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University of Virginia Women’s Arena Polo Team Secures 11th National Intercollegiate Championship

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UVA Women’s Arena Polo Team Secures 11th Championship Title After Thrilling Finals Against Texas A&M University

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA, UNITED STATES, May 21, 2024 /Businessnewsrelease.com/ — Representing the nation’s top women’s talent, seven teams united at Virginia Polo Inc. in Charlottesville, Virginia, from Wednesday, April 10 to Sunday, April 14 to battle for the Division I Women’s National Intercollegiate Championship (NIC).

Capping-off a week of competition and camaraderie, the finale came down to a 2023 rematch between defending champions Texas A&M University (Josie Dorsey, Cara Kennedy, Olivia Reynolds, Francesca Felhaber) and hometown challengers University of Virginia (Mackenzie Craig, Lea Jih-Vieira, Alana Benz, Philipa Harris, Hannah Thomas).

Determined by a slim margin, Benz led UVA in a breakout fifth chukker to overcome a two-goal deficit and pull the Cavaliers into the lead. Tied with moments remaining in regulation, Benz stepped up to the penalty line and delivered UVA’s 11th women’s national intercollegiate championship title.

 



Arena polo is a ball and mallet sport played via horseback. Arena polo is played in an enclosed arena with two goal mouths set into either end of the 300 by 150-foot dirt arena. The game is played with teams of three players each mounted on horseback. All players are equipped with bamboo cane mallets and attempt to move the ball into their respective goals to rack up points.

Periods of play last for 7.5 minutes and are known as “chukkers” or “chukkas”. At the end of a game, typically consisting of four chukkers, the team that has the highest number of goals wins. Teams must abide by all rules to ensure the safety of players and horses.

Teams that commit any infraction upon these rules may be subject to penalty as dictated by the umpire officiating the match. Many players start off in arena polo during college and compete for a shot at the national title throughout their years of study.

Over 30 universities coast-to-coast host arena polo clubs for students of all experience levels. Though many clubs are co-ed, varsity men’s and women’s teams compete annually for a shot at their own national titles.


Receiving a bye into the semifinals as the competition’s number one seed, TAMU opened against University of Kentucky (Grace Beck, Joscelin Gallegos, Taylor Nackers, Ava Nunes). TAMU’s Dorsey ignited the scoring, followed by goals from Kennedy and Reynolds.

UK’s Beck responded for the team in blue, but TAMU’s powerful defense held the Wildcats scoreless in the second and third chukkers. Adding to their lead throughout the second half, a two-pointer from Reynolds sealed the win and sent the Aggies to defend their national title.

Soaring through the quarterfinals against University of California-Davis (Emilynn Angie-Buss, Elise Pardue, Marisa Carelli, Liliana Gonzalez), UVA continued their charge against University of South Carolina-Aiken (Brianna Jordan, Kaylin Bender, Summer Kneece, Shona Adams).

In a high scoring first half, Benz led the offensive for UVA, while a two-pointer from Kneece at the end of the third gave USC-Aiken a narrow lead at the break. Storming back in the fourth, four goals from Benz brought UVA back within one. Following a two-pointer from Jih-Viera, Bender kept USC-Aiken within reach at the penalty line, but UVA ultimately pulled away in the sixth 20-16 to secure the rematch against TAMU.

Assembling a new UVA team, the return of Benz was complemented by the additions of Jih-Vieira bringing previous playing experience from Cornell University alongside intercollegiate polo newcomer Craig.

A former member of UVA’s club team, Craig detailed her journey from learning the sport to competing at the height of the national spotlight, “I had some prior polo experience, but never really playing,

so my first chukkers really were here at UVA last year.” Establishing a connection to carry them throughout the year, Craig noted, “Alana and Lea have done such a good job bringing me up into intercollegiate polo. They both have so much experience, it’s been really great to learn from them.” Recognizing the importance of building trust between the boards,

Benz added, “When we started out, we weren’t really sure what the team was going to be. We came together not knowing what to expect, then we just bonded really well.”

