01.24.09

ALLTECH FEI WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES LAUNCHES NEW WEB SITE

Posted in 2010 Games, Announcement, Web site at 9:39 pm by Thomas

LEXINGTON, KY—The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games has a new look on the Web! Today the World Games 2010 Foundation officially launched a new Web site for the 2010 Games, at www.feigames2010.org.

Visitors to the new Web site will find valuable educational materials about the eight world championships to be contested in 2010.   Curious fans can get a sneak peak of what the Kentucky Horse Park will look like in 2010, with an interactive venue map, stadium and arena renderings, and links to the horse park’s construction updates.

In depth information regarding business, retail, and community opportunities is also available, including the 2010 Games Trade Show.

Visitors will also be able to use the new Web site to plan their trips to Kentucky in 2010.   Information about the 2010 Games Housing Bureau and hotel options, traveling to Kentucky, and local tourism resources are all available on the new site.

“We wanted the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Web site to be a tool for everyone interested, whether you want to learn more about the Games, want to be involved in the Games, or want to plan your trip to Kentucky,” said Danielle Landolt, Marketing and Sales Manager for the Foundation. “We will continue to provide information that is relevant and exciting on the new Web site from now until 2010.”

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), and are held every four years. The Games have never before been held outside of Europe; nor have all eight disciplines competed at a single site—both firsts that will be achieved at the Kentucky Horse Park. 

The Games will be broadcast on NBC Sports, which has marked the largest commitment to network coverage of equestrian sport in U.S. television history. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million, and other current sponsors include Alltech, Rolex, John Deere and Ariat International, Inc. For more information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, please visit www.feigames2010.org.

01.22.09

ALLTECH FEI WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES FORMS PARTNERSHIP WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY

Posted in 2010 Games, Announcement at 10:16 pm by Thomas

LEXINGTON, KY—The World Games 2010 Foundation today announced a partnership with the University of Kentucky and UK HealthCare for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

“The University of Kentucky is pleased to partner with the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games,” said President Lee T. Todd, Jr. “As the Commonwealth’s flagship university, we share in the state’s commitment to make the Games the world’s premier sporting event in 2010. This international competition places Kentucky on the world stage, and we are ready to help showcase our state.”

 

The university’s sponsorship includes a broad range of partnerships across UK’s departments and organizations. In addition, UK HealthCare will be the “Official Medical Provider” of the 2010 Games, and will provide first aid and medical services for spectators, fans, and participants during the Games including personnel and equipment. UK will donate more than 7,000 hours in medical personnel time during the Games.

Dr. Mike Karpf, UK executive vice president of health affairs, said, “UK HealthCare is excited to play a significant role in the operations of the 2010 Games. As we welcome thousands of guests to our community, I can assure you that UK HealthCare is fully prepared to provide the medical and emergency care for our visitors.”

 

UK’s College of Agriculture will also be the “Official Equine Initiative” of the 2010 Games, partnering with the Games and others in the equine industry to discover, share, and apply new knowledge to enhance the health, performance, and management of horses. UK’s Office of Commercialization and Economic Development will also work with the 2010 Games to provide access to the Coldstream Research Campus as needed.

Other UK Colleges, departments and campus units, including Foreign Language, Arts and Sciences, Fine Arts, Design, as well as the Career Services Department, will provide assistance and support for the 2010 Games when appropriate.

“We are very grateful to the University of Kentucky for this significant pledge of support to the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games,” said Jamie Link, CEO of the World Games 2010 Foundation. “We are confident this partnership will help the university expand its programs, enhance learning opportunities, and garner recognition as the first-class university it is.”

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), and are held every four years. The Games have never before been held outside of Europe; nor have all eight disciplines competed at a single site—both firsts that will be achieved at the Kentucky Horse Park. 

The Games will be broadcast on NBC Sports, which has marked the largest commitment to network coverage of equestrian sport in U.S. television history. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million, and other current sponsors include Alltech, Rolex, John Deere and Ariat International, Inc. For more information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, please visit www.feigames2010.org.

01.13.09

Fort Harrod BCH Enlists Oxen to Help Clear Trail Areas

Posted in Adventure Tourism, Bluegrass Region, Fort Harrod Back Country Horsemen, Kentucky, Volunteerism at 10:38 pm by Thomas

Harrodsburg, KY, January 12, 2009 – A local team of oxen, owned by Fort Harrod Back Country Horsemen (Ft. Harrod BCH) member Brian Rogers, will work with trail enthusiasts on February 7-8, 2009 to clean out an old dump site at Eagle’s Nest Equestrian Trails in Harrodsburg.  The site primarily contains old tires which work crews will dislodge and load onto a sled pulled by the trained steers.  

Rogers’ oxen currently are used for light farm work including pulling a chain drag, pulling logs, moving stones and feed, and more.  The two-and-a-half year old pair has been working in yoke for the past two years and travel annually to participate in the Midwest Ox Drover’s Gathering in Scotts Michigan. 

