The 7th Annual District Cup took place on the National Mall on June 15, drawing more than 1,000 guests including 30 representatives from Washington-based embassies.

Teams comprised of players from the United States, Mexico, Argentina, Pakistan, Chile, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates competed in the two polo matches. Representatives from the embassies of Benin, Czech Republic, Hungary and Vietnam also attended.

The event included cultural presentations hosted by Argentina, Chile and Mexico, offering attendees the opportunity to sample national foods and beverages.

Nico Baca, co-founder of the District Cup, said the partnership between his organization and the State Department promotes soft power to bring about change.

“Sports is an excellent tool for diplomacy,” he said. “With our third-year partnership with the State Department, we increasingly recognize the soft power of sports.”

Enrique Perret, director of the US-Mexico Foundation, said his group has attended the event every years since its inception to expand its links with business leaders, diplomats and athletes.

“We are always seeking connections with other embassies, companies, investors, or even just friends,” Perret said. “Through the District Cup, we have established many connections with the Canadian Chamber and the Canadian Embassy, which are now part of the US-Mexico Foundation.”

Maya Rao, the State Department’s deputy chief of protocol, said the event underscored the importance of sports diplomacy and encouraged attendees to capitalize on the day’s connections.

“We urge you to maintain the partnership between the District Cup and the diplomatic corps, representing 30 countries here today,” she said.

The event collaborated with The Hole in The Wall Gang Camp, a charity that offers healing experiences to seriously ill children and their families through year-round programs. Jarrod Zwirko, its director of community fundraising, said his organization will establish a camp in Maryland in order to offer its free services to more families in the mid-Atlantic region.