Qatar Airways Sponsors The Chicago Beach Polo Cup

15/09/2016 10:03

CHICAGO, Sept. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Qatar Airways was proud to be the title sponsor of the first-ever Qatar Airways Chicago Beach Polo Cup, a world-class tournament that brings the sport of polo back to the Windy City. Over the course of the incredible three-day event, co-ed teams representing six countries competed in a thunderous competition, with the Royal Wales Polo Team being crowned the first Cup champion. Hundreds of Chicago-area fans enjoyed the unique event at a custom-built beach polo arena, temporarily set up along Chicago's North Beach Avenue.

"As a global airline, our passion is to bring the world together," said Qatar Airways Vice President for the Americas, Günter Saurwein. "This weekend, we are proud to return this truly international game to the city of Chicago, but polo is more than just a sport. It has become a symbol of matchless dedication, effortless finesse and the pursuit of excellence; values which we share with our guests on every Qatar Airways flight."

As the title sponsor, Qatar Airways was at the heart of the event, both on and off the polo grounds. Throughout the weekend, the airline hosted VIP guests at the luxurious Qatar Airways Lounge. Prior to each day's matches, team captains met at the Lounge to shake hands with a Qatar Airways representative, who was then given the honor of throwing out the first match ball of the day. Qatar Airways Country Manager, USA, Richard Oliver kick started proceedings on the first two days of the tournament, while Mr. Saurwein inaugurated the final day of competition and presented the champion's cup to the winners on Sunday evening.

Qatar Airways also hosted a popular activation booth, where guests could learn more about the airline and enter into a much-anticipated grand prize drawing. Qatar Airways' Business Class was recently named "World's Best" at the 2016 Skytrax Awards. To celebrate, two lucky winners received round-trip tickets to the destination of their choice, from any of the airline's over 150 global gateways.

Many of Chicago's most influential luminaries and government officials were in attendance, including representatives from Chicago City Hall, the British Counsel General and the Argentina Counsel General.

Gustavo Bilbao, Chicago Beach Polo Founder and professional player, also praised the successful event. "Growing up in Argentina, I used to hear about the US Polo Open taking place in Chicago. Polo and Qatar Airways both offer an exceptional and aspirational lifestyle experience. Together, we have brought entertainment and excitement to the city and put Chicago back on the polo map, where it belongs."

About Qatar Airways:
Qatar Airways, the national carrier of the State of Qatar, is one of the fastest growing airlines operating one of the youngest fleets in the world. Now in its 19th year of operations, Qatar Airways has a modern fleet of 190 aircraft flying to more than 150 key business and leisure destinations across six continents.

A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was awarded World's Best Business Class; Best Business Class Airline Lounge and Best Airline Staff Service in the Middle East at the prestigious 2016 World Airline Awards managed by international air transport rating organisation Skytrax.

Qatar Airways is a member of the oneworld global alliance. The award-winning alliance was named the World's Best Airline Alliance 2015 by Skytrax for the third year running. Qatar Airways was the first Gulf carrier to join global airline alliance, oneworld, enabling its passengers to benefit from more than 1,000 airports in more than 150 countries, with 14,250 daily departures.

Oryx One, Qatar Airways' inflight entertainment system offers passengers up to 3,000 entertainment options from the latest blockbuster movies, TV box sets, music, games and much more. Passengers flying on Qatar Airways flights served by its B787, A350, A380, A319 as well as select A320 and A330 aircraft can also stay in touch with their friends and family around the world by using the award-winning airline's on-board Wi-Fi and GSM service.

Qatar Airways is one of the world's leaders in sponsoring global sporting events, including the strategic team sponsorships of FC Barcelona and Al-Ahli Saudi Arabia FC. Qatar Airways' strategy reflects the values of sports as a means of bringing people together, something at the core of the airline's own brand message - Going Places Together.

Qatar Airways Cargo, the world's third largest cargo carrier, serves more than 50 exclusive freighter destinations worldwide via its Doha hub and also delivers freight to more than 150 key business and leisure destinations globally on 190 aircraft. The Qatar Airways Cargo fleet now includes eight Airbus 330Fs, 10 Boeing 777 freighters and two Boeing 747 freighters.

For more information, visit our homepage www.qatarairways.com or our sites on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Instagram, and YouTube.

For Qatar Airways corporate images, please click here: http://www.qatarairways.com/corporateimages

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