GHANTOOT // Roars from the crowd greeted the UK’s Prince Harry as he took part in a polo match to raise funds for charity.

A crowd of 100 invited guests at the Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club included Formula One legend Sir Jackie Stewart and former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell who cheered from the sidelines of the fifth Sentebale Polo Cup.

The event managed to raise US$1 million (Dh3.7m) for Senteable, a charity founded by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho that aims to raise money to provide health care and education to vulnerable children and those suffering with HIV/AIDS in the southern African country.

“I am very proud to be taking part in this match,” said Nacho Figueras who was captaining the St Regis team.

“But the main focus isn’t who wins or loses but the fact that we are going to raise money and awareness of the HIV/AIDs epidemic in Lesotho.

“Raising awareness is the most important thing and by having so many people here supporting us is fantastic.

“These kinds of events play an important role in raising awareness of this issue.”

Malcolm Borwick, representing the Sentebale Huntsman team, was in confident mood before the start of play.

“Although the games are going to be competitive that isn’t the main focus for this event,” he said

“Polo as a sport is growing in this region and in recent years the standard of play has really improved.

“Players from this region are right up there with the best in the world.”

The competition was launched in 2010 with Prince Harry’s Sentebale team winning last year’s event held in Greenwich, Connecticut.

“This event is extremely important to the charity, and allows us to continue to help and support some of the most vulnerable children in the world, through our work in Lesotho,” said Cathy Ferrier, chief executive of Sentebale.

“We managed to raise $1 million so that was fantastic for us.”

The money and awareness raised from the Sentebale Polo Cup will support Sentebale’s expansion plans in providing leading emotional and psychological support to many more children affected by HIV/AIDS.

Sentebale is also building the Mamohato Children’s Centre in Lesotho, a residential centre, expected to be completed next year.

The centre will allow Sentebale to provide support to many more vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS in Lesotho and will lead to further expansion into other affected southern African countries.