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CULTURE SPORTING BY STEVEN HEMPEL . PRODUCED AND STYLED BY MICHELLE AVIÑA . PHOTOGRAPHY JACK THOMPSON. GROOMING BY TRACIE BURKE ; CUTLOOSE HAIR SALON AND HAIR AND MAKE-UP BY MAKEUP BY JULES. AMEER IS WEARING RYE 51 SHIRT, RICK OWENS PANTS AND BOOTS, AT TRAFFIC, DALLAS. AMEER JUMBAHOY, 24 INTERNATIONAL POLO PLAYER Ameer Jumbahoy is an internationally recognized polo player and philanthropist. The recent Rice University grad returned to his family in Singapore this summer, but during his time in Houston, Jumbahoy launched a number of charitable initiatives while juggling academics and training, as well as promoting the sport of polo. Polo in Houston. I've seen it grow from strength to strength, with many more people coming to watch games on Sunday than ever before. Today, Houston is the largest club in America [since its merger with the Brookshire Polo Club in 2011], and it's such an honor to be a part of it. I've never been to a club that is so well run and organized; everyone can enjoy polo from a through-train polo school all the way up to highgoal level, and the club embraces anyone who wants to try the sport. On the democratization of polo. Art, film, literature? I was actually a professional actor on stage and TV in Singapore until I was about 12 years old and, today, Charitable works. After my father and aunt were diagnosed with cancer in 2010, my mission was to raise social awareness for causes that I believe in. They are both fine today, but my desire to make a difference through the sport remains. Many of the associations I have worked with have a focus on cancer research and awareness, as well as mentorship for kids from underprivileged areas. I really like working with kids because they're honest; if you've scored a good goal in a game, they'll tell you, and they'll also tell you if they didn't like something. They have such a positive outlook on things, and as an athlete, that same attitude inspires me on the field. It's the next generation of kids who are going to do amazing things for our world, and it's so important that they be given the opportunities to do so. Polo has taken me around the world to raise social awareness, from Pakistan to Malaysia and, of course, the U.S. Ameer Jumbahoy at Houston Polo Club CHANDLER IS WEARING SHIRT BY GANT RUGGER AND JEANS BY NAKED AND FAMOUS, AT THE CLASSROOM; SHOES BY DELTORO, AT DELTORO.COM. This is a term that I've borrowed from my friend and mentor, Nacho Figueras. When we talk about democratization, we mean that we want polo to be more accessible to people. Polo has all the right elements for people to enjoy as a spectator sport. It used to have a massive following, with tens of thousands of people watching, and I see no reason why it can't recoup that same amount of passion from the public. am part of the investment group in the same company that managed my acting career in Singapore. I'm a big supporter of the arts, as each artistic medium acts as an escape, a journey away from our daily lives. CHANDLER PARSONS, 24 SMALL FORWARD, HOUSTON ROCKETS, NBA Chandler Parsons is now in his third season with the Houston Rockets. While playing collegiately at University of Florida, he was named SEC Player of the Year and helped lead his team to consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. This rising star in the NBA was invited to join the USA Basketball Select Team and has a shot at making the USA Olympic team that will compete at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. On living in Houston. Houston is a great place to live. I really like the South; having grown up outside of Orlando, I appreciate southern hospitality. Houston is a great sports town — you have four professional teams and lots of things to do. I see a lot of enthusiasm in the city, and people are excited to be here. Tell us about your interests. I love sports. When I'm not playing basketball, I'm usually watching it. ESPN plays pretty much 24 hours a day at my home. I also enjoy playing tennis and golf and just staying active. Free time. Honestly, I don't get a lot of free time. I spend most days practicing, training and studying film. I enjoy visiting with my family — my parents come to town every month. And I occasionally get away to the to do a little shopping. Thoughts about your teammates. We're really close. We travel, eat and do everything together. Most of us are the same age; we are all young players who share a lot of similar interests. And we're not just teammates but friends as well. All the guys have high character, and we've developed a really close bond with each other. On fans and Twitter. Our fans are the best. They really support the team, and I love being as accessible as I can. I'm active on Twitter (@ChandlerParsons), which I started my senior season in college. It's a great way to connect and get to know people that you otherwise would never have an opportunity to. Charitable works. I'll be starting a charity next year. In the meantime, I do lots of school visits with both the Rockets and NBA and traveled to Argentina this summer for Basketball without Borders. In the off-season, I work with children through the Orlando Hoops summer camps. Chandler Pasons at entry to court, Toyota Center Continued on page 84 DECEMBER | PAGE 82 | 2013