Paralympics equestrian events a huge success and a tribute to the human spirit

News Article
September 12, 2008

The fifth and final day of the equestrian events of the Paralympic Games saw the last of the freestyle medals awarded in Grades Ia, Ib and III last night. It was a day of mixed emotions as the excitement of watching the last riders perform their freestyles blended with the notion of an imminent close to what has been an amazing experience for all that have been in Hong Kong.


A resounding cheer for Brasil's bronze medallist Marcos Alves at the prize-giving ceremony last night.
This applies to everyone, the athletes, their coaches, trainers, grooms, physiotherapists and families; the stewards, judges, officials, and highly dedicated volunteer staff as well as the many guests and spectators for whom this was a first and unforgettable Para-equestrian experience. At every level, the 2008 Paralympic Games have set a new standard and it is with genuine emotion that many will be leaving tonight, wondering and hoping whether it could ever be reproduced.

Everyone says how amazing the experience has been, how wonderful the dedicated volunteer staff have worked around the clock and how the facilities as well as all the accessibility features throughout Hong Kong have been remarkable. It's a huge success for the Equestrian Company and the Hong Kong Jockey Club, and even more so for Hong Kong and China for having delivered an amazing backdrop for the sport.

Much as Ricky Balshaw, Grade Ib silver medallist aptly said "It's a team effort at the end of the day not just an individual one," these Games and their lasting legacy is a reflection of all that is good in sport and in people the ability to give and to share. To respect each other for having made it, to compete and try to win, but to encourage and congratulate those that do is what makes Paralympic sports so unique.

The figures for the number of spectators that have attended the Para-equestrian events since the opening day on September 7 is well over 30,000 - an unprecedented feat which has certainly added to the wonderful performances by the athletes.

Great Britain maintain their leader position in the sport with a total of ten medals - five gold and five silver. Germany slots into runner up position with a very respectable three gold, one silver and two bronze coming to a total of 6 medals.

Third on the medals board goes to South Africa - a great achievement with two gold medals in their name.

Some other remarkable results should also be noted, and in particular the newcomers to the All-time Equestrian Paralympic medal count: both Brazil and Singapore will be leaving Hong Kong with two bronze medals awarded to Marcos Alves and Laurentia Tan respectively, thus becoming Para-equestrian success stories not only for their countries but for South America and Asia as well.

And as Norway's chef d'equipe remarked as she sat alongside Great Britain and Germany during the team medal press conference, "we are a small country and an even smaller country in terms of horsesport, so being here with Great Britain and Germany, and winning the team bronze medal makes us very proud for all we have achieved."

But it's not all about the medals, as most athletes will tell you just getting there is a success in itself.

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hello all,
"But it's not all about the medals, as most athletes will tell you just getting there is a success in itself."

That is so true and thank you for the update. Were you able to watch much of it yourself, or just the news on it?


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