Rivers State Governor, Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi has stated the State Government’s readiness to support the hosting and organisation of Port Harcourt International Polo tournament next year January.

He made the declaration when the new Executive Council members of the Port Harcourt Polo Club led by its President, Mr Ibifiri Bobmanuel together with the Organising Committee visited him yesterday, at the Government House Port Harcourt.

The Governor, while congratulating the new management of the Polo Club for resolving their internal crisis said,” that is what unity does using the huge energy resource that all have. I will advise that you try to see how many of the companies that you can meet to sponsor the programme that is coming in January’’.

He stated that the State Government will only play the part of supporting the tournament due to the numerous projects it has at hand, “ we are willing to partner with you but don’t rely on the state Government only…We have a lot of projects we want to do’’.

Amaechi who was officially invested as the Grand Patron of the Port Harcourt Polo Club further congratulated the new management team of the club stating,” if it is true that you have resolved, then we thank God and we are willing to partner with you in the course of the development of the club’’.

He observed that it was easy to have a Polo Club in the State and therefore counselled them to seek more ways to promote the sport rather than seeking to compete with other sports club, stressing that polo is a unique sport.

In his remarks earlier, President of the club, Mr Ibifiri Bobmanuel informed the Governor that the club had resolved its internal wranglings and was poised to host an international tournament next year.

He said since the team came on board, it had refurbished the facility and installed new facilities to meet world standards.

Mr Bobmanuel submitted that currently the club is rated amongst the first 100 in the world and thanked the Governor for all his kind support, “ we have to show our love and support for the good work you are doing for Rivers people’’, he further said.

Chairman of the Organisisng Committee of Port Harcourt International Polo Tournament 2013′, Admiral Dutse James Boer solicited for government’s support to the tournament and disclosed that it plans to raise about N120 million in order to successfully host the tourney next year.