Falling to TAMU earlier in the season, Jih-Vieira detailed the strengths of their familiar opponents, “They’re a really offensive team and really fast in transitions. The biggest thing is marking them really tight in those transitions and not letting them get on any runs. When they have time to think, they’re really accurate.”

Preparing to enter the arena against the Aggies for a final time this season, Craig recounted UVA’s confident mentality combined with the home arena advantage, “We know we’re a good team, we know we’ve worked hard for this. We know what this team is going to be like, we’ve lost to them twice already—let’s not make it three!”

Striking early, Benz did not waste any time, scoring two quick goals. Answering for TAMU, Dorsey and Reynolds tied the game, with UVA’s Jih-Vieira adding her first goal to finish the first chukker ahead 3-2. Matching each other stride-for-stride in the second, TAMU pulled ahead in the third with three unanswered goals for an 8-6 advantage moving into the break.

Within two goals at the end of the first half, Craig detailed her role throughout the tournament, “Take the extra man out and be the next one on the play. [Lea and Alana are] such confident hitters, I did have my moments for sure, but they know if I take that man out hard, then they’re going to get those awesome two-pointers.”

Kennedy and Dorsey increased TAMU’s lead in the early stages of the fourth, but back-to-back goals from Benz maintained the gap to finish the chukker on a strong note. Chipping away at their deficit in a momentum shifting fifth chukker, Benz drilled a two-pointer, followed by two field goals before the horn to put UVA on top 12-11.

Tipping the game towards UVA, Benz recounted, “I think the most impactful part of the game was when I got on Whiskey—one of my favorite horses here at UVA, in the fifth chukker. I just feel like I have so much confidence on her, we gel really well together. I think when I got on her, I just felt like I could make any play. We got a lot of momentum that chukker [and] we carried that to the last chukker.”

Answering each other tit for tat with less than a minute left in regulation, the two evenly matched teams found themselves deadlocked 13-all.

Leaning towards the possibility of overtime for a second year in a row, a Penalty 2 awarded to UVA presented the opportunity to stake their claim with less than thirty seconds on the clock. Jih-Vieira detailed their strategy in the final moments of the chukker, “Alana and I went back-and-forth, […] but I was like ‘you gotta take it’ and I’m glad we were right about that.”
Stepping up to the line with confidence, Benz’s accurate swing sent the ball straight to the goal sealing UVA’s electric 14-13 triumph.

“This win means more than just redemption after last year,” stated Benz, “[It was] winning for ourselves and proving we’re a really strong team.” Earning a title in her first NIC final, Craig joyfully added, “I started this year off brand new to the women’s team, brand new to intercollegiate polo and really rising from the bottom to the top. I’m still in shock that we did it and I’m so proud of myself and my teammates.”

All-Stars were awarded to Summer Kneece (USC-Aiken), Lea Jih-Vieira (UVA), Alana Benz (UVA) and Cara Kennedy (TAMU). The Connie Upchurch Memorial Sportsmanship Award was presented to USC-Aiken’s Kaylin Bender for her continued positive attitude, fairness and support for her peers on and off the field.

Demonstrating consistent riding ability and equine care throughout the tournament, Bender also received the David Wenning Memorial Horsemanship Award. Earning top honors for a second consecutive National Intercollegiate Championship final, Ola Jagger, owned by Ola Polo was named Best Playing Pony, with Best Playing String awarded to the University of Virginia.

Despite missing the opportunity to compete in the NIC’s for two seasons due to COVID cancellations, Jih-Vieira reflected on her experience as a graduate student athlete at UVA, “I was a little bit nervous because all of us had to get to know each other.

But just being here, the way the program supports you—the amount of riding time, the stick-and-ball time and hanging out with my teammates.” Ending her intercollegiate career a champion, an elated Jih-Vieira added, “First and last [national final]! I’m done, I’m out!”

Robin Sanchez
US Arena Polo
+1 717-645-8778
[email protected]
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2024 Division 1 Women’s National Intercollegiate Championship Final- TAMU vs UVA

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Entertainment & Sports

One Man’s Vision: Inspiring Biopic set for a Motion Picture

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5 months ago

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June 27, 2025

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A blind boy from America’s heartland changed the way the world drives.

