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Show Sat/Sun/Mon/Tues, December 22-25, 2018 The Park Record Face of polo settles into the Rockies Argentinean rider Figueras brings passion to Aspen AUSTIN COLBERT The Aspen Times ASPEN, Colo. – Nacho Figueras doesn’t buy into the idea that snow polo is any less intense than the sport’s full version. The general festive nature and carefree vibe that comes with being in Aspen can lull one into believing the players don’t care about the scoreboard, but that’s far from the truth. “You would like to think that, right? We all get here and we are all relaxed and joking,” Figueras told The Aspen Times on Wednesday evening. “When you are an athlete and when you are competitive, it’s in your blood. There is nothing you can do about it. Even if you say I’m going to take it easy because it’s snow polo and it’s the end of the year, you go there and you want to win. I hate to lose.” The Argentinean superstar has long been the face of polo, and is as known for being one of Ralph Lauren’s most recognizable models as he is for his skills on horseback. He came to Aspen years ago when Marc and Melissa Ganzi, themselves accomplished polo players who founded the Carbondale-based Aspen Valley Polo Club in 2014, put together a little snow polo event in the Roaring Fork Valley. ANNA STONEHOUSE/THE ASPEN TIMES Nacho Figueras makes a play Wednesday, Dec. 19 at the St. Regis Snow Polo World Championships at Rio Grande Park in Aspen. In 2013, that event evolved into the World Snow Polo Championship, and with St. Regis as its title sponsor has become a signature event in both Aspen and in the polo community. Played each year at Rio Grande Park in Aspen, it’s the final stop on the 2018 World Polo Tour and is the only snow polo event in North America. “It’s hard to believe it’s been six years,” Figueras said while voicing his pride for having been part of the event’s growth and development. “To be able to play polo there with Aspen Mountain in the back is pretty special. From a player standpoint, yes, it keeps getting better. The players that have been coming the last few years have been amazing. I think from a spectator standpoint and entertainment (standpoint) it has gotten a lot better.” Wednesday, Figueras helped lead St. Regis to a win over Blade & Bow (Brian Boyd, Gonzalito Pieres and Carlitos Gracida) in the fifth-place match of the sixth annual event. Playing alongside him were Julio Gracida and Hilario Figueras, the oldest of Nacho’s four children. It was the first time the elder Figueras had played alongside one of his kids in the Aspen snow polo tournament. “I’ve been playing polo for my whole life and I believe I get to love the sport a little more every day,” Nacho Figueras said. “When you think you cannot love polo any more, you play with your children and it’s like a whole another level of satisfaction. It’s really amazing to be able to be in the field with your son.” The Figueras family has certainly come to love Aspen. Not only do they spend most winter holidays here be- cause of snow polo, but the summer months have also become just as appetizing. They spent all of this past July in Aspen. But in the end, it all comes back to polo. Snow polo, which is essentially a miniaturized version of the full game, is a good way to introduce people to the sport, according to Figueras. While the never dull VIP tent at Rio Grande Park is likely only for the heartiest of fans, the simply curious are welcome to view the action for free. At 41, Figueras knows his best playing days are probably behind him. But snow polo will continue to remain a vital piece of his competitive calendar and an important tool to help grow the game he still loves. “I’ll always continue to play polo because I love it and it’s what I do,” Figueras said. “Maybe not at a super high level, but I think I can continue to do what I love which is also promoting the game and that I will be able to do for longer. I’m not getting out of it in any way.” This year’s tournament will conclude Thursday when 2016 champion Flexjet will play first-year team Richard Mille in the 1 p.m. championship match. The matchup will pit the husband and wife duo of Marc and Melissa Ganzi against each other on the field. There will be a subsidiary game at 3 p.m. with a trophy presentation scheduled for 4:15 p.m. at Rio Grande Park. Some of the petS at NuzzleS & Co. lookiNg for love These animals are available to be seen at the Nuzzles & Co. Adoption Center and Rescue Ranch. Our Adoption Center is open Monday through Friday from noon to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is located in the Tanger Outlets in Kimball Junction. Our Rescue Ranch is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed Sunday. The Rescue Ranch is located at 6466 N. Highview Road in Peoa. Aspen Jackpot Mama Sarah Meet Aspen, a happy 3-year-old Pit Bull Terrier! This girl has a ton of energy and loves to run and play. She prefers a home without cats but loves other