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2003
European Dressage Championships
Kate Hoey Criticizes BBC at European Dressage Launch
April 22, 2003
 Kate
Hoey MP, the former Minister for Sport, has criticized
the BBC for their lack of coverage of equestrian sports
during a reception to launch the 2003 European Dressage
Championships, to be held at Hickstead in August. Commenting
on the refusal of the BBC to cover the event, she said
"There are millions of follows and participants in all
branches of equestrian sport who have a right to expect
a public broadcast service to pay more attention to
minority sporting activities. Britain has succeeded
in getting this major event for the UK and it would
be very short sighted for the BBC to let the opportunity
pass of showing and supporting sport at this world class
level".
Show Director, Dane Rawlins, confirmed that arