Atlanta, Georgia, September 21, 2025
News Summary
Students at Atlanta’s BEST Academy have made history by creating the first all-Black high school polo team in the U.S. Their inaugural game took place during the Atlanta Polo Party, where they played against a Forsyth team. Co-founded by fashion designer Miguel Wilson, the initiative aims to boost confidence and leadership skills among underprivileged youth. Despite losing their first match, the team focused on the experience and representing themselves positively, showcasing a shift towards inclusivity in the sport of polo.
Atlanta, Georgia – Students at Atlanta’s BEST Academy made history by launching the very first all-Black high school polo team in the United States. The team showcased their skills during their inaugural game at the Atlanta Polo Party held at Bouckaert Farm in Fairburn, Georgia, competing against a team from Forsyth.
Team captain Quinton Ramsey expressed excitement about being involved in a unique sport like polo, which is often overshadowed by traditional sports like basketball and swimming. When the team formed two years ago, many members had little experience with polo. However, as they trained around the horses, they learned quickly and felt prepared for competition.
The polo program was co-founded by fashion designer Miguel Wilson and his Ride to the Olympics Foundation, which is known for establishing the first polo team at Morehouse College, an HBCU. Principal Robert Williams of BEST Academy highlighted that the program is intended to empower students and demonstrate that they can excel in various environments.
Parents, including Ramsey’s mother, reported marked improvements in their children’s confidence and leadership abilities as a result of participating in polo. Ramsey noted that polo has instilled in him discipline, teamwork, and respect, influencing his aspirations in law enforcement. The polo team is comprised of boys from grades six through twelve, with a majority being African American and coming from underprivileged backgrounds.
Miguel Wilson aims to create a network of high schools offering polo and equestrian sports to underserved communities. The team’s first game took place during Wilson’s 7th Annual Atlanta Fashion and Polo Classic. In their initial match, despite losing 5-0 against a seasoned team, the focus for the BEST Academy team was centered around the experience and positively representing themselves.
The event drew a vibrant audience, highlighting a shift in the demographic participating in the traditionally exclusive sport of polo. Wilson remarked that this initiative exemplifies the American dream and offers young Black athletes a glimpse of possibilities in diverse sports.
This groundbreaking achievement not only marks a significant moment in sports history but also represents an ongoing commitment to inclusivity and empowerment within the community.
FAQ
What is the significance of BEST Academy’s polo team?
Students at Atlanta’s BEST Academy became the first all-Black high school polo team in the United States.
Where did the team’s inaugural game take place?
The team demonstrated its skills at the Atlanta Polo Party held at Bouckaert Farm in Fairburn, Georgia.
Who founded the polo program?
The polo program was co-founded by fashion designer Miguel Wilson and his Ride to the Olympics Foundation.
What impact has polo had on the students?
Parents reported positive changes in their children’s confidence and leadership abilities due to participating in polo.
What is the aim of Miguel Wilson regarding polo?
Miguel Wilson aims to create a network of high schools offering polo and equestrian sports to underserved communities.
Key Features of the Historic Achievement
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Team Composition | Boys from grades six through twelve, predominantly African American from underprivileged backgrounds. |
| Founders | Miguel Wilson and his Ride to the Olympics Foundation. |
| Inaugural Game | Held at Bouckaert Farm, with a match against Forsyth team. |
| Team’s Performance | Lost inaugural match 5-0, but focused on gaining experience. |
| Overall Impact | Program fosters empowerment, confidence, and leadership skills in students. |
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Additional Resources
- AJC: Polo Program Exposes Young Black Men
- MaxPreps: Langston Hughes Panthers Football
- Fox 5 Atlanta: School Zone Cameras
- MaxPreps: Creekside Seminoles Football
- MaxPreps: Landmark Christian War Eagles Football
- Wikipedia: Polo
- Google Search: Polo History
- Google Scholar: Polo Sport
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Polo
- Google News: Polo Programs for Youth
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