San Diego Polo Club Helps Provide 100 Wheelchairs for Free Wheelchair Mission

San Diego, CA, August 03, 2013 --(PR.com)-- At their annual Fernando Gutierrez Memorial Cup tournament’s final day of matches San Diego Polo Club’s (SDPC) members and attendees raised funds to provide 100 wheelchairs for individuals with physical disabilities in the developing through Free Wheelchair Mission (FWM). More than 850 people were in attendance to watch the games, including a 3rd place match early in the day and the tournament final in the afternoon—San Fernando would defeat Hanalei Bay in overtime to take the cup.

Throughout the day spectators were introduced to Free Wheelchair Mission and the work they do around the world providing wheelchairs at no cost and regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, or gender to persons with disabilities living in poverty in developing countries. Highlights included a live auction for items and a presentation by FWM’s Founder and President, Dr. Don Schoendorfer as well as special guest Linh Nguyen from Vietnam. Ms. Nguyen, a recipient of FWM’s GEN_2 model wheelchair, had traveled to the United States from Vietnam to be present at FWM’s 10th annual Magic of Mobility Gala on July 23. Attendees were moved hearing Linh talk about how a wheelchair had restored her sense of dignity and independence while allowing her to open her own business as a tailor.

San Diego Polo Club’s Creative Director, Ms. Lindsay Chronert was especially excited to see the participation of FWM in the day’s activities. “The San Diego Polo Club was honored to welcome Free Wheelchair Mission to our Sunday polo event for the Fernando Gutierrez Memorial Tournament.

“After learning about Free Wheelchair Mission and how easy it is to lift spirits and transform lives, we knew we had to introduce our members and attendees to this group. Having Linh [Nguyen] in attendance was truly special for everyone and many people were touched by her story.

“When you see the enthusiasm and passion behind the charity's volunteers and staff, you know their mission is true and important. We are thrilled the San Diego Polo Club helped transform the lives more than 100 individuals and families across the globe. There are some things you just know to be true in your heart, and this charity is one of them.”

FWM Founder and President Dr. Don Schoendorfer was also pleased by the success of the event. “I know that the Fernando Gutierrez Memorial Cup is an important event both for the club and for the family of the man it is held in honor of. We felt very privileged to be included in the program for the day.

“As ever, we are very grateful for the outpouring of support we received from the San Diego Polo Club in partnering with us to help give people the wheelchair many have waited their whole life for.

“It’s exciting for us to share stories of transformation to people who support us, but when we have recipients with us to tell their own story, it is always an incredible experience.”

About Free Wheelchair Mission: Free Wheelchair Mission (FWM) is a humanitarian, faith-based 501(c)(3) organization that seeks to “provide the transforming gift of mobility to the impoverished disabled in developing countries, as motivated by Jesus Christ.” Wheelchairs are distributed fully-assembled free of charge to recipients and are given regardless of race, gender, religion, or ethnicity. Since 2001, Free Wheelchair Mission has provided over 700,000 specially-made wheelchairs to individuals with disabilities in 87 countries around the world. They provide not only mobility, but share the gifts of dignity, independence and hope.

About the San Diego Polo Club: Founded in 1986, the San Diego Polo Club is an established institution recognized for excellence in the sport of polo. Their season runs June-October every Sunday, and they remain involved with charity events year-round.