San Patrignano CSI-A (ITA) Equestrian sport against drugs and social outcasting

The CSI-A of San Patrignano, which will be held in the equestrian facilities of the community from 20th to 22nd July 2001, starting from this year can count on an exceptional technical advisor and testimonial such as Dutch rider Emile Hendrix. Thanks to his long experience and his outstanding career, Mr Hendrix is regarded as "the Senator of equestrian sport" by the International press. He is a member of the FEI Jumping Committee and also the Vice President of the International Jumping Riders Club. Mr. Hendrix has accepted with great enthusiasm the offer received by Giacomo Muccioli, President of the CSI-A and Show Director, Eleonora Moroni, to become a member of San Patrignano’s team, by offering his valuable contribution to the show which is held every year in the Italian community. “I have known San Patrignano for many years and I have always respected what the community has been doing and achieving within the equestrian sport and, above all, I deeply admire its social commitment - commented Mr. Hendrix who, since his appointment, has been closely working for San Patrignano - I'm very proud to be able to offer my contribution to the organization of this event and I will be pleased to work with all the guests of the community. It is exceptional to see many people with no previous experience in equestrian sport getting so involved in the complex organization of such an event, but the most striking thing I have noticed is the fantastic atmosphere which is created between the participants and the community's guests”. The Dutch champion also emphasized the social and human value of the event: “This show gives a great opportunity to all of us to open our eyes on a very dramatic and serious problem such as drug addiction. Who comes to San Patrignano immediately realizes how much there is behind the competition and, most importantly, behind every single person who lives in the community. A concrete proof that you can leave drugs behind”.

San Patrignano community is located close to Rimini, on the Adriatic coast, in the Northern part of Italy (Bologna is the nearest International airport) and it extends on 250 hectares. Over the past 20 years the Community has welcomed more than 16.000 people and the most of them, with the support and help received, have regained their place in our society, as responsible people, active and free at last from drugs. Due to Vincenzo Muccioli's great love of horses, in the past decade breeding and equestrian activities have become more and more important to the community's life and San Patrignano is now a name known world wide in the equestrian field.

Top riders have already confirmed their participation to this year show. The 2001 San Patrignano CSI-A will see competing: the Olympic Champion Jeroen Dubbeldam (Ned), Alexandra Ledermann (Fra), Ludo Philippaerst and Jos Lansink (Bel), Richard Fellars (Usa) Michael Whitaker and Tim Stockdale (Gbr). The Swiss team will be represented by Willi Melliger, Urs Fah, Dehlia Oeuvray, while the Italian team will be led by Jerry Smit, Roberto Arioldi and Gianni Govoni. The Spanish rider, Fernando Fourcade, will be the representative of the home colours - the San Patrignano Jumping Team - riding the best young horses produced by the community’s own stud. Course designer will be once again Olaf Petersen (Ger), Chairman of the FEI Jumping Committee and course director for 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. San Patrignano CSI-A will offer a total prize money of 450 millions liras, of which 150 millions liras are the purse for the Infostrada Grand Prix, the most important competition of the show which, in the past years, saw the successes of top riders such as Jos Lansink, the late Guido Dominici, Alexandra Ledermann and Francois Mathy Jnr.

http://www.sanpatrignano.org/