Boat checks
a
in La Gomer
Bobby MELVILLE
Bobby was the Captain of the four man Atlantic
Polo Team boat and managed the team’s
preparation, sponsorship and training in
order to win.
Bobby found his love for horses at a very
early age and participated in different equine
disciplines until he tried polo aged 15 and
became hooked. After leaving Marlborough
College instead of going to University, Bobby
chose to play polo professionally abroad and
initially managed corporate polo holidays in
Argentina and Australia, furthering his career. As a result of his polo travels, Bobby discovered a passion
for adventure and challenges. Bobby has played for England in the European Championships in Rome, the
World Cup in Mexico, and England tours to Pakistan and Zimbabwe.
Upon hearing of the charity “Right to Play”, the four members of the rowing team felt it was a perfect fit for
their endeavour, as they have been fortunate to have been given every opportunity to play the sport that
they love. They have become keen supporters and Athletic Ambassadors for the Charity. “Right to Play”
uses sport and play as a tool to educate and empower children to overcome the effects of poverty, conflict
and disease in disadvantaged communities around the world, bringing entire communities together and
inspiring individuals.
His charity work started in Argentina by volunteering at an orphanage which he continues to visit regularly.
In 2012 Bobby set up ‘Monty’s Polo for Justice’ with a couple of friends to help raise funds for Alexander
Monson who fell victim to police brutality in Kenya.
Bobby has recently founded a company called IGO adventures that organises events that are race orientated
in inspirational parts of the world. They will be triathlon/quadrathlon based but with an added twist of the
disciplines being related to the country or terrain they are in. The first one will be in Norway Feb 2016 and
comprise cycle (fat bike), dog sled, touring ski and running to the finish over a 7 day program. Visit
www.igoadventures.com for more details.
HENRY BRETT
The team on the dock in La Gomera
Once one of England’s brightest shining
polo stars, Henry Brett started playing
professionally at 16 years old with a 1 goal
handicap, by 21 he was a 7 in Australia. One
of the best known England polo players on
and off the field, Henry reached a handicap
of 8 goals in 2008; the last Engli sh player
to achieve this handicap was twenty years
before.
Henry has won every major tournament in
England including the Queen’s and Gold Cup.
He captained England at home and abroad, the most memorable occasion being beating Argentina at the
temple of polo, Palermo in Buenos Aires. Henry now runs a young horse programme in Oxfordshire
producing thoroughbreds to play polo at the highest level (www.brettpolo.com) and still plays professionally
off a 6 goal handicap. ture and challenges. Bobby has played for England in the European Championships
in Rome, the World Cup in Mexico, and England tours to Pakistan and Zimbabwe.
JAMES GLASSON
Ferg takes his shift with the oars
James & Ferg on
and rough seas
a break below de
ck
James has been a professional polo player for
twenty years. He has played around the world
from South America, North America, the
Caribbean, Asia, New Zealand to South and
North Africa. James has played internationals
for England and at all the major tournaments in
the UK for many years. He has a deep passion
for horses and has trained and sold them at all
levels.
Known for his love of music as well as polo, he
recently held a successful open air concert in
Sussex called ‘Glassonbury’ attended by 500+ people. James is always up for adventure and a
challenge. In 2009, James and Jamie Le Hardy reached the summit of Aconcagua - the highest mountain
in the Americas standing at 23,000 feet and part of the seven summits - the highest peaks of the seven
continents of the world.
FERGUS SCHOLES
Fergus Scholes is an amateur polo player and
former stockbroker now working with the FJB
Collection. Fergus held the title of National
School’s Champion, rowing at Henley for three
years and was the Schools’ Head of River Race
Champion amongst other achievements. Of the
team he is the most experienced with the oars
and was very excited to pick them up again for
this coveted challenge.
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