European Eventing Championship 2021 fundraiser launched to prevent event cancellation
A European Eventing Championship 2021 fundraiser has been launched to prevent cancellation of the upcoming fixture.
Earlier this year, the FEI announced that the European Eventing Championship will take place in Avenches, Switzerland. The venue took on the challenge of hosting the major show as the original stage, Haras du Pin, France, pulled out due to scheduling clashes and the event risked cancellation.
The last-minute change in venue means it will allow eventing Olympians and Paralympians to partake in the championship event. Avenches was chosen to host the 2021 event ahead of the excellent facilities in Boekelo in the Netherlands and Montelibretti in Italy.
On the venue change, FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez commented;
We are pleased to have the Swiss venue of Avenches hosting the 2021 Championships,”
“Following last year’s postponement of the Tokyo Games, the FEI had originally cancelled European Championships in all three Olympic and Paralympic disciplines so that the focus could remain on the Games in 2021, but our community encouraged us to review that decision and we listened to those voices.”
However, the sudden change has also left organisers struggling to find sponsorship to fund the event at such short notice. Again, at risk of cancellation, the CCI Avenches organisers are reaching out for public support to host the event.
Launching a GoFundMe page, the event team have set a target of €50,000 to support the event.
Large sums have already been donated, however the team are reaching out to all eventing fans to give whatever they can.
The organising team of CCI Avenches, Switzerland did not want to accept the cancellation of the 2021 European Eventing Championships and made efforts to reopen the case. Avenches won the bid in March 2021 and will now be allowed to host this important event for the sport from September 23-26, 2021. As there is little time to find sponsors, we ask you to support the European Championships in this way.”
“Please help us so that we can organise a great event.”
The event is a ket fixture for elite level riders, especially for those not attending the olympics, giving them something “tangible to build toward”.
In addition, the event adds to a history year in equestrian sport. Recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 European Eventing Championship boasts more opportunity than ever for riders to bring back medals for their country.
The European Eventing Championships 2021 in Avenches, Switzerland is set to run from 23–26 September 2021.
To donate to the European Eventing Championship’s fundraiser, visit https://gofund.me/b2811aa3
