According to the interview with POLO+10:
Since 4th December 2014, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers is the new President of the Federation of International Polo (FIP). Shortly before we spoke with him about his personal affection towards the sport of polo and his plans as the new President of the FIP.
POLO+10: What were your beginnings in the sport of polo and how did your personal affection towards it develop?
Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers: I have been passionate about the sport since my early teens when I first saw it being played at the Royal Show in Western Australia where I grew up. Later I was lucky enough to be able to “stick & ball” my girlfriend’s father’s ponies in Canberra and the addiction took hold. I actually learned to play in the British Army in Fallingbostel and Hohne in Germany in the early 70s, and I was then posted to Hong Kong where I played in Sek Kong on the 12–13 hand Borneo ponies.
POLO+10: Your role in the sport of polo is key for its development: as Chairman of Ham Polo Club, former Chairman and current Steward of Hurlingham Polo Association and member of the Executive Committee of the FIP, what is the main drive that leads you to be so active in the sport?
Colquhoun-Denvers: I have been Chairman at HPC, the London Polo Club, for around 20 years and am proud to have been associated with such a historic and successful members’ club. My four-year role as Chairman of the HPA was one of the highlights of my polo career and I believe I was the first Australian to be accorded the honour of chairing the oldest of the national associations, which is steeped in the history of the sport I love. I have been an HPA Steward for 16 years and enjoy the many and varied tasks that it involves. In December the biggest challenge will come when I am due to be elected as President of FIP, another exciting role and another challenge.
POLO+10: As a member of the FIP, what are your visions for the Federation and its work in promoting the sport of polo?
Colquhoun-Denvers: Whilst a National Association is a confederation of national clubs, the International Federation was set up over 30 years ago by Marcos Uranga to be the confederation of National Associations around the world, with the aim of encouraging more interaction between playing nations and friendship between all those who love the sport. It has grown gradually over the years but it has taken several decades to get the full attention of the major nations. Recently under the presidency of Dr Richard Caleel and with Alejandro Taylor as the interim CEO it has been streamlined and new guidelines have been encouraged to ensure that national representatives are also on the governing bodies of their respective nations. This ensures better communication and also prevents FIP running in parallel or conflicting with the major stakeholders’ interests.
Read the full interview here: https://www.poloplus10.com/polo-plus-10-interview-nicholas-colquhoun-denvers-keeping-in-the-saddle-as-long-as-possible-43712/
