News From The 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games
Thursday, December 14, 2006
A Sign of Things to Come
Frankfort, Ky. – Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher recently unveiled a prototype of highway signs that will be placed in prominent locations throughout Kentucky promoting the state as the home of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. The project is a joint effort between the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Kentucky Commerce Cabinet’s Department of Tourism and 2010 World Equestrian Games officials.
“Kentucky is synonymous with the horse, and the World Equestrian Games are the world championships of the equestrian world,” said Randy Fiveash, Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Tourism. “This will be the first time the Games have been outside Europe, and we want people to know that the best horses and riders in the world will be coming to Kentucky in 2010.”
“When we welcome visitors to and through Kentucky, we want them to know of the international events that have been scheduled for the commonwealth,” said Transportation Cabinet Secretary Bill Nighbert. “These new signs will call attention to the importance of this upcoming event.”
The six new signs will be large (11 by 19 feet) and visible and will be installed, in succession, on the following interstates at these approximate locations:
· I-65 Northbound in Simpson County
· I-65 Southbound in Bullitt County
· I-75 Southbound in Boone County
· I-75 Northbound in Whitley County
· I-64 Eastbound in Shelby County
· I-64 Westbound in Carter County
“When the FEI awarded the 2010 Games to Kentucky, they expected new and innovative things,” said Jack Kelly, Chief Executive Officer of the World Games 2010 Foundation Inc., the entity in charge of putting on the games. “These signs are just one part of the groundwork being laid to make the Games in Kentucky both a promotional and competitive success. With the signs being placed so early, literally hundreds of millions of people will pass by and become more aware of the Games”
"The international, and specifically, the European audience knows of the importance of these games because they've hosted them every time since their inception," said Dr. Pearse Lyons, founder of Alltech, one of the leading animal health companies in the world with global offices in Kentucky and title sponsor of the 2010 Games. "Kentucky is the first non-European site to be awarded the Games and we need to let America know that the Games are coming and that we'll be ready when they do."
2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Adds CFO
Lexington, Ky. — The World Games 2010 Foundation, Inc. has added Marty Mathews as its Chief Financial Officer for the Foundation’s signature event, the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games - to be held at the Kentucky Horse Park in the fall of 2010. Mathews’ primary roles with the 2010 Games will be handling all financial and accounting duties as well as developing and managing the overall Games ticket program.
Mathews has extensive experience both within the horse industry and with large sporting events. He most recently served as the Director of Accounting for the Breeders’ Cup and the NTRA and prior to that served as the Senior Program Manager in charge of ticketing for the Atlanta Olympics as well as Controller for the Atlanta Braves.
“We’re fortunate to have Marty join our staff. With his very diverse and extensive sports and events business experience, his finance background will be put to good use. He also understands the needs we have for our ticketing program as we plan for our event,” said Jack Kelly, CEO, World Games 2010 Foundation.
Mathews is a licensed certified public accountant (CPA). He received his bachelor’s degree from Rollins College and his MBA from Western Kentucky University. He also earned a masters degree in sports management from the University of Massachusetts.
“I’m very excited and honored to be part this prestigious event that draws such a large number of international competitors and visitors. It’s an unprecedented chance for us all to show the world why Kentucky is such a great place to live and deserves its title of Horse Capital of the World,” said Mathews.
The 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, to be held at the Kentucky Horse Park, are the world championships of the eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), and are held every four years. The Games have never before been held outside of Europe; nor have all eight disciplines ever previously been held together at a single site— both firsts that will be achieved at the Kentucky Horse Park. The 2010 Games are expected to have an economic impact of $150 million and it is anticipated that 500,000-600,000 tickets will be sold over the 16 day competition.
For more information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games visit www.feigames2010.org.
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