This is the powerful story behind One Man’s Vision, the upcoming feature film inspired by the life of inventor Ralph Teetor – the mind behind Cruise Control – who lost his sight at age five but never lost his vision of what was possible.

Inspired by the book, One Man’s Vision, by the late Marjorie Teetor Meyer, the film is a collaboration between Brookwell McNamara Entertainment, Blind Logic Productions, and Bernstein/Romero Productions. At its core, it’s a story of iron-willed perseverance, love, and how one man refused to be defined by his blindness and instead shaped the future of the American automotive industry.  

An American triumph over tragedy story that follows a man who overcomes unthinkable odds. Ralph Teetor lived his life as a sighted person. His own daughter didn’t know he was blind until age 10.

Reuniting the team behind the 2024 biopic Reagan, the film will be written by Howard “Howie” Klausner and directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Sean McNamara. Producers include David Brookwell, Jack Teetor, and Gary Bernstein, with Klausner also serving as executive producer.

McNamara’s credits include Soul Surfer, On a Wing and a Prayer, and the upcoming John O’Leary story Soul on Fire, for Sony Pictures and Emile Hirsch’s Holocaust drama Bau: Artist at War, for Paramount Pictures. Klausner’s writing includes Space Cowboy’s (Clint Eastwood), The Last Ride, and The Identical. David Brookwell brings decades of experience in feature films and television.

This film was sparked by Ralph Teetor’s great nephew, Jack Teetor, who produced the award-winning documentary, Blind Logic, premiering on July 8th on digital platforms and cable providers. “Ralph’s legacy goes far beyond Cruise Control,” said Jack Teetor. “It’s about resilience, imagination, and a love story that fueled his pursuit of achievement.”

https://youtu.be/oy1EaJytLA0

Producers Gary Bernstein & Ernesto Romero introduced Brookwell McNamara to Jack Teetor and discussed a feature film about Ralph Teetor’s life. Gary Bernstein produced the highest rated series on six different networks including “Lingo” which has been on the air for five decades.

Bernstein commented, “After reading the book, ‘One Man’s Vision,’ I knew immediately it needed to be a motion picture and I’m excited to play a role in bringing it to fruition. Ralph Teetor’s life story caused a major positive paradigm shift in my life and I’m certain the motion picture will do the same for millions of others.”

McNamara added, “I’m so excited to be making ‘One Man’s Vision’ for the big screen. This is an extraordinary American story that is not just about bringing Ralph Teetor’s remarkable journey to life, it’s about illuminating the power of resilience and innovation against all odds. I am thrilled to share his inspiring legacy with the world!” 

For more information visit our website:    www.onemansvision.com

MEDIA CONTACT:               

Deborah Gilels, LA Media Consultants

Email: [email protected] 

Cell: 818-648-9513

BROOKWELL MCNAMARA ENTERTAINMENT   Los Angeles, CA    http://bmetvfilm.com/

BLIND LOGIC PRODUCTIONS, LLCLos Angeles, CA    www.blindlogicproductions.com

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Director Aron Govil talks about Bollywood’s portrayal of women as mere ‘Eye Candy’ in its films.

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10 months ago

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January 7, 2025

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Bollywood mostly produces male-dominated films, where women are relegated to serve as visual embellishments rather than integral parts of the narrative.

Director Aron Govil in a recent interview discussed why the stereotype of women as mere “eye candy” remains pervasive in most Bollywood films. Women in most Bollywood films are shown as submissive, dependent, or secondary to male protagonists. These depictions reinforce outdated ideals and limit the scope of storytelling by ignoring diverse, authentic female experiences. The primary reason for this trend lies in the commercial nature of the Bollywood Film industry.

Director Aron Govil

Aron Govil said, “Bollywood has historically catered to a male-dominated audience, where box office success often depends on mass appeal. Women are frequently relegated to roles that serve as visual embellishments rather than integral parts of the narrative. Songs, dance sequences, and glamorous outfits are used to draw in audiences, sidelining the complexity of female characters.” “This reductionist portrayal not only undermines women’s capabilities but also perpetuates societal norms that limit their roles and contributions.” continued Mr. Govil.

