London, England, August 8, 2012 – The rivalry between private jets and helicopters will intensify again in September – not in the air but on the ground – with the second ‘Aviation Polo Challenge’.
Teams from London Executive Aviation (LEA), one of Europe’s largest business jet charter operators, and top helicopter charter business RotorMotion, will resume their on-field rivalry at Hurtwood Park Polo Country Club (Surrey) on Saturday September 1 this year. The event is again being sponsored by leading manufacturer Embraer Executive Jets.
George Galanopoulos, LEA’s managing director and team captain, says: “We narrowly lost to RotorMotion in last year’s inaugural ‘Aviation Polo Challenge’, so this year we’re determined to claim victory. The LEA team has been training hard and competing at events such as the Duke of Essex Polo Trophy 2012. We’re ready!”
A member of Ascot Park Polo Club, Galanopoulos has taken to the sport at speed, becoming an avid player over the past five years. His rival captain – RotorMotion’s managing director Philip Louis Amadeus – is a Hurtwood member and has been playing for over 15 years.
Amadeus says: “George may sound confident but we are determined to win too! It’s a friendly rivalry and it was our mutual love of the sport that drove us to launch the ‘Aviation Polo Challenge’ last year, which was a great success.
“Once again, we’re inviting everyone involved in the business aviation industry along, with their partners and children, to share the day with us.”
Embraer Executive Jets’ European sales director Simon Burrows adds: “The first ‘Aviation Polo Challenge’ was a huge success, thoroughly enjoyed by everyone who attended. We’re delighted to sponsor the event again this year to demonstrate our continuing support for the business aviation community.”
Gates open at 15:00, with the match itself beginning at 16:00. A traditional Argentinean asado (barbecue) and drinks will follow the match, alongside live music entertainment into the evening.
Anyone wishing to find out more about the ‘Aviation Polo Challenge’, or book a free place on the event guest list, should contact Sarah Orson at: sro@flylea.com.
Image: London Executive Aviation (LEA) managing director George Galanopoulos (front right) in action during last year’s inaugural ‘Aviation Polo Challenge’ against RotorMotion at Hurtwood Park Polo Country Club. The 2012 event takes place on September 1.
