The destination marks the first year of a multi-year partnership with one of Canada’s longest-running charity sporting events
The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority proudly celebrated the success of its first year supporting Polo For Heart, one of Canada’s longest-running charity sporting events, bringing the warmth, culture and energy of Antigua and Barbuda to a weekend dedicated to raising funds for cardiac care.
Now in its 46th year, Polo For Heart welcomed guests to the Toronto Polo Club for three days of philanthropy, polo and summer celebration in support of Southlake Health. The 2026 event raised funds through ticket sales, donations, silent auctions and more, with proceeds supporting critical cardiac care services for patients and families across the region.
As part of the first year of a multi-year program, Antigua and Barbuda brought a taste of its relaxed Caribbean luxury to the event, creating an immersive presence that carried through the opening evening, weekend activations and a curated showcase of work by artists from Antigua and Barbuda.
“Polo For Heart brings together many of our shared values: community, generosity, culture and connection,” said Tameka Wharton, Director of Tourism for Canada, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority. “This cause has incredible heart behind it, and we were proud to support an event that makes a real difference for cardiac care while also allowing us to share the warmth and vibrancy of Antigua and Barbuda with Canadian guests.”
To mark the opening evening, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority co-hosted Polo in Paradise, bringing the colour, sound and hospitality of Antigua and Barbuda to the polo grounds through specialty cocktails, authentic island cuisine, steelpan music and an après polo celebration with DJ entertainment and dancing.
“What we witnessed at Polo in Paradise was the excellence of Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism offering brought to life,” said Gail Christian, Consul General of Antigua and Barbuda, who attended the opening event. “The Tourism Authority created a true sense of the warmth, hospitality and luxury that define our destination. Bringing that experience into a traditional sporting event clearly demonstrates our desire to share Antigua and Barbuda’s paradise with Canada and the rest of the world.”
Throughout the weekend, Antigua and Barbuda also welcomed guests into a destination-inspired space featuring music, massages and wellness touchpoints designed to bring the feeling of the islands to the polo grounds. The destination also facilitated the donation of a four-night stay at Curtain Bluff, a boutique luxury resort on Antigua and Barbuda’s southern coast, to the silent auction. On Sunday’s family day, Antigua and Barbuda added family-friendly activations, including a colouring wall mural that invited young guests to engage with the country in a fun and creative way.
One of the weekend highlights was a showcase of art by Antiguan and Barbudan artists, which offered guests another window into the destination’s creative community. The featured works helped highlight the people, landscapes and cultural stories that continue to shape the nation’s identity beyond its beaches.
“Antigua and Barbuda is a natural fit for Polo For Heart,” said Karen White, Executive Director of Polo For Heart. “They bring a sense of warmth, colour and celebration that aligns beautifully with the spirit of the event. This first year added a vibrant new dimension for our guests, from the opening evening to the music, art, wellness and family activations, and we are excited to continue building on this partnership in the years ahead.”
The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority’s involvement at Polo For Heart reflects a growing focus on reaching new audiences through meaningful partnerships, while continuing to position Antigua and Barbuda as a destination rich in culture, hospitality, cuisine, wellness, art and unforgettable experiences.
For Antigua and Barbuda, the event offered a unique opportunity to contribute to an important cause, connect with Canadian travellers and share the destination’s spirit in a setting rooted in community and philanthropy.
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This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Antigua and Barbuda Supports Cardiac Care Through Polo for Heart Partnership.