Source:  News Release/Julie Cull

Samuel Group of Companies and Sam-Son Farms Named 'Sponsor of the Year'

Ottawa, Ontario — The Samuel Group of Companies and Sam-Son Farms were named the Jump Canada 'Sponsor of the Year' for 2011.

John Taylor presents Mark Samuel, representing the Samuel Group of Companies and Sam-Son Farms, with the 2011 Jump Canada 'Sponsor of the Year' Award.
Photo Credit—Michelle C. Dunn

In 2002, when a need was recognized for a grant program for young Canadian hunter, jumper and equitation riders, the Samuel Group of Companies and Sam-Son Farms made a leadership donation to implement the Jump Canada Bursary Program.

Due to the generosity of Samuel Group of Companies and Sam-Son Farms, the popular program has awarded 66 bursaries over the past nine years to deserving young riders aged 14-21, assisting their aspirations to become the best in sport while continuing their education.  Each year since 2002, the Samuel Group of Companies and Sam-Son Farms has provided $5,000 annually to continue the popular program.

In addition to sponsoring the Jump Canada Bursary, the Samuel Group of Companies and Sam-Son Farms has also contributed annually to the Jump Canada Hall of Fame Gala, which was created in 2006 to recognize outstanding contributions to hunter/jumper sport.  The generous support given by the Samuel Group of Companies and Sam-Son Farms since the event’s inception has allowed the Gala to become a must-attend social occasion each year celebrating the best in the sport.

“The Samuel Organization is truly honored by this recognition,” said Mark Samuel, Chairman, Samuel Son & Co. Limited.  “Encouraging the youth of our sport through the Jump Canada Bursary program and celebrating its champions through the Hall of Fame are appropriate ways for us to give back to an industry that has given us such pride, excitement and fulfillment over the years.”

In a special ceremony held during the 2011 Jump Canada Hall of Fame Gala in Toronto, ON, Mark Samuel accepted the Jump Canada ‘Sponsor of the Year’ Award on behalf of the Samuel Group of Companies and Sam-Son Farms.

“The Samuel Group of Companies has been the consistent and sole sponsor of the Jump Canada Bursary program for many years,” said John Taylor, Chair of Jump Canada.  “They have supported our young riders and helped so many to achieve their equestrian goals.  It is a privilege to honour a sponsoring company that has been so long-standing and supportive in our industry.”

Created in 2005, the Jump Canada 'Sponsor of the Year' Award recognizes the significant impact that corporate sponsorship has on Canadian show jumping sport.  Past recipients include Kubota Canada Ltd. (2005), Canadian National Railway (2006), BMO Financial Group (2007), Greenhawk Harness and Equestrian Supplies (2008), Frantisi Inc. (2009) and Cavalor Inc. (2010).

About Jump Canada

Jump Canada is the committee of Equine Canada responsible for all hunter, equitation and jumper activities in Canada from the grass roots to the international level.  Jump Canada is governed by a board, the majority of whose members are elected by the stakeholders in the sport.  For more information regarding Jump Canada programs and activities, visit www.equinecanada.ca/jumpcanada.

About Equine Canada

Equine Canada is Canada’s national governing body for equestrianism.  A member-driven, charitable institution, it is the executive branch of the Canadian Equestrian Team, and the national authority for equestrian competition; the national voice for recreational riders; and the national association for equine welfare, breeding, and industry.  Equine Canada is recognised by the Government of Canada, the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), and the Canadian Olympic Committee as the national organisation representing equestrian sport and equine interests. For more information about Equine Canada, please visit www.equinecanada.ca.