BEF Backs BOA Bid

The British Equestrian Federation is fully in favour of the proposed bid by the British Olympic Association for the 2012 Olympic Games to be held in London.

Representatives from the BEF visited the site of one of the BOA's potential equestrian Olympic venues, the Royal Veterinary College at Potters Bar, at the BOA's invitation two years ago. The BEF team met Professor Lance Lanyon, Principal of the RVC, and assessed the outline potential of the site to meet the needs of the equestrian Olympic sports. Mike Tucker, who subsequently designed the Eventing cross country for the Jerez 2002 World Equestrian Games, accompanied the BEF delegation as a professional advisor.

Philip Billington, Chairman of BEF, said: "Our initial observation indicates that the Potters Bar site offers good potential to accommodate the equestrian sports, a key ingredient is the ideal distance to the potential Olympic site being under 30 minutes. Once a decision to bid has been made there is much more work to be done, including over the venue, with full consultation between BOA, BEF and its members, and UK Sport."

"It is critical that this consultation takes full account of the changing circumstances for Eventing. Should the bid go ahead we must do everything we can to minimise cost, present world class sport at its very best and seek to inherit a sustainable and useful legacy."

"We very much hope that a strong and positive bid will be made and that the Olympic Games can be brought to London. In addition to our Olympic sports, a successful bid would give the entire equestrian industry a great boost. The chance to compete for medals at a London Games would provide huge impetus for our riders and the owners of their horses. "

www.bef.co.uk

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