Hi-Tech NZ Players Face Off In Silicon Valley

Hi-Tech NZ Players Face Off In Silicon Valley

[5th September 2007, Auckland, New Zealand] New Zealand Hi-Tech players are facing off their counterparts next week in Silicon Valley and San Francisco at the 2nd World Segway Polo Tournament to challenge for the “Woz Challenge Cup”, so named after Apple Computer co-founder and keen Segway Polo Player, Steve Wozniak.

The New Zealand Segway “Pole Blacks” consist of local Segway Polo players who also have high profile Hi-Tech links locally. Rod Drury (Serial Entrepreneur and Xero CEO), Philip Bendall (Segway New Zealand Legend), Steve Simms (Tech Entrepreneur and Tomizone CEO), Seeby Woodhouse (Founder Orcon Internet) and Andrew Somervell (Biggie.co.nz founder and online guru) form the team to represent New Zealand this year.

Segway Polo is played on the reputed “invention of the decade” – an electrically powered two-wheeled self-balancing riding platform that transports a person. With Polo Mallets, some international rules similar to Horse Polo and a playing pitch about two thirds the size of a Rugby field, Segway Polo is commenced.

“Segway Polo is a unique game and going to the birthplace of the tech industry for this hi-tech sporting event in Silicon Valley is certainly a privilege and a huge opportunity to profile New Zealand”, said Steve Simms, Pole Blacks team manager, “The Pole Blacks co-founded the World Tournament with the US Segway Polo Team, the Silicon Valley Aftershocks, last year in New Zealand. We have a very good chance to take home the cup as a key factor on our side is the fearless Kiwi attitude.”

Last year, the Pole Blacks drew 2-2 with the veteran Aftershocks team in front of a capacity crowd at the New Zealand Polo Open at Karaka in February 2006.

The team plans on also combining pleasure with business while in Silicon Valley. Being in the global Mecca for Hi-tech industries, there will be plenty of opportunity to make some excellent business links with the players.

The Segway Polo games are to be held in Sunnyvale in the Silicon Valley on Saturday 15th September with the “Woz Challenge Cup” game being held at the famous “Polo in the Park” at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Sunday 16th September.

Segway Polo may be Hi-Tech however people of all ages can play. The sport is a great combination of a “green” Motor Sport mixed with Polo speed and Football skill. Since the inception of Segway Polo, many social teams have been forming in countries from Switzerland to the UAE. There is also popularity with corporate team Segway Polo events.

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