Eurovestech plc, the pan-European development capital fund, just announced a $37,000 grant to support 15 para-equestrian athletes around the world. The grant will help riders prepare for the 2012 London Paralympics and will aid with expenses such as training and travel.
The grants will be distributed by the Fédération Equestre Internationale and are only available to riders who haven’t won medals at the Paralympics, World Championships or World Equestrian Games since 2004.
“It’s great news to hear of this initiative as the IPC is keen that a great number of athletes get the opportunity to compete at the London 2012 Paralympic Games across all sports, including para-equestrian,” said Xavier Gonzalez, chief executive officer of the International Paralympic Committee.
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“Para-equestrians from smaller nations find it especially difficult to secure the necessary funding for training, and with London 2012 now just around the corner it is vital that riders from around the world are supported in their journey to the Paralympics,” he continued.
A total of 78 athletes will compete in 11 medal events at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, which will take place Aug. 30-Sept. 2 at Greenwich Park.
Interested riders should contact their national federation with their competition and training plans by Aug. 15, 2011.