“By using oxen to remove the debris we hope to limit the impact on the environment and minimize damage to the vegetation.  This is also a great way for us to incorporate the use of draft stock in our trail maintenance efforts,” stated Emily Dennis, President of the Ft. Harrod BCH.   

The tires will be removed from the Cornishville Road area of Eagle’s Nest to a proper disposal location.  Eagle’s Nest Trail Boss, Dennis Blackburn, is currently working with other Ft. Harrod BCH members and the local community to identify a low cost or no cost recycling or disposal alternative for the tires. 

Eagle’s Nest Equestrian Trails is closed for both January and February to reduce impact and erosion to the trails.  The scheduled work days are to be conducted on foot and without horses. 

Individuals wishing to join the trail clean up efforts will be shuttled from the pavilion at Eagle’s Nest to the clean up site.  Clean up efforts begin at 10 a.m. with a midday lunch break featuring potluck chili.  Participants are asked to bring prepared chili to mix and heat at the work site or an appropriate side dish and their own non-alcoholic beverages.  RSVP to confirm attendance by contacting Dennis Blackburn at 859-613-2665 or hardrockfarm@gmail.com.  

For more information or to join the Fort Harrod Back Country Horsemen contact Emily Dennis at edennis@fewpb.net or 502-330-8798 or Dennis Blackburn at hardrockfarm@gmail.com or 859-613-2665.

01.05.09

World Games 2010 Foundation Names New Chief Executive Officer

Posted in 2010 Games, Announcement, Jamie Link, World Games 2010 Foundation at 9:48 pm by Thomas

LEXINGTON, KY— The World Games 2010 Foundation today announced that it has selected Jamie Link as the new Chief Executive Officer of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. 

Link has been serving as Deputy Secretary of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet since December 2007 and prior to that spent several months as the Deputy Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Park. In his current role, he has served as an ex officio member of the World Games 2010 Foundation board of directors and has been actively involved in the ongoing construction projects at the Kentucky Horse Park and major vendor selections related to the Games. 

“I am honored to be selected as CEO of the World Games 2010 Foundation and look forward to working with the wonderful staffs of the Foundation and the Kentucky Horse Park,” Link said. “It is going to take all of us working together and we are committed to showcasing to our visitors not only the world’s finest equestrian venue that is the Kentucky Horse Park, but also the many amazing attractions we have throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky.” 

“I have watched Jamie participate in many of the meetings and was impressed with his ability to get things done. The planning for the Games is at a critical juncture and we need to have a full time CEO to manage the process for the next 21 months,” said John Long, board chairman and acting CEO. “Jamie’s familiarity with the Games planning means he will be able to jump in immediately and make an impact.”

Long also added that the Games proactively recruited Mr. Link. There was no pressure from the state. In fact, Long said that Secretary Marcheta Sparrow—also a board member—politely reprimanded him for stealing Link.

Secretary Sparrow added “although I am sorry to lose Jamie as my co-worker in state government I am confident in his abilities to lead the Games at this critical time. His knowledge of the Kentucky Horse Park and the importance of this event to our state’s image throughout the world is tremendous.”

 John Nicholson, Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Park said “having known and worked with Jamie Link for a number of years, I can state with confidence that he is uniquely qualified for this position and I am delighted that he has accepted the Board’s offer. Everyone at the Kentucky Horse Park has witnessed firsthand Jamie’s uncommon talent, integrity and dedication during his time as Deputy Director. He understands the Park’s day-to-day operations and the special needs of the Park for the 16 days of high level championship competition. In addition, it is helpful to have someone familiar with all of our key community and state leaders involved in this project to help streamline our efforts. I look forward to once again having the pleasure of working with him as we build toward, not only this epoch moment in our history, but for the great legacy it will provide.”

Link will officially begin serving as CEO on January 12, but has already begun the transition and attending meetings as needed to be up-to-date on all operations when he joins the staff full-time. 

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), and are held every four years. The Games have never before been held outside of Europe; nor have all eight disciplines competed at a single site—both firsts that will be achieved at the Kentucky Horse Park.

The Games will be broadcast on NBC Sports, which has marked the largest commitment to network coverage of equestrian sport in U.S. television history. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million, and other current sponsors include Alltech, Rolex, John Deere and Ariat International, Inc. For more information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, please visit

www.feigames2010.org.

 

Media Contacts: 

World Games 2010 Foundation
Amy Walker
859-255-2010 ext. 235 or 859-699-0443 (cell)
awalker@feigames2010.org 

Ellen Gregory
Preston-Osborne
859-231-7711 ext 234 or 859-338-1775 (cell)
elgregory@preston-osborne.com

01.01.09

Happy New Year

Posted in Announcement, Updates at 10:05 pm by Thomas

We want to wish everyone a Happy New Year. 

Its going to be a busy and exciting year with only 631 more days until the start of the Games.  We always use the first 16 days of the year for organizational purposes so we will not have any further updates until after that but part of our organizational efforts will be to bring additional support online for our efforts. 

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