Tampa, FL – April 4, 2011 – With only six days until the Gene Mische American Invitational, presented by G & C Farms, often called the “Super Bowl of Show Jumping,” the excitement is building. The Invitational, now in its 39th year, brings together a star-studded international group of equestrians to compete for one of the greatest titles in all of show jumping. Held at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, the event takes place on Saturday, April 9, 2011, at 7:30 p.m.
A fun-filled afternoon begins at 3:30 p.m. with the Mane Event Kickoff Party, in Parking Lot 6. Bring the whole family for the tailgate party, and join us for a JustWorld Horseless Horse Show, hosted by Q105 radio’s Nikki Cruz and featuring live entertainment by the Q105 mobile station. A JustWorld Horseless Horse Show is run like a regular horse show, with children of all ages (rather than horses or ponies) jumping a course of human-size obstacles on foot.
JustWorld International is a not-for-profit, humanitarian organization working as a catalyst for positive change in the developing world by funding life-changing education programs for some of the world’s most impoverished children. All proceeds raised from the JustWorld Horseless Horse Show will benefit JustWorld International’s projects in Brazil, Cambodia, Guatemala, and Honduras.
The JustWorld International Horseless Horse Show classes are run like jumper classes (fastest time without knocking down any rails wins), and the $5 per class entry fee goes directly to support JustWorld projects as part of the JustWorld “Kids Helping Kids” program. Participants can compete over courses at three different heights, so kids of all ages should be ready for action! Ribbons and prizes generously donated by Gallop Home and HorseWare Ireland will be awarded in each class. Entries for the JustWorld Horseless Horse Show are available online at www.stadiumjumping.com or on site upon arrival at the event early afternoon. See flyer for details!
Michael Morrissey, CEO of Stadium Jumping, producers of the Gene Mische American Invitational and other world class international equestrian events, said, “Stadium Jumping is proud to have been a partner of JustWorld since the organization’s beginnings and is pleased to host a benefit JustWorld Horseless Horse Show in conjunction with this year’s Invitational. Reaching out to help educate children from impoverished countries in the developing world through the sport of show jumping is a rewarding experience for all of us.”
The Mane Event Kickoff Party will also include a chance to meet all your favorite superstar riders at the JustWorld “Meet and Greet” booth during the Horseless Horse Show. Riders scheduled to compete at the Gene Mische American Invitational include McLain Ward, Lauren Hough, Beezie Madden, Margie Engle, Pablo Barrios, Richard Spooner, Ashlee Bond, Charlie Jayne, Kent Farrington, Kate Levy, Mario Deslauriers, Shane Sweetnam, Ian Millar, Candice King, Christine McCrea, Ljubov Kochetova, Aaron Vale, Todd Minikus, Amy Millar, Schuyler Riley, Andres Rodriguez ,Taylor McMurtry, Maggie Jayne, Georgina Bloomberg, Angela Covert, Peter Leone, Leslie Howard, Gemma Paternoster, and Katie Prudent.
The fun continues when the stadium doors open at 6:30 p.m. for the traditional course walk, accented by a Segway demonstration of the course walk and a performance by the award-winning Glee Show Choir from Tampa’s King High School. Also on the evening’s agenda is the elegant Parade of Breeds, an appearance by the Tampa Police Mounted Patrol Color Guard, and a special performance by Orlando’s famous Arabian Nights.
Each section of the Stadium will be assigned a rider before the Parade of Riders, and you’ll be invited to cheer for your section’s rider. Prizes will be awarded at the end of the night for the winning riders’ cheering sections. Immediately following the awards ceremony, get your favorite rider’s autograph and even have your photo taken with your favorite star.
The Gene Mische American Invitational is proud to recognize sponsors Land Rover Tampa, Johnson Horse Transportation, Equestrian Sport Productions, Lifeforce for Alltech, Horseware Ireland, Gold & Diamond Source, Horse Gym USA, Derby Gold, Innisbrook, Boomer Bents & Bikes, G & C Farm, Equifit, Triple Crown-Buildyourownblanket.com, Q105 Radio, Florida Equestrian Magazine, Sarasota Polo, Arabian Nights, Elizabeth Busch Burke and AtLast for their outstanding support and generosity.
Tickets on sale now at:
www.stadiumjumping.com
For more information, call (800) 237-8924.
ADVERTISEMENT
Founded in 2003, JustWorld International is a recognized 501(c)(3) charitable organization in the United States.With show jumping riders around the world signing up to become JustWorld Rider Ambassadors, Executive Director Jessica Newman has mobilized some of the sport’s biggest names towards supporting JustWorld’s projects. There are currently more than 400 Rider Ambassadors from 35 different countries, ranging from pony riders to Olympic medalists, who help bring attention to JustWorld International’s cause. For more information on JustWorld International, please visit www.justworldinternational.org.
