Atlanta BEST Academy Polo Team Makes Historic Debut at the 2025 Soul Symphony Weekend
The Atlanta BEST Academy Polo Team made history during the 8th Annual Atlanta Polo Party at the 2025 Soul Symphony Weekend, marking its official competition debut with a thrilling 4–3 victory over the Starr Creek Polo Club from Cumming, Georgia.
Led by players Caleb Choice-Sanchez, Syncere Poole, Declan Fitzpatrick, Ryland Hammond, Mikel Banks, and Quinn Ramsey, the young men showcased not only their skill on the field but also the spirit of determination that has defined the team since its formation just two years ago.
Breaking Barriers in Polo
The Atlanta BEST Academy Polo Team is the first-ever all-Black high school polo team, co-founded by celebrity fashion designer Miguel Wilson through his nonprofit, the Ride to the Olympics Foundation, in partnership with the 100 Black Men of Atlanta and Atlanta’s BEST Academy.
Wilson launched the initiative to remove the financial and cultural barriers that have historically limited Black participation in equestrian sports. His foundation covers the costs of lessons, horse rentals, uniforms, and equipment, ensuring that students with no prior riding experience have the opportunity to excel.
“We are making history, and these young men are blazing a trail that we hope others will follow,” Wilson said. “For too long, a socioeconomic barrier has kept most Black people from participating in polo and other equestrian sports. My foundation was created to dismantle that barrier, providing these students with access to the skills and opportunities that come with it. It’s about more than just a game; it’s about leveling the playing field.”
Soul Symphony Weekend: A Celebration of Culture and Excellence
The 2025 Soul Symphony Weekend, a reimagined version of the annual Atlanta Fashion & Polo Classic, took place September 19–21 and brought together luxury, culture, and community. Highlights included the Black-Tie Soul Symphony Gala, a live fashion show, and electrifying polo matches.
Guests of honor included Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, joined by a star-studded lineup of attendees: Chris and Nell Fletcher (Love & Marriage Huntsville), Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson (Married to Real Estate), Dr. Heavenly Kimes (Married to Medicine), Monyetta Shaw (The Real Housewives of Atlanta), Toya Johnson-Rushing (Toya & Reginae), actors Clifton Powell, Palmer Williams, Rob Riley, musicians Kevin Ross, Pastor Troy, Q Parker, and community leaders such as Pastor Jamal Bryant, Bishop Vance Oldes, and Morris Brown College President Dr. Kevin James.
Building a Legacy
Atlanta BEST Academy Principal Robert Williams praised the impact the polo program has had on students.
“The students have grown as leaders on campus and have really strived for excellence both on the field and off,” Williams said. “When the opportunity presented itself, along with the 100 Black Men of Atlanta, we were excited to join with Miguel Wilson to create this program. These young men are truly setting an example for others to follow.”
For Wilson, this effort is part of a larger vision. In 2019, he co-founded the Morehouse Polo Club, the first team at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). Through the Ride to the Olympics Foundation, he continues to build more youth polo programs nationwide, opening doors to equestrian sports for underrepresented communities.
Supporting the Cause
All proceeds from the Soul Symphony Weekend benefit the Ride to the Olympics Foundation, which remains committed to supporting the Atlanta BEST Academy Polo Team and creating similar programs in cities across the country.
For more information or to donate, visit: www.ridetotheolympics.org.
About the Ride to the Olympics Foundation
Founded in 2017, the Ride to the Olympics (RTO) Foundation provides underprivileged youth with access to equestrian sports, fashion, and leadership development. Dedicated to diversity and community engagement, the foundation empowers youth to pursue opportunities in polo, showjumping, and dressage. Founder Miguel Wilson believes that equestrian sports—instrumental in shaping his own career—can open life-changing doors for the next generation.
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