The green, green grass of Kentucky has beaten the Basse-Normandie region of Northern France to become the host of the 2010 World Equestrian Games, henceforth to be known as the FEI Games.
The final presentations were made to the FEI in Bahrain this morning, and the American bid won by a large majority.
“Both presentations were very impressive,” said FEI President HRH The Infanta Doña Pilar de Borbón. “We were in the presence of two excellent candidates, both with a strong political backing and a recognised organisational know-how. Basse Normandie and Kentucky are both horse areas and can count on the enthusiastic support of local experts and on thousands of volunteers.”
The delighted American team can now look forward to hosting the FEI Games in September 2010, with an expected economic impact of around $100m for the region.
“The World Equestrian Games is the very essence of what equestrian sport stands for,” said United States Equestrian Federation president and Olympic gold medalist, David O’Connor. “It is simply the pinnacle of equestrian sport for each of the seven disciplines it represents.
“It is for the love of competition and in the true spirit of international comradery that we celebrate the World Equestrian Games and what they stand for — the unmatched athletic ability of horse and rider and their unparalleled partnership. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime event and the United States Equestrian Federation is thrilled to be a part of bringing the 2010 Games to the Kentucky Horse Park.”
Having missed out on this occasion, the French bid team has announced that it is willing to bid for the 2014 FEI Games.
 SUBSCRIBE TO HORSE & HOUND AND SAVE Enjoy all the latest equestrian news and competition reports delivered straight to your door every week. To subscribe for just £1.43 a copy click here >>
|
