Jonquil Solt, the Chair of the International Paralympic Equestrian Committee, took time from her peripatetic schedule to spend a few hours at LOCOG recently with Piers Jones, Tony Sainsbury and me. We started off at the London 2012 Paralympic emblem and as you can see from the picture Jonquil was very happy to be seen with it! She is sporting a colour-coordinated pink version of the 2012 pin. Her husband Bobby came along on the visit and also pinned on the world-famous emblem, in a colour which very nicely matched his tie.
Piers, myself and Jonquil (right) with the Paralympic logo:
We then went on to lunch, where there was an opportunity to exchange views and get better acquainted. Jonquil has been instrumental in the development of Paralympic equestrianism and she and Bobby have a wealth of knowledge and experience derived from decades of involvement in the sport and in attending the Games all over the world.
Para-equestrianism is a multi-disability sport open to athletes with a physical disability or visual impairment. Until 2006, it was governed by the International Paralympic Committee. Last year, IPEC joined the Federation Equestre Internationale as FEI’s 8th discipline, meaning IPEC is now known as FEI-Para. In the United Kingdom, British Dressage is the national governing body.
At lunch we had a great time talking horse. Team GB’s Paralympic equestrians have a fantastic record. In Athens, we took team and 3 individual gold medals. Many of the Paralympic stars will be competing (and hoping to qualify for the Beijing Paralympics) at the 6th World Para Dressage Championships in Hartpury next week (see www.hartpury.ac.uk for more information about the Championships). For the first time, this competition is under the governance of the FEI. And in 2010, the FEI’s World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky will include para-equestrian events for the first time.
We also spoke about the recent election of Paralympian Lee Pearson as chairman of the new FEI Athletes Committee, and the exciting French-led initiative to add showjumping to the existing Paralympic equestrian disciplines.
After lunch we showed Jonquil and Bobby around the LOCOG offices. Fortunately the day was clear, so they were able to enjoy a wonderful view of the Olympic Park and other Games venues from our windows, with Piers pointing out key landmarks.
Piers and Jonquil plan to meet periodically as we move forward towards 2012. Meanwhile I’m stockpiling mints in anticipation of heading to Hartpury on Friday for the Championships. I look forward to telling you about it next week.