THE British Beach Polo Championships 2016 will raise funds for a Dorset-based charity that helps schoolchildren to achieve their dreams.
A donation will be made to the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation (JTYAF) following the popular contest in Sandbanks this weekend, July 8 and 9.
The foundation was established by parents Linda and Pete Thornton following the death of their son in 2008.
The JTYAF supports young people by providing them with scholarships and bursaries to support their personal development and the pursuit of their ambitions.
Recipients of the charity’s 'young achievers awards' are selected for their demonstration of the foundation’s key values - courage, determination, unselfishness and cheerfulness in adversity.
Pete said the polo "promises to be a phenomenal event".
"The charity race is always the highlight of the weekend and this year, crowds will see a polo pony take on a high performance car," he added.
"It is sure to be a great spectacle and the JTYAF invites you to take part in the fun by voting for either four wheels or four legs to come out on top."
Votes can be cast at jtyaf.org/blog, and a winner will claim a half-day driving experience at Silverstone.
Thousands of people are expected to visit Sandbanks for the championships.
Now in its ninth year, the event will feature some of the UK's top polo players.
Three university polo teams will take to the sand, while England will take on Poland for the international women's beach volleyball game.
Two exhibition matches from the Pony Club will also take place, with younger players competing on smaller ponies.
Model, presenter and beach polo ambassador Jodie Kidd visited Sandbanks last week to start the countdown to the event.
She told the Daily Echo: "You simply cannot beat the polo at Sandbanks.
"It gathers some of the world's top polo players together on a wonderful blue flag beach in July for some exceptional polo, a great party atmosphere and a fashionable crowd dancing to top DJs on the beach."
General admission tickets cost £25 per person, with VIP tickets starting at £50 and hospitality entry from £165.
For more information, or to buy tickets, visit sandpolo.com
To support the JTYAF, visit jtyaf.org
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