2021 event cancelled due to pandemic
Today, Monday 19 October, it has been announced that the 19th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup which was scheduled to be played between 14 – 17 January 2021 will be postponed until January 2022 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. With careful evaluation of the figures published by the Austrian Department of Public Health, the management at Lifestyle EventsGmbH, alongside with their sponsors and Kitzbühel Tourism have decided to postpone the Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup to 2022, “We have reached this conclusion with heavy hearts but have decided this is the necessary decision, ensuring the safety of all involved as we align our efforts with an eye toward a wonderful 2022 event.”The organisers made the following statement, “There are many factors that contributed to the decision to cancel the tournament. First and foremost, our responsibility goes out to all of our esteemed guests, sponsors, players, partners, staff and volunteers.
Global uncertainty and travel restrictions, as well as mandatory quarantine guidelines, have made it impossible to successfully organize an event inclusive of our diverse, international audience – with players coming from over 10 countries, over 120 horses and guests from all over the world. The decision was unanimous among Kitzbühel Tourism and government officials as well as all of our great sponsors and partners including our title sponsor with us since inception, BENDURA BANK.
Furthermore, aside from travel restrictions and quarantine guidelines, we have explored all alternative options to safely organize this event, but have come to the conclusion that we cannot execute the event up to our traditional standards and expectations with all the current restrictions in place.”Founder and organizer Tito Gaudenzi is still looking ahead: “We have to adapt to the world the way it is today. Safety is, and always will come first. We have successfully built and organized this event for over 18 years now, and we are in this for the long run! We believe in the future of this crown event for the international sport of polo, and have been fortunate to grow together with Bendura Bank and Kitzbühel Tourism along with all of our great partners and sponsors.”VIP tickets that have been purchased for the 2021 event will either be reimbursed or credited towards the 2022 tournament.
Photograph: 19th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup has been postponed to 2022.
By Reinhardt & Sommer Photography