First ever FEI Observer Programme run at Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy

A high-level observer programme for organisers of future key equestrian events is being carried out for the first time at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy (FRA). Teams from the Rio 2016 Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games and the FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2018 in Bromont (CAN) are currently in Normandy to experience and get a detailed understanding of the complex organisational requirements of top-level equestrian events.  

Paul Coté, President of the Bromont Organising Committee COJEM2018, Roger Deslauriers, general manager of the Bromont Equestrian Park, and the Mayor of Bromont Pauline Quinlan are the key members of the Canadian delegation attending the Games in France. They will remain at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ until the end of the event and will be involved in the handover ceremony that brings the Games to a close this Sunday.

Impressive Brazilian delegations are also in attendance at the Games in Normandy. The members of the Rio 2016 Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games were joined by seven representatives of the Ministry of Sport, the universities in charge of the preparation of the Eventing cross country course, as well as the architects responsible for the development of the equestrian venue, which is part of the Deodoro cluster in Rio.

“The FEI Observer Programme provides a valuable opportunity for the organisers of the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the FEI World Equestrian Games 2018 in Bromont to witness first-hand an equestrian event of this magnitude,” Tim Hadaway, FEI Director, Games and Championships, said. “The delegations have visited all the competition venues here in Normandy, as well as back-of-house locations including stabling, training areas, and veterinary facilities. This process has helped them understand the standards expected by National Olympic Committees and National Federations at equestrian events at the very highest level.

“Challenges faced by every organiser differ. The extent and variety of disciplines at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014 in Normandy has enabled our Canadian and Brazilian partners to observe the intricacies of running an event on this scale. We are working very closely with the teams in the lead-up to Rio 2016 and Bromont 2018. We have emphasised the importance of providing optimal conditions and services to the human and equine athletes, sponsors, media, spectators and television viewers.”

COJEM2018 President Paul Coté applauded the FEI Observer Programme initiative. "The organising committee of the FEI World Equestrian Games 2018 in Bromont really welcomes this process set up by the FEI,” he commented. “It is a great opportunity for us to learn from the experience of the previous Games organisers, and the close cooperation with the FEI on location will help us launch our activities in partnership with them."