Olympia, The London International Horse Show has announced that The Tim Stockdale Foundation has been chosen as its official charity for the 2019 edition of the event, which will be held from 16-22 December 2019.
The Tim Stockdale Foundation, which was founded by his family after his death from cancer last year, aims to continue the legacy of the Show Jumping star’s remarkable life.
Led by his wife, Laura, and two sons, Joseph and Mark, the Foundation focuses on increasing greater participation in sports, such as equestrianism, golf and cricket, with a strong emphasis on unearthing young talent. Tim loved these sports and the Foundation is dedicated to giving financial help to young sports men and women to access coaching, kit and equipment, so that future generations can achieve their goals.
Olympia is proud to partner the Foundation and recognises Tim as an extraordinary role model for riders of all ages and levels. Tim represented Team GB at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, finishing fourth in the team event. He rode over 50 times for Team GB in the FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ and competed in the 2002 FEI World Equestrian Games™ and the 2009 FEI European Championships™. Fondly recalled by his wife and boys, Tim’s motto was “there’s no such word as can’t” and the Foundation brings his motto to life by inspiring younger generations of sports stars.
Tim’s wife, Laura Stockdale, said:
Olympia was always one of the highlights of the Show Jumping calendar for Tim. He loved the Show, not only for its high equestrian standards, but also for its festivity and wonderful supporters. Tim would be extremely proud to know that his memorial Foundation has been selected as Olympia’s chosen charity.
We are very grateful and honoured that, through the legacy of Tim’s Foundation supporting young people in sport, he continues to be part of Olympia.”
Show Director, Simon Brooks-Ward, said:
During his lifetime, Tim had a very close relationship with Olympia – he cared deeply not only about the success of the Show, but also about the sport in its entirety. The aim of the Tim Stockdale Foundation – to increase youth participation in sport – is a sentiment, which Olympia wholeheartedly shares and it is important to the organising committee that his name continues to be associated with the Show.”
The highly anticipated 2019 edition of Olympia returns to West Kensington for another seven days of equestrian action in the build-up to Christmas. As the only UK Show to host all three FEI World Cups in Dressage, Show Jumping and Driving, the International Show lives up to its name by attracting many of the world’s best riders and drivers from around the globe. Each day will also host a range of exciting performances and displays, culminating in the Olympia Grand Prix on Sunday 22 December.
To find out how to donate to the Tim Stockdale Foundation or to purchase tickets for Olympia, please visit www.olympiahorseshow.com.
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.