US polo star Nic Roldan to run Vitality London 10,000 as ambassador for Brooke USA
American polo champion Nic Roldan has become an official ambassador for Brooke USA, a fundraising arm of the Brooke, a UK based equine welfare charity. He is celebrating the new partnership in the UK on 30 May 2015 by running the London 10,000, and is calling on all running enthusiasts to join him.
A seasoned polo player since the age of six, Nic Roldan made history at 15 when he became the youngest player ever to win the United States Open Polo Championship. His name is on the trophy of almost every leading polo tournament in the US and he has won on five continents at every goal level.
Through growing up with horses, Nic is also driven to gain a global perspective on equine welfare, and is excited about the opportunity to give back and join the Brooke USA team. Nic will be going to see the Brooke’s work first-hand later this year in Guatemala.
“Being Brooke USA’s first polo ambassador is obviously huge, and it’s a big step for me. It’s a big responsibility, and it’s an honour as well - I can’t wait to get my first fundraiser under my belt. I’ve done quite a lot of running but I would love have more Brooke runners by my side - join me.”
The London 10,000 starts and finishes in St James’s Park and passes many of London’s famous sights including Nelson’s Column, St Paul’s Cathedral, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey.
Brooke USA is the American fundraising arm of Brooke, a UK based charity. Brooke helps working horses, donkeys and mules in 12 different countries across Africa, Asia and Central America. It works with owners, communities, governments and international organisations to make lasting improvements to animal welfare. They now reach over 1.8 million animals each year. Nic continued:
“In the polo world and in the equestrian world, we live in sort of a bubble, where everything is seen from this side of the window, where everything is done perfectly. I think we maybe take all of this for granted, and until you actually travel to some of these less fortunate countries, and see exactly what’s going on, I don’t think you really get that feeling and emotion and idea of what’s happening. I’m really looking forward to being able to make a difference and give my time and to learn more about what’s going on.”
“We couldn’t be happier to welcome Nic to the Brooke USA family. His compassion for animals and the less fortunate are a powerful combination and will help us to improve the lives of countless more working equines and the people who depend on them around the world. We’re looking forward to the race and hope that the Brooke’s UK supporters can join Nic’s team.”