Kids marquee at polo

Children will be able to mix it with grown-ups and sip alcohol free cocktails in their very own VIP marquee while watching world-class polo matches on Cable Beach in Broome.

Pinctada Cable Beach Polo will take place on the weekend of May 18-19 with new major sponsorships helping shape it as a world class event.

One of the drawcards will be an alcohol-free family marquee on Saturday, sponsored by Shinju Motor Group and provided by Pinctada Cable Beach Polo.

Youngsters will be given free entry — provided they are accompanied by adult — and treated to fun activities and a high tea.

The Kimberley branch of lobby group the Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association of WA will host the beach-side family day.

ICPA branch member Jo Camilleri said the group hoped the Kimberley community would embrace its idea of alternative social events that our children could also enjoy.

Ms Camilleri said ICPA was concerned there was a need for more family focus at major events in region.

“Often the marquees are geared towards and licensed for adults only so there is little opportunity for families to attend major events and enjoy the experience of the VIP or member areas, so our branch is looking to host family friendly activities,” she said.

Marilynne Paspaley’s Pinctada Hotels and Resorts — a venture independent of her family’s pearling interests — is the event title sponsor and underwriter, while its flagship property Pinctada Cable Beach is the tournament’s official hotel.

Ms Paspaley said the action would be free to watch picnic style from the sand, with spectators having the option to purchase tickets to VIP marquees.

She said the family marquee was created to support ICPA.

“This is a terrific opportunity for families from remote regions in the Kimberley, as well as Broome families, to experience the beach polo and cheer on the young indigenous stockmen who will be teaming up with the captains of the Australian and Indian teams in the Commonwealth Bank Kimberley Challenge,” she said.

“We want to ensure Kimberley families have the opportunity to enjoy the comfort of the marquee at a family price.”