The Dubai Team will compete against the British Military Team for the Founders Cup in the National Sporting Library & Museum’s 7th Annual Polo Classic at Great Meadow in The Plains, Virginia on Sunday, September 10, 2017. Both teams will be captained by experienced international polo players who are ready to showcase their team’s skill and athleticism on the field. Steve Thompson will lead the Dubai Team and Major Mark Cann will lead the British Military Team.
Steve Thompson is a veteran coach and player on the professional circuit with more than two decades of experience. He founded the Dubai Polo Academy at the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club in 2005, where he has trained both novices and champions of the “Sport of Kings.” The foundation of a top-tier polo academy was Thompson’s dream, and allowed him to implement a training structure that would revolutionize how polo is taught worldwide. “I am pleased to lead a Dubai Team against the British Military in the NSLM Classic. Mark Cann is a fine polo player and leader. We look forward to meeting his team both on and off the field. It is an honor to be invited to play at this prestigious event,” said Thompson.
Major Mark Cann is the Director of The British Forces Foundation as well as the Director of The Combined Services Polo Association, which like the British Forces Foundation is fortunate to have HRH The Prince of Wales as its Patron. He has played polo in a number of exotic locations including Palermo, Palm Beach, Ghana, India, and Pakistan. He has often played with HRH the Prince of Wales and his two sons in both The British Forces Foundation and Highgrove teams. “We are delighted to return to this year’s NSLM Polo Classic, and we welcome Steve Thompson’s Dubai Team. Steve is an excellent player and top international polo instructor. We look forward to spirited, competitive play in the Founders Cup Match,” said Cann.
Tickets for the NSLM’s 7th Annual Polo Classic are available through the organization’s website, NationalSporting.org, or by calling the NSLM at 540-687-6542 ext. 26. All proceeds from the event benefit the National Sporting Library & Museum, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, by supporting the NSLM’s mission of preserving, promoting, and sharing the literature, art, and culture of equestrian, angling, and field sports. Funds raised in 2016 enabled the NSLM to offer engaging educational public programs, host high-caliber art exhibitions, and service more than 10,000 visitors.
The National Sporting Library & Museum (NSLM) is located in Middleburg, Virginia, the heart of beautiful hunt country. Founded in 1954, the renowned research Library, and fine art Museum highlight the rich heritage and tradition of country pursuits. Angling, horsemanship, shooting, steeplechasing, foxhunting, flat racing, polo, coaching, and wildlife are among the subjects one can explore in the organization’s general stacks, rare book holdings, archives, and art collection. The NSLM offers a wide variety of educational programs, exhibitions, and family activities throughout the year, and is open to researchers and the general public. While there is no admission fee to the Library, the Museum charges $10 for adults, $8 for youths (age 13-18), and $8 for seniors. NSLM members and children age 12 and under are free. Library & Museum hours are Wednesday-Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Photo: Major Mark Cann playing at the National Sporting Library & Museum’s 6th Annual Polo Classic. Photo courtesy of Chris Weber Photography
