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GOVERNOR FLETCHER SENDS OFF GROUP TRYING TO BRING WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES TO AMERICA FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER

Games are the Horse Olympics of the World; Have Never Been Held Outside of Europe
01/12/2005

(Frankfort, KY) – Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher will send off a team to Bahrain, which is attempting to bring the World Equestrian Games (WEG) to America for the first time ever in the history of horse sport, in 2010. The WEG occur every four years, in the middle of the Olympic cycle, and are the equivalent of the horse Olympics. They have never been held outside of Europe.

“I am proud that our state, and this team, is representing the United States of America in pursuing the World Equestrian Games,” said Governor Fletcher. “Kentucky is the horse capital of the world. We know that. America knows that. I believe the FEI will recognize that and award the 2010 WEG to America.”

The World Equestrian Games will be the largest single sporting event ever held in Kentucky, including the Kentucky Derby. Attendance is estimated to be more then 300,000. Economists predict The Games will have an economic impact of around $100 million. That is the equivalent of hosting two NCAA men’s basketball championship Final Fours. Nearly 1000 equestrians from 45 countries and 1000 media members are expected to attend the event.

“There is no place in the world like the Kentucky Horse Park,” said Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Park, John Nicholson. “Never before have the World Equestrian Games ever been held at a single location. That can happen here at the Horse Park.”

A five member delegation consisting of John Nicholson, Kentucky Horse Park, Rob Hinkle, Director of Operations at the Kentucky Horse Park, Derrick Ramsey, Deputy Secretary of the Commerce Cabinet, Person number four, and person number five will leave for Bahrain Saturday December third. They will make the final pitch to the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) Tuesday December sixth. A final decision is expected that day.

“It is an honor to be a finalist host The Games,” said Chairman of the United States Equestrian Federation and Olympic Gold Medalist David O’Connor. “America is ready, Kentucky is ready and the Horse Park is ready. I know our delegation is ready to deliver that message to the FEI.”

Normandy, France and Dubai, Saudi Arabia are the other finalists competing with the American bid. However, only France and the United States have been asked to make final proposals.

The World Equestrian Games is really seven equine world championship events. Show Jumping, Dressage, Eventing, Driving, Endurance, Vaulting and Reining comprise the seven disciplines.

51 countries are expected to participate in the 2010 World Equestrian Games.

Those involved with the American bid will gather at the Kentucky Horse Park December 6th to await word on the announcement.

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