St. Regis Hotels and Resorts partners with Pink Polo to raise awareness for breast cancer

Taking place on November 10, 2012, this will be the luxury hotel brand's first polo event in the Middle East as St. Regis continues to celebrate its commitment to the international sport of polo in numerous destinations around the world.

"We are thrilled to be a part of Pink Polo and support such an important cause through the sport, which is an innate part of the St. Regis legacy," says Paul James, Global Brand Leader, St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, and W Hotels & Resorts. "With the recent debut of St. Regis hotels in Abu Dhabi and Qatar, and a robust pipeline throughout the Middle East, we will continue to share our commitment to the 'Sport of Kings', as polo rapidly gains momentum in the region."

St. Regis made its debut in the Middle East in December 2011 with The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi, followed by the opening of The St. Regis Doha in March this year. Early next year, the brand will open its third property in the region with The St. Regis Abu Dhabi.

St. Regis has long been associated with the world of polo, beginning at the turn of the last century when polo and St. Regis' founding family, the Astors, became part of the New York social scene. As St. Regis continues to grow globally, the brand expands its polo presence in nearly as many destinations, by supporting spirited polo matches and events in the United States, Bangkok, Singapore, Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, England and Beijing.

The St. Regis team playing in the Pink Polo event will meet world-renowned Argentinean polo player and St. Regis Connoisseur, Ignacio "Nacho" Figueras during the run-up to the match. He will also host a private polo experience for Starwood Preferred Guest members as a part of SPG Moments, which offers members a series of auctions for exclusive and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Figueras comments, "I am delighted to have the opportunity to visit the UAE for the first time in support of this very worthy cause. To me, it is wonderful that the sport I love can bring people together in an enjoyable yet educational way."

Pink Polo will focus on a thrilling 15-goal exhibition match between St. Regis and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) featuring Emirati and Argentine players, set in the prestigious Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club. The players will experience the brand's signature St. Regis Butler Service during the match, where butlers will be on-hand to offer cold refreshments and towels. Guests of the St. Regis VIP marquee will also enjoy the signature St. Regis Afternoon Tea ritual during the match along with other beverages and canapés.

Presented by ADCB, Pink Polo is the conclusion of Health Authority Abu Dhabi's National Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign, using competitive sport to promote a life-saving message. The event will include a Pink Majlis, a focal point for breast cancer information where guests can meet medical experts and sign up for free screenings. Other features of the event include an award ceremony, prizes for the best dressed, photo opportunities with players, picnic areas and other family activities.