Forde Appointed Irish Chef De Mission For WEG

Dermot Forde, who was recently appointed by the Equestrian Federation of
Ireland Executive as Irish Chef de Mission for the World Equestrian Games,
flew out today (Tuesday, March 12) to inspect the facilities at Jerez,
Spain.

Forde, a Co. Meath-based veterinarian, and Honorary Treasurer of the EFI,
has already acted as Chef de Mission for the Irish squad at the World
Equestrian Games in Rome in 1998.

He said today: << This is the first time Ireland will be represented in all
disciplines, and I see the show jumping and eventing teams as our premier
prospects for medals, as both have shown excellent form since the last Games
in 1998, culminating in the European Championship win by our show jumpers
last year.>>

Forde, who is also Vice-Chairman of the RDS Equestrian Committee, added: <<
Dressage Ireland hope to qualify enough riders to enter a full team, and our
endurance riders will be competing in what is now a new discipline in WEG.
Carriage Driving Ireland is optimistic about participating also, so I see
plenty of opportunities for the total Irish squad - and indeed plenty of
work for those of us who have the honour to be associated with them!

<< Finally, I have to say that the vibes coming out of Spain are
tremendously positive. Spain is, of course, the the home of the President of
the FEI, and apparently every effort is being made to ensure that this will
be a truly memorable occasion.>>

The World Equestrian Games take place in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, from
September 10-22, 2002.