Para Equestrian Ireland has received a major boost with the news that Denis O'Brien is to sponsor the organisation for the next two years to the tune of €70,000.
O'Brien met members of the committee in recent weeks and pledged the support until after London 2012.
He has promised to donate €35,000 per year, and is also keen to follow the progress of riders in the run-up to the European Championships in September, when they will bid to qualify for the Paralympic Games next summer.
O'Brien said: 'I am delighted to offer my support to Para Equestrian Ireland for the next two years.
'It is a wonderful organisation and I wish all the riders the very best of luck at competitions this season, including the European Championships, and also in the run-up to London 2012.'
PEI's executive director Dara Kearney, who was instrumental in securing this sponsorship, said the money will primarily go towards training and competitions.
She said: 'We are most grateful to Mr O'Brien for this sponsorship and can assure him that it will be put to excellent use.
'Riders are currently attending training camps in preparation for the Hartpury CPEDI three-star event next month.
'We are also busy ahead of the European Championships in Moorsele in September, when we will be bidding to qualify for London.'
This weekend riders will attend a training camp at Kildalton College, Co Kilkenny.
Horse Sport Ireland Chairman Joe Walsh said today: 'I want to congratulate Para Equestrian Ireland on securing this sponsorship.
'There are exciting times ahead for the Team Ireland Equestrian para team and the discipline of para equestrian in general.'
No comments:
Post a Comment