In the past decade, several Bollywood films have portrayed women primarily as eye candy, often sidelining their characters in favour of male-centric narratives. In the Dhoom series of films, while action-packed and commercially successful, the female characters: Esha Deol, Aishwarya Rai, and Katrina Kaif were presented in glamorous roles, with minimal character development. They primarily feature in dance sequences and romantic subplots. The race film series known for its high-octane drama and twists, this franchise used female characters: Bipasha Basu, Deepika Padukone, and Jacqueline Fernandez only as glamorous additions to the male-driven storylines. In the film, Singh Is Kinng, Katrina Kaif’s role is a classic example of being a romantic interest with a focus on her appearance and charm, while the male protagonist drives the story. Furthermore, the House Full series of comedy films included a star-studded cast of actresses like Deepika Padukone, Jacqueline Fernandez, and Kriti Sanon, but their roles were merely reduced to being love interests or part of comedic scenarios centred around their appearance. These examples reflect a recurring trend in Bollywood to prioritize aesthetics over substance for female characters.

Bollywood mostly produces male-centric narrative films, where women are relegated to serve as visual embellishments through their outfits and dances rather than an integral parts of the narrative.”

— Aron Govil

Aron Govil described, that Bollywood is obsessed with showing female characters in fair-skinned rather than the normal Indian skin tone. Most Bollywood films cast lighter-skinned women in lead roles, while darker-skinned characters are often typecast into subservient or comic roles. This creates a skewed representation that normalizes the idea of fair skin as a prerequisite for desirability and success. Western media and global beauty standards have historically emphasized fair skin as desirable. This influence has trickled into Indian cinema, where actresses with lighter skin tones are always promoted as “ideal” beauty icons, sidelining the diversity of Indian skin tones. Songs and dance sequences in Bollywood often romanticize fair skin. Lyrics like “gori” (fair-skinned) or “chitti kalaiyan” (fair wrists) reinforce these biases, celebrating light skin as a symbol of beauty.

“Another contributing factor is the prevalence of the “male gaze” in Bollywood filmmaking, as women are often depicted from a male perspective, emphasizing their physical appearance over their personality, intellect, or emotions. This perspective dominates mainstream Bollywood, where female characters are often introduced with slow-motion shots with wind-blown hair and stylized close-ups, focusing on their beauty rather than their depth.” Added Mr. Govil.

However, there has been a gradual shift in recent years. Films like Queen, Pink, and Thappad have challenged these stereotypes, offering nuanced, empowered portrayals of women. Female filmmakers and writers are also playing a pivotal role in changing the narrative, bringing more authenticity to female characters and their stories.

“While progress is being made, Bollywood still has a long way to go in celebrating the diverse beauty of Indian women and dismantling the toxic ideals of colourism embedded in its narratives. The industry’s responsibility lies in recognizing the power of representation. By portraying women as multifaceted individuals with their aspirations, struggles, and triumphs, Bollywood can contribute to a broader cultural shift. Moving beyond objectification to celebrate the complexity of women’s lives is not just a step toward gender equality in cinema but also a reflection of an evolving, progressive society.” ended Aron Govil.

About Aron Govil:

Aron Govil is an entrepreneur, who has gained worldwide prominence, through his Ducon Group, one of the largest corporate group in the USA that is owned by a person of Indian origin. His group is involved in energy, environment, infrastructure & entertainment fields globally. In the entertainment field, Aron Govil has produced, financed and even directed many Bollywood and Hollywood films. Mr. Govil has also conducted several stage shows and national tours of prominent musicians, singers and Bollywood film stars and has promoted several musical artists.

Media contact details:

Ron Kumar
AG Media Inc.
[email protected]

The post Director Aron Govil talks about Bollywood’s portrayal of women as mere ‘Eye Candy’ in its films. appeared first on Pinion Newswire.

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Yellowstne Season 5 Part 2 Premiere: Date, Time, Where to Watch & What to Expect

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11 months ago

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December 9, 2024

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November 10, 2024 – The highly anticipated Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2 is finally here! Fans of the epic Western drama series, created by Taylor Sheridan,

The highly anticipated Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2 is finally here! Fans of the epic Western drama series, created by Taylor Sheridan, can look forward to the explosive return of the Dutton family on November 12, 2024.

