Olympic gold medallist to host FEI Awards Gala 2013, presented by Longines

Jonathan Edwards CBE, Olympic Champion in Triple Jump and the current world record holder, is to take on the role of Master of Ceremonies next week at the FEI Awards Gala 2013, presented by Longines.

The prestigious event will be attended by some 300 guests, including representatives of the 132 Member Federations of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the world governing body of horse sport.

FEI President HRH Princess Haya will join Jonathan Edwards on stage for the evening, during which the winners of the FEI Awards 2013 will be announced and rewarded.

The annual FEI Awards reward outstanding individuals from the equestrian world in five categories: Longines Rising Star, Reem Acra Best Athlete, Development, Against All Odds and Best Groom.

Jonathan Edwards astonished the world of athletics at the 1995 World Championships in Gothenburg, by jumping 18.29 metres – a world record that has never been beaten. He retired from his dazzling career on the track in 2003 after holding Olympic Games, World Championships, Commonwealth Games and European Championships titles and now works primarily in sports broadcasting.

Edwards played an important part in the success of the London 2012 as a Board member and Chair of the Athletes Comittee of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG).

Commenting on his involvement in the FEI Awards Gala 2013, presented by Longines – the event that will bring the FEI General Assembly to a close –  he said:

“I have had the great pleasure of meeting the FEI President, HRH Princess Haya, on several occasions, including the London 2012 Olympic Games. The FEI is a central part of the Olympic family and it is an honour to be part of this prestigious evening.”

Longines, the Swiss watchmaker that became the FEI’s Top Partner and Official Timekeeper, will present the FEI Awards Gala in Montreux, Switzerland. Both Longines and the FEI are headquartered in Switzerland and the watchmakers’ involvement in the FEI Awards Gala celebrates the first year of partnership.

Juan-Carlos Capelli, Vice President of Longines and Head of International Marketing said: “Longines is very proud to present the FEI Awards Gala in Montreux. The event is in line with the importance we place on equestrian sports.  It will echo the common values of Longines and the FEI: tradition, elegance and performance.”

The FEI Awards Gala 2013, presented by Longines will take place on 7 November at the Casino Barrière de Montreux.

Further information on the FEI Awards is available at www.feiawards.org.