James W. Ashton
Interim President, FIP
Millamolong, Australia

As 2009 draws to a close, I take this opportunity to send you my warmest season’s greetings and to wish you and your families the very best of everything in the coming new year.

The year 2010 promises to be a pivotal one for the FIP as we strive together to create a stronger and more efficient federation. My own new year’s resolution as your interim president is to make governance more transparent and accountable; to consult with and seek approval from our member associations in the decision-making process; and to develop innovative new ways to help the worldwide growth of our great sport.

There is much work to be done over the coming months. This should be a period of reflection and study. It is a time to redefine the mission of the FIP, to address the concerns of all our members small and large, and to clarify our relations with other international bodies.

I am greatly encouraged by the interest shown by smaller members of the FIP in the future of the organisation and will welcome in-put by their national associations. I am equally encouraged by the promises of the three largest national polo associations to work with us on initiatives to benefit all our existing member countries and help spread polo to new countries.

After careful study and by the time we schedule a General Assembly in the new year, we shall be able to bring to the table for your approval a raft of firm proposals to take the FIP into the future.

I am confident that 2010 will be a good year for our federation and for the sport of polo everywhere. And, I hope, for you and yours.