The end of the world is nigh. Portents of doom of biblical proportions are occuring throughout the globe: Rivers of blood, two headed chickens, virgin births, Segway polo. Yes, you read right, Segway polo.
Segway Polo is proudly proclaimed by SegwayHTPolo.com as just like real polo but with a Segway instead of a horse. For those of you who don’t know, a Segway is a two wheeled gyroscopic personal transport system. To make things easier, imagine a five Grand pogostick with oversized wheel and you’ve got it! The sport originated in the Bay Area in 2004, and has apparently been growing since.And get this, there is an international tournament, The Woz Challenge, where recently The Silicon Valley Aftershocks defeated the New Zealand Pole Blacks 5-0.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for international relationships. And given the current Rugby climate, it’s nice to see the New Zealanders getting beaten at something. But come on, Segway Polo? As it is, Polo is an elitest sport with strict fiscal entry requirements, and a histroy of exclusion. Like the real sport this new version requires a hefty outlay, and is accesible only to a chosen few, the technocrats.
On a seperate note, how New Zealand has enough Segways to make a team is beyond me. I do hear the soft hum of their engines do make the sheep more amourous, which could count for their popularity.
While Segway polo may just be some big boys playing with their toys, it’s glorification of geekery makes the rest of us humble pseudos look bad. Therefore BigRed says. “Segway Polo, the world can do without you.”
Tune in next week for Part 2: Women Drivers
