Equestrian volunteers and officials are expected to benefit from the release of extra tickets for next year’s Olympic Games.
Games organiser LOCOG told H&H that equestrianism should receive a portion of the additional free tickets — rumoured to number 60,000 — but was unable to give further details.
A spokesman said: “We have allocated some tickets for national governing bodies to purchase and distribute among their membership. This includes the British Equestrian Federation (BEF).
“But at this point we can’t give details on how the tickets will be released or the exact numbers involved.”
Many coaches, stewards, organisers and other volunteers had criticised the fact that their years of dedication counted for nothing in the original ticket application process.
Belinda Turner, who co-ordinates the volunteers for Chatsworth Horse Trials, welcomed the announcement.
“It’s fantastic news as volunteers are the bedrock of our sport,” she said. “Many of our volunteers at Chatsworth give up their time every year, thinking nothing of standing out for hours in all weathers. Any way in which volunteers are recognised has to be welcomed.”
There is also good news for former Olympians and the family and friends of competitors, with extra tickets being available from the British Olympic Association (BOA).
Read the full story, including details of the number of tickets available to former Olympians and British Olympic riders for family and friends, in the current issue of Horse & Hound (21 July, 2011)