After a year-long wait since the first part of Season 5, the second half promises more intense drama, gripping power struggles, and shocking twists. If you’re wondering when Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2 premieres, where to stream it, and what to expect, we’ve got you covered!

Image Source : https://www.skystore.com/

When Does Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2 Premiere?

Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2 will premiere on Sunday, November 12, 2024, at 8:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM CT on Paramount Network. After the dramatic cliffhanger at the end of Part 1, fans can expect the story to pick up right where it left off, with more political intrigue, family conflict, and the stakes rising for John Dutton (Kevin Costner) and his family.

Where to Watch Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2 Online

If you’re ready to watch Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2 but don’t have cable, don’t worry—there are plenty of streaming options. Here’s where you can catch the new episodes:

  • Paramount+: The best way to watch Yellowstone online is through Paramount+, which offers both live streaming of the premiere and on-demand access to all episodes of the series. You’ll need a Paramount+ Premium subscription for the latest episodes.
  • Paramount Network: If you have a cable subscription, you can watch Yellowstone directly on Paramount Network at the scheduled air time.
  • Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube TV: You can also stream the latest episodes of Yellowstone on platforms like Hulu and Amazon Prime via add-ons or live TV subscriptions.

Make sure to set a reminder for November 12, 2024, so you don’t miss the action-packed premiere!

What to Expect in Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2

The Dutton family’s saga continues in Season 5 Part 2 as they face their most dangerous and personal challenges yet. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect:

  1. John Dutton’s Governor Role – John Dutton (Kevin Costner) is now the governor of Montana, and his political position will be tested by increasing pressure from corporate interests, rival politicians, and enemies of the family.
  2. Family Drama and Power Struggles – The Duttons must deal with internal family tension, loyalty issues, and the ongoing battle to protect their iconic ranch from outside forces. Expect plenty of heated confrontations between John, Beth (Kelly Reilly), Jamie (Wes Bentley), and Rip (Cole Hauser).
  3. Land and Legacy – The fate of the Yellowstone Ranch remains uncertain as outside forces—like corporate developers and neighboring ranchers—continue to threaten its existence. With powerful figures like Caroline Warner (Jacki Weaver) pushing against them, the Duttons must use every tactic to keep their land in the family.
  4. New Alliances and Betrayals – Season 5 Part 2 will likely see new alliances form and old ones tested. Watch for unexpected betrayals and shocking plot twists as characters’ true motives are revealed.

Is Yellowstone Ending After Season 5?

Yes, Season 5 marks the final season of Yellowstone, and this makes Part 2 even more crucial for fans eager to see how the epic story wraps up. While the show itself is concluding, the Yellowstone universe will live on through several spin-offs.

Fans can look forward to the prequel series 1923, which explores the origins of the Dutton family, and the upcoming spin-off 6666, which dives into the iconic Four Sixes Ranch.

Even though Yellowstone is ending, Taylor Sheridan’s universe will continue to expand, offering more thrilling stories set in the world of the Duttons.

How to Prepare for the Yellowstone Season 5 Finale

If you’re just now catching up on Yellowstone, here are a few things you can do before diving into Part 2:

  • Binge-watch Part 1: If you missed the first part of Season 5, you can catch up on all episodes from Part 1 via Paramount+ or other streaming services that offer Yellowstone.
  • Revisit Previous Seasons: With so many plot twists and character arcs spanning five seasons, you might want to revisit earlier episodes for a refresher. Yellowstone’s dramatic evolution has made it one of the most talked-about shows in recent years, so catching up on past seasons will give you a deeper understanding of the storylines.

Conclusion

Get ready for a thrilling ride as Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2 arrives on November 12, 2024. With the Dutton family facing their toughest challenges yet, this final chapter is sure to be packed with drama, action, and high-stakes moments. Whether you’re watching it live on Paramount Network or streaming it on Paramount+, don’t miss the epic return of one of television’s most beloved series.

References:

  1. Yahoo Entertainment – Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2 Details
  2. USA Today – Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2 Premiere Information



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