31 maart 2009

2014 FEI World Equestrian Games Are Awarded to Normandie

Today the FEI Bureau awarded the 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games to the region of Normandie, France. This will be the seventh edition of the FEI World Equestrian Games and the first one to be held in France.

FEI President HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein

“The allocation of the 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games to the region of Normandie in France is an important development for the future of our sport. The bid committee in cooperation with the French Equestrian Federation have worked for eight years and presented a project of outstanding quality and vision which enjoys the support of the French government and regional authorities, and presents us as a sport with an exceptional platform in the very heart of a region that shares our passion for horses.”

Laurent Beauvais, President of the Regional Council of Basse-Normandie and President of the Organizing Committee Normandie 2014

“Hosting the FEI World Equestrian Games represents an exceptional opportunity for the promotion and development of Normandie on the international level. Normandie is the first region in France for horse breeding and champions. Normandie has a true legitimacy to host the most prestigious equestrian competition. Normandie is proud to take up this challenge. I would like to dedicate this victory to all the local public authorities that were part this bid.”

Christian Leyrit, Prefet of Basse-Normandie representing the French State

“Normandie is taking pride in obtaining the organization of the FEI World Equestrian Games in 2014. This bid has received the support of Nicolas Sarkozy, President of the French Republic. This success is above all the fruit of a common will as well as the result of the work of all the partners involved and the services of the French state. As a representative of the French state, I would like to reiterate my commitment and guarantee a successful event. The Games will contribute to the fame of Basse-Normandie, horse country par excellence.”

Philippe Duron, Member of the French Parliament and Mayor of Caen, capital of Basse-Normandie

“For Caen, it is a wonderful recognition and opportunity to benefit from a worldwide coverage for two weeks. Caen is the cradle of horse riding. Trotting races first took place there in 1837. It is the proof that “yes we Caen!”

Christian Paillot, Vice-President of the French Equestrian Federation

“The French Equestrian Federation, third national federation with 600,000 members, is proud that France obtained the organization of the 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games. Thank you to all of those who have worked for a successful bid and to the FEI for this mark of confidence.”

Source: FEI