FEI Delegation visits RIO 2007

Representatives from the FEI met last Friday 20 January with members of the Organizing Committee of the 2007 Pan-American Games in Rio (CO-RIO), representatives of the Brazilian Equestrian Confederation and the Federal Government to discuss the planning for the jumping, eventing and dressage competitions in the multisport event that will take place from 13 to 29 July 2007. On 18 January, the FEI team visited Vila Militar, where the National Equestrian Center and the National Shooting Center will be built. These venues are part of the Deodoro Sport Complex and will host the competitions of these disciplines during the Games.

Catrin Norinder, Manager of the FEI Olympic and Eventing department, highlighted the importance of the early planning and the legacy both the city and Brazil will receive from Rio 2007. “The Pan-American Games are of critical importance to us. We are particularly pleased that the venue will be used as a National Training Center once the Games are over“ she added.

The President of CO-RIO and of the Brazilian Olympic Committee (BOC), Carlos Arthur Nuzman, underlined the importance of the cooperation between the Organizing Committee and the FEI. “This joint search for quality gives us the assurance that in 2007 we will deliver an event of excellence", Nuzman commented. RIO 2007 is a also a qualifying event for the Olympic Games Beijing 2008.

The Secretary of the Ministry of Sports for Rio 2007 Games also attended the meeting on Friday and he reaffirmed the commitment of the federal administration for the construction of the Deodoro Sport Complex, according to the requirements of large international competitions. The Secretary informed the FEI representatives that by the end of January, the call for bids for the construction of the National Equestrian Center and the National Shooting Center in Deodoro will be issued. Leyser also stated that the works are scheduled to start in March and that the term for completion is approximately one year.

FEI's technical delegate for Rio 2007 jumping competitions, Leopoldo Palacios, commented that the venue was appropriate for equestrian sports practice and that it will enable the design of a good project for the competition. “This is a country with a jumping tradition, one of the strongest in the world. Furthermore, Rodrigo Pessoa is the gold medallist of the Athens Olympic Games. It is both an honour and a great responsibility to contribute to provide the highest level to these Games”, Palacios said.

The cross-country course will be designed by Sue Benson, who will have to regularly go back to Brazil to follow the course construction. Sue Benson is convinced that starting the project from scratch could be a significant advantage to Brazil. “It will obviously be a challenge because the site is in its natural state. This course will comply with all international standards", Benson explained.

Eventing Technical delegate, Roger Haller, reported that the meetings provided an excellent opportunity to analyze the details and discuss solutions for possible problems. “This is a beautiful place and most importantly, all are making their best efforts", Roger Haller explained. The FEI representatives made a positive report after their inspection visit to RIO 2007. “As a member of the FEI, I've worked in several international competitions, including the Olympic Games and thus I can attest that CO-RIO's group is one of the most professional groups I have encountered", Leopoldo Palácios commented.

The meeting on Friday, January 20, was also attended by Co-RIO General Secretary Carlos Roberto Osório, by the General Sport Manager Agberto Guimarães and the General Venue Secretary, representing RO-RIO, and CBH was represented by its Secretary General & Technical Coordinator for RIO 2007 Antonio Alegria and Thomaz Montello, who is Veterinary Coordinator for Rio 2007 and,. Beside the construction of the equestrian venues, FEI and CO-RIO representatives discussed several issues related to horse quarantine and Deodoro phytosanitary conditions.

Additional information:
Assessoria de Imprensa do CO-RIO / Textual
Roberto Falcão / Adriana Vallim / Thaissa Lemos
Tel.: 21-3806.2384 / 3806.2447
www.rio2007.org.br