Record Sports Council Funding For Equestrian Sector

THE Irish Sports Council today (Wednesday) announced a dramatic increase in High Performance funding for equestrian sport when it allocated 350,000 euro for 2004, an increase of 98,000 euro on the 2003 figure.

Coupled with the Sports Council's core grant of 470,950 euro announced last week, this brings the 2004 total to a record 820,950 euro.

EFI President Avril Doyle, MEP said: <<We are very gratified at the increased level of support our sector is receiving from the Irish Sports Council. With the Olympics looming large in everyone's minds, this generous contribution in High Performance funding for 2004 will greatly assist our show jumpers, eventers , and dressage riders in
their preparation for, and participation in, the Athens Olympics, and will considerably ease the burden of fundraising.

She continued: <<I would like to thank the ISC for their continued faith in the equestrian olympic disciplines. We will do everything in our power to reward their generosity through our endeavours in Athens.>>

ISC funding to the EFI is as follows:
2004 Core Grant 470,950 euro (+3,000 euro on 2003 figure)
2004 High Performance Grant 350,000 euro (+98,000 euro on 2003 figure)

Total 2004 funding 820,950 euro (+101,000 euro on 2003 figure)

Meanwhile, the Equestrian Federation of Ireland also announced today that it will be moving its offices to Goff's, Kildare Paddocks, Co. Kildare, on March 15, 2004.

After 15 years based at Ashton House, in Castleknock, Dublin, the move is part of the governing body's modernisation programme, launched in February last year. The new offices will not only give better access to those doing business with the EFI, but will also provide conference facilities that will allow all Executive, Directors', and Annual General meetings to be held at Kildare Paddocks.

EFI Secretary-General Dan Butler said:<< The move to Kildare Paddocks will allow us to provide a superior service to our affiliate organisations, and brings us more into proximity with the equestrian hub. Several of our major affiliates are already based there, such as the SJAI, Eventing Ireland, and the Pony Society.>>

Phone numbers and other access details will be provided nearer the time of the move, and will also appear on the EFI website, www.horsesport.ie

http://www.horsesport.ie

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