ITHACA, N.Y. - The Cornell men's and women's polo program are set to host a mental health awareness day on Saturday, Feb. 29, for the team's games against Skidmore College. The "Even Polo Players Get the Blues" suicide prevention game will start at 1 p.m. on Saturday in the Oxley Equestrian Center, featuring the Big Red women's team taking on Skidmore for the third time this season. Cornell's men will also play on Saturday, taking on Skidmore in Oxley at 7 p.m. Alongside the Central New York Polo Club, this is the sixth annual benefit match hosted by the Big Red in support of suicide prevention.

For those who have never seen this fast-paced sport that combines the athleticism of both horses and student-athletes, "Even Polo Players Get the Blues" will be the perfect opportunity to learn about polo. Before and during the game, Cornell polo will be selling Mama Said Hand Pies and carrots to use as votes for your favorite Big Red horse. All proceeds from the event will go to the Ithaca Suicide Prevention and Crisis Service. Cornell polo will also accept contributions to Suicide Prevention & Crisis Service in memory of Sue Knight, a Cornell Polo alumna '81 and former Skidmore Polo coach. Several informational booths will be set up inside Oxley, where visitors can learn about suicide prevention and mental health resources in the Ithaca area.

Since 1969, Suicide Prevention and Crisis Service (SPCS) has helped people struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, and thought of suicide by providing free, non-judgmental and compassionate listening. Visit http://ithacacrisis.org/ for more information.

Admission to the game is free and visitors will be able to learn how to hit a polo ball. After the game, members of the Cornell and Skidmore polo teams will be present to speak with visitors about polo and their favorite horses. All ages welcome at this weekends event.