghini Polo Cup helps fight blindness

The combination of a relaxed setting (guests are encouraged to bring picnics), great entertainment, thrilling polo action and the knowledge that every dirham raised goes to the non-profit organisation Foresight to help fight blindness and support people in the UAE who losing their sight, is what attracted people in their droves despite the threat of storms. On the day the weather was perfect!

Lamborghini UAE was the main sponsor of the tournament and gave this endorsement of Foresight's work. "A big Thank You to all present here today. It has been an exciting game to watch and be a part off. But amidst all the excitement and fun let us all remember the seriousness of hereditary eye disease and the only way to fight it is to be aware of it and make as many people aware of it and spread the word around," said George Brune.

Katy Newitt, Foresight's Chairwoman who is visually impaired, said:

"Lamborghini have been fabulous partners in this tournament. Generous sponsors make a huge impact to the success of the event and it helps Foresight to fight blindness worldwide and in the UAE. The funds raised from last year's polo helped us to fund a project that made a significant breakthrough in the search for a cure. We are hopeful that this year's proceeds will enable us to continue this ground breaking work."

The pre-match entertainment commenced with the Arabian Knights RFC exhibition rugby tournament with over 300 children playing in matches across the polo field. The Club donates any funds raised to Foresight, "We think it is really important that the children understand the value of this charitable initiative while they enjoy their sport. It encourages them to think about people less fortunate than themselves," said Neil Palmer, Chairman, Arabian Knights RFC. The club presented a cheque to Foresight's Chairwoman Katy Newitt.

The Foresight Lamborghini Cup trophy was hotly contested by the 4 teams. As always there were female players in the teams, a rarity in the UAE, Lise Stokes and Helen Tatham.

The final results were:

Winning team: Citi
Runner's up: Foresight/Lamborghini
Best Playing Pony prize presented by Moorfields Eye Hospital: Isabella
Most Valuable Player presented by Trench, Ouffi & Colombotti: Ragnar Meitern

The post match entertainment was equally thrilling with tricks, stunts, comedy and a stunning display of Arabian horsemanship by Hoofbeatz who are currently holding a nightly show at the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club.

Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club has generously donated the beautiful grounds and A+E all the beverages. All money raised from the event goes to Foresight to help find a cure for blindness caused by hereditary diseases such as Retinitis Pigmentosa. It will also support their work in the community such as white stick training.

Katy Newitt thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon with her family especially as the commentators kept her in touch with action as she is visually impaired.. Hereditary eye disease can affect anyone and at the age of 20 she was diagnosed and told there was no cure. Foresight aims to fund more research and there is now real hope for Katy and the 30 million people around the world who are losing their sight due to degenerative diseases of the retina. With the generosity of people supporting events like the polo, cures will be found for some diseases within 10 years.