Three members of Hong Kong's para-equestrian team, Timothy Tsang, Sophie Milner and Natasha Tse, have met the qualifying standard for Paralympic equestrian events and are now a step closer to fulfilling their dream of competing in the London 2012 Paralympics. Their success came after three days of competition in the CPEDI3* Hong Kong International Para-Equestrian Dressage Competition 2011, staged at Beas River Equestrian Centre in Sheung Shui with the support of The Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Club Deputy Chairman and President of Hong Kong Equestrian Federation Dr Simon S O Ip expressed his warm congratulations to the successful riders at the closing cocktail party last night (29 November). He said the Club felt honoured to have played a part in bringing the event to reality by providing the equestrian venue and facilities, along with professional supporting services.
The CPEDI3* Hong Kong International Para-Equestrian Dressage Competition 2011 is Asia's first and only qualifying competition for the equestrian events of the London 2012 Paralympics with the official sanction of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI). Dr Ip said he was delighted that the Club had been able to assist in staging this important event, building on its experience in providing equestrian venues and supporting services in Hong Kong for the Beijing 2008 Olympics.
A total of 12 riders from four countries and regions, namely Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei, participated in the qualifier, with seven attaining the required standard. "The training, stabling and equine care services at Beas River are really top-notch," commented Hong Kong team member Natasha Tse. "This allowed me to concentrate on giving my best performance."
Running in parallel with the CPEDI3* competition was the 4th Asia-Pacific Conference of the Hong Kong Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), also supported by The Hong Kong Jockey Club. It attracted a record high delegation from 15 countries and regions.
Since 1975, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has been supporting the RDA with donations amounting to more than HK$35.6 million, including RDA’s operating costs at the Pokfulam and Tuen Mun Public Riding Schools. Each year, over 350 disabled individuals can benefit from RDA’s unique rehabilitative services for the physically disabled and the intellectually impaired. The Jockey Club’s commitment to encouraging and promoting sports for the disabled includes providing training through the RDA for disabled riders with potential to compete in high level competitions.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club has become one of Hong Kong's best known and respected organisations, providing the public with world-class sporting entertainment as well as being the city's major non-Government community benefactor, now donating more than HK$1 billion a year to charitable and community projects. It has been a part of Hong Kong through good times and bad, sharing the city's growth and development with its people, and is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for future generations.
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Club Deputy Chairman and President of Hong Kong Equestrian Federation Dr Simon S O Ip (middle), at the closing cocktail party for the CPEDI3* Hong Kong International Para-Equestrian Dressage Competition 2011, with officiating guests Secretary for Food and Health Dr York Chow (1st right) and RDA Chairman K K Yeung (1st left), congratulating riders from the Hong Kong squad on attaining the London 2012 Paralympics qualifying standard.
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Club Deputy Chairman and President of Hong Kong Equestrian Federation Dr Simon S O Ip (left) and Hong Kong team members celebrate at the cocktail party.
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Hong Kong team members Sophie Milner, Timothy Tsang and Natasha Tse, put in outstanding performances to reach the qualifying standard for the London 2012 Paralympics, Natasha and Sophie establishing a fruitful partnership with Club trained retired racehorses Rare Collection and Tamar. (Photos 3, 4 and 5)
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