INSPIRED Again

July 2007

14th July – Smyle sponsored Inspire’s (INtegrated, SPInal REhabilitation) charity polo day for the fifth year running.
On a day when Prince William led his Army team to a third successive victory in the Rundle Cup at Tidworth Polo Club, the Smyle Jockeys clinched victory for the first time against the eventers. The competitors were going head to head in a charity polo match raising money for the Salisbury-based charity Inspire which researches the latest medical and mechanical technology to help patients with spinal cord injury. The light-hearted match which included a chukka with the teams mounted on bikes was eventually won by the Jockeys in a penalty shoot out!  The competitors included jockeys Richard Dunwoody and Tom Scudamore and eventers Clayton and Lucinda Fredericks. A large crowd gathered to watch the game, including a specially invited group of Chelsea Pensioners.

This was followed by a wheelchair race and the annual Smyle two-furlong dash between a polo pony, racehorse and event horse. This year won by Simon Earl on the racehorse.
Smyle has a passionate link with the Inspire Foundation as Events Director, Rick Stainton, broke his neck 13 years ago and became paralysed as a result.  Thanks to the amazing staff in the Spinal Unit, Rick then made a remarkable recovery and Smyle has consequently become a passionate supporter of Inspire.

Lunch followed which included the charity auction led by Rick Stainton.

Smyle would like to thank the successful bidders and all who kindly donated the prizes including BMW, Autographs of the World, Sony Music & Roger Stainton.