October 2, 2025
The group was established two years in the past for college students with little to no using expertise
The Atlanta BEST Academy Polo Workforce made historical past as the primary all-Black highschool polo group to compete in the US on the Soul Symphony Weekend on Sept. 19-21.
On the eighth Annual Atlanta Polo Social gathering, the BEST Academy group, co-founded by movie star dressmaker Miguel Wilson, edged out the Star Creek Polo Membership, 4-3. The three-day occasion included a black-tie gala, dwell trend present, and a number of polo matches. Notable attendees included Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens.
The milestone is years within the making by means of the Trip to the Olympics Foundation, based by philanthropist and dressmaker Miguel Wilson. Wilson co-founded the group in partnership with BEST Academy and 100 Black Males of Atlanta.
“We’re making historical past, and these younger males are blazing a path that we hope others will comply with,” Wilson mentioned in a assertion.
“For too lengthy, a socioeconomic barrier has stored most Black folks from collaborating in polo and different equestrian sports activities. My basis was created to dismantle that barrier, offering these college students with entry to the abilities and alternatives that include it. It’s about leveling the taking part in subject.”
The group was established two years in the past for college students with little to no using expertise. The inspiration covers horse leases, uniforms, tools, and classes for underserved Black youth. BEST Academy Principal Robert Williams mentioned this system is instilling greater than technical abilities within the academy’s college students.
“The scholars have grown as leaders on campus and have actually strived for excellence each on the sphere and off,” Williams mentioned.
Quinn Ramsey a ninth-grade member of the group spoke to CBS Atlanta about the advantages of polo.
“Whenever you’re on the horse, it provides you want type of confidence. And it’s like builds up bravery. It provides me braveness,” Ramsey mentioned.
Wilson, who co-founded the Morehouse Polo Membership in 2019, has centered on rising alternatives for Black youth in equestrian sports activities. By way of Trip to the Olympics, he has expanded entry to polo and different disciplines whereas utilizing the game to encourage management growth.
All proceeds from the Soul Symphony Weekend profit Trip to the Olympics, which is able to proceed to help the BEST Academy group and construct extra youth polo packages nationwide.
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