dogs. She knows a lot of basic behaviors like sit, down, stay, and come. Come and meet this active girl today! Jackpot is a 1-year-old Shepherd mix. She’s a friendly girl, but she can be a little bit shy at first. She does fine around cats but can be a bit dog-selective, so a meet and greet would be necessary with any potential canine siblings. Jackpot loves to go on walks and play outside! Mama is a happy-go-lucky Lab mix. She has a great temperament, walks well on a leash, and doesn’t jump up. She doesn’t seem to mind cats but can be a bit selective about her canine friends. Mama loves people and would love a family that likes to spend lots of quality time together. Sarah is a beautiful cattle dog mix with a silky black coat. She’s a timid girl in need of a patient home that can help her gain some confidence. Sarah is good around cats and other dogs. Once she bonds with you, she is sure to steal your heart! Bashful Fauna Sif Sissy Bashful is a 5-year-old Domestic Longhair with a majestic buff tabby coat. This handsome gentleman is a relaxed and mellow guy who enjoys the company of people who like to snuggle and curl up on the couch together. Bashful will be a loving companion for years to come. Meet Fauna, a 6-year-old calico Domestic Shorthair! This sweet mama kitty was found in a field with her 4 kittens. Now that her kittens have been adopted, Fauna is ready to find her own loving home where she can lounge in a warm bed or on the lap of her favorite person! Sif is a very friendly, social kitty. She’s a black and white Domestic Longhair and is about 7 years old. Sif enjoys being petted, brushed, and loved on. With a proper introduction, she would do well in a home with other animals. Come meet this sweet kitty! Sissy is a sweet and mellow Domestic Shorthair with a brown tabby coat. She’s about 8 years old. Sissy is a bit shy at first but does enjoy the company of humans that she feels comfortable around. She would be happy in a relaxed and peaceful forever home. WaNted: voluNteerS These Organizations are looking for volunteers. If you would like to include your group in this section, please email information to copyeditor@parkrecord.com. Please limit your entry to no more than 75 words Snyderville Basin Special Recreation District Basin Recreation is looking for volunteers with a passion for play to be Park Ambassadors. Park Ambassadors patrol the parks, interact with park users, report maintenance needs, assist with tournaments, promote park safety, and encourage an overall positive use of public space. For more details visit www. basinrecreation.org or contact Angie Greenburg at 435-6408476 or email at agreenburg@basinrecreation.org. Summit Community Gardens Interested in learning about responsible gardening in a high desert climate or want the satisfaction of knowing you’re keeping our garden and community growing? If you answered yes, than Summit Community Gardens has volunteer opportunities for you! Our mission is to educate our community on sustainable gardening techniques and empower people to grow food locally. Help us achieve that mission by volunteering with us every week or on an individual project basis. Visit SummitCommunityGardens.org/volunteer. Summit Community Power Works Summit Community Power Works, a local nonprofit focused on energy efficiency, is looking for volunteers to staff outreach events such as the Silly Sunday Market. This is a great opportunity to take part in a community-wide initiative, be a catalyst for positive change, and leave a positive legacy. Volunteers must enjoy interpersonal communication and be willing to learn about SCPW’s goals and initiatives. If interested, please contact Erin Bragg at erin.bragg@scpw.org. Summit Land Conservancy Summit Land Conservancy is an environmental nonprofit working to permanently protect the beloved open spaces in Summit County. You can see the results of the group’s work when you walk your dog in Round Valley, enjoy the Mid Mountain Trail or fly fish on the Weber River. Volunteers are needed to assist with bi-weekly recycling and join the Adopt an Easement program. To stay in the loop with other upcoming volunteer opportunities, sign up for the newsletter at wesaveland.org/ get-involved/stay-informed/. For more information on current opportunities contact caitlyn@wesaveland.org. Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter Do you love nature? Volunteers are a vital part of our mission at Swaner as we strive to preserve the land, educate the community about the value of nature and nurture both the ecosystem and our human connection to the natural landscape. Our volunteers assist with many aspects of the operation, including conservation and garden projects, kids programs and staff support. For more information please contact Rhea Cone, Volunteer Coordinator, at rhea.cone@usu.edu or 435-797-8956. For a full list of volunteer opportunities, visit parkrecord.com/ volunteers B-7 DON’T WASTE TIME SHOPPING BUY YOUR GIFT CARD ONLINE Align Spa |