World Games 2010 Foundation Names New Board of Directors Chairman
Monday, February 11, 2008
LEXINGTON, KY—The World Games 2010 Foundation recently announced that Mr. John Long of Shelbyville, KY, has been selected as Chair of its Board of Directors. Mr. Long is the Chief Executive Officer of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF). He replaces interim Board Chair Tandy Patrick, who will continue to serve as an active board member.
“I am looking forward to being a very active chairman,” said Mr. Long. “The 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games provide an unprecedented opportunity to showcase both Kentucky and U.S. horse sport, and I know that by working together, we can be sure these Games leave a lasting legacy for many stakeholders.”
Mr. Long previously served as the Chief Operating Officer of Churchill Downs, where he supervised the management, operations, and planning for the company’s racetracks and simulcast facilities. In 2003, Mr. Long became the first CEO of the United States Equestrian Federation, Inc., which is the National Governing Body for equestrian sport in the U.S.
“We will produce these Games at the highest competitive level so that they will be artistically, technically and commercially successful,” said Mr. Long. “In doing so, we will elevate horse sport in America, showcase the Commonwealth of Kentucky and provide for the Kentucky Horse Park to become the greatest equestrian venue on earth.”
The USEF supports a membership of more than 90,000 ranging from children with their first pony, to the training and selection of Olympic equestrian teams. Twenty-eight breeds and disciplines are represented in the Federation, and annually participate in more than 2,800 USEF-licensed horse shows in the U.S. and in high-level international competitions, including the Olympic Games, the Pan American Games, and World Cup competitions.
The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, to be held at the Kentucky Horse Park September 25-October 10, 2010, 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 a statewide economic impact of $150 million. It is anticipated that more than 600,000 spectators will attend the 16-day competition.
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