HRH Princess Haya's Remarks from WEC

October 10 2010

Opening remarks by HRH Princess Haya for wrap-up Press Conference, 10 October at 9am

The World Equestrian Games Foundation had a mission statement to stage a Games that were technically, artistically and commercially successful. And there can be no doubt that these Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games here in Kentucky have ticked every one of those boxes.

This has been a Games all about firsts - it’s the first FEI World Equestrian Games to be held outside Europe and the first to be held in the US. And it’s the first time that Para-Equestrian Dressage has been welcomed into the FEI World Equestrian Games fold.

We’ve welcomed 632 athletes and 752 horses from 58 countries to the Kentucky Horse Park. They have produced incredible sport over the past 15 days and will undoubtedly continue to do so throughout today’s final competitions in Para-Dressage, Driving and Vaulting as we build up to tonight’s spectacular Closing Ceremony.

Kentucky has welcomed spectators from all 50 U.S. states and more than 55 countries. And we expect the overall attendance figures to top 500,000 by the end of today.

We have been blessed with more than 5,000 INCREDIBLE volunteers who have worked around the clock to ensure the success of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. We thank them all for their commitment and loyalty.

We thank our wonderful title sponsor Alltech, and all our presenting sponsors and other supporters who have made the Games possible. And we thank you, the media, for letting the world know about these Games. We’ve had unbelievable wall-to-wall coverage - both in the electronic and the print media – generated by all of you over the past couple of weeks.

We want these Games to be remembered for what they have done for the world of horse sport. They have brought the equestrian family together in the best tradition of the FEI World Equestrian Games for 16 days of wonderful sport that will be remembered long after tonight’s closing ceremony. There can be no doubt, the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, have been a phenomenal success.