BBC Broadcaster Clare Balding to Present New FEI Awards
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LAUSANNE, Switzerland, Nov. 12–Clare Balding, a broadcaster for the British Broadcasting Corp. at the past three Olympic Games, will present the new FEI Awards in Copenhagen on Thursday, Nov. 19.
Clare, 38, is a former champion amateur jockey and also evented and show jumped in her youth. She headed up the BBC’s coverage of this year’s Alltech FEI European Jumping and Dressage Championships at Windsor, England and the HSBC FEI European Eventing Championship from Fontainebleau, France.
Nominations for the prestigious new FEI Awards closed a month ago with 1,200 competitors, organizers and grooms from around nominated for one of the five awards.
The judging panel is chaired by FEI President Princess Haya and includes eventing and show jumping Olympian and multiple medallist Mark Todd, Dominican Republic dressage rider and judge Diana Ramos, Italian show jumping organizer Eleonora Ottaviani and German vaulting champion Kai Vorberg, along with representatives from FEI sponsors, Alltech and HSBC.
The five categories are:
Athlete of the Year — for a rider, driver or vaulter who has shown exceptional sportsmanship and ability.
HSBC Rising Star —for a rider aged 14-21 who has not only demonstrated significant talent but also a love of the sport and great commitment.
Alltech Development Award — for a development project, individual or organization which has shown exceptional skill, dedication and energy in expanding the sport.
Against All Odds — for a disabled rider of any age who has demonstrated that disability is no hindrance to sporting proficiency.
Groom of the Year — for the often uncelebrated yet vitally important person who works behind the scenes.
