Olympics - HRH The Duchess of Cornwall attends Beijing 2008 Owners’ Reception
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
On Tuesday 12th February the British Equestrian Federation’s (BEF) World Class Programme held a reception to thank owners of potential horses for the Beijing 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games for their contribution to Equestrian sport. HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, Patron of the BEF, attended the evening event held at Saddlers’ Hall in London. Her Royal Highness presented the 2007 British Olympic Association (BOA) awards for the Equestrian Olympic Athlete of the Year and the Olympic Owner of the Year.
Prior to the Awards Presentation, the owners were briefed on the logistical arrangements and preparations for the Games. Will Connell, Performance Director, and other members of the British Equestrian Team staff shared the experiences and lessons learnt during the test event in August 2007, to which Great Britain took 3 horses. They also briefed the owners about ongoing preparations for the Games; provision for owners in Hong Kong during the events and the specific challenges of accreditation and logistics. The UK Sport distributed Lottery Funding allowed the World Class Programme to attend the Test Event.
The Duchess of Cornwall accompanied by BEF Chairman, Hugh Thomas, presented the 2007 BOA trophies for Olympic Equestrian Athlete of the Year to Mary King and the Owner of the Year trophy to Eddie and Sue Davies and Janette Chinn, owners of Mary’s Championship horse, Call Again Cavalier.
Mary King’s Eventing career has spanned almost 20 years, during that time she has become an iconic figure within the sport and is a regular member of the British Team. In 2007 Mary King was an influential member of the record breaking British Eventing Team who secured their 7th consecutive European Title. She also won an individual Silver medal at the Championships.
The BOA introduced the Owner of the Year award to complement the Athlete of the Year award, recognising the unique role of owners in Equestrian Sport. They are vitally important the success of individual riders and teams.
Following the Awards Presentation, The Duchess of Cornwall attended a short reception where she met some of the owners and British Team Staff.
Will Connell, Performance Director for the British Equestrian Federation commented, “The owners of our horses are vital to the success of the British Team. It is important to us that we not only thank them with events such as this evening but also that we involve them fully in the preparation for the Games. Hong Kong will bring particular challenges for both horses and riders; preparation will be key to achieving success.”
Mary King, winner of the BOA Olympic Athlete of the Year commented, “I am delighted to have won the Olympic Athlete of the Year award. 2007 was a fantastic season for me, especially the success at the European Championships. I am very grateful to Sue, Eddie and Janette for their ongoing support and I am pleased that they too have been honoured for the valuable contribution they make.”
