Polo Tourney Leaves Mark, Divots

Julia Roberts won’t be there to stomp divots, but spectators at this week’s Spokane Polo Club 4X4 Tournament can have a ground-stomping good time.

Colleen Macaulay, organizer of the second annual 4X4 tournament, noted Roberts brought attention to polo in the movie “Pretty Women,” in which she went onto the field to help replace divots.

“In Spokane, polo is an event for the whole family,” said Macaulay, who knows from first-hand experience. She grew up in the sport. Her father, Mike Macaulay, is a past president of the Spokane Polo Club.

At this week’s event, which started Wednesday and runs through Sunday, Macaulay promised “competitive polo, contests, socializing on the green - (and) we’ll even have some divotstomping at halftime.”

The event, which has drawn teams and players from throughout the Northwest as well as Palm Springs, Calif., Buenos Aires, Argentina, and several Canadian communities, is a fund-raiser for the Downtown YMCA Summer Youth Program. Admission is $3, or $10 for a carload.

A unique format is designed to make the 4X4 tournament more spectator-appealing, Macaulay said.

Matches are held in four chukkars (or periods) instead of the traditional six. That means more teams can play because they need bring only 16 horses instead of the 24 that would be required for a six-chukkar match.

Teams can have a maximum handicap of 4 goals (minus-2 is the lowest rating, 10 the highest).

“The players love our tournament because they can bring their families and really enjoy the surroundings,” said Mike Macaulay. “And this year, we are pleased to be able to help out the YMCA.”

Semifinal matches will be held Saturday, with the finals Sunday at noon. Gates open at 10 a.m. both days. There are no matches today.

The polo club grounds are off Highway 2, across the highway from the Longhorn Barbecue.

Swimming

The inaugural Long Bridge Swim, a 2-mile, open-water swim from the south end to the north end of Long Bridge on Lake Pend Oreille, will take place Aug. 5.

Organizers hope it becomes an annual event.

Cost is $12 and all finishers will receive a T-shirt. There’s also a two-person relay for those who don’t want to swim the entire 2 miles.

The race, which begins at 9 a.m., is insured and safety boats/escorts will be on hand. Spectating should be excellent from the bridge.

Those interested are encouraged to send in entries as soon as possible. Registration forms can be picked up at athletic clubs in Sandpoint and Coeur d’Alene, the YMCA in Spokane, Safeway in Bonners Ferry and Sandpoint and Sandpoint’s Chamber of Commerce and recreation department.

Info: (208) 265-5412 or (208) 263-6633.

Future book

The fourth annual Spike & Dig volleyball tournament is Aug. 5-6 at Spokane Falls Community College. Info: 325-0740. … The Pend Oreille Pounder, a NORBA-sanctioned mountain bike race, will be Aug. 12-13 at Schweitzer Resort in Sandpoint. Info: (509) 838-3707. … Football Family Frenzy, featuring flag football in youth, adult and family divisions, is Aug. 26-27. Info: (509) 358-5444.

Two of the area’s major triathlons will be contested a week apart. The 12th annual Coeur d’Alene Triathlon will be Aug. 13, featuring a 1.5-kilometer swim, 40K bike and 10K run. Info: (208) 667-3589. The Spokane Troika will be Aug. 20 with a 1.2-mile swim, 58-mile bike, 13.1-mile run. Info: (509) 624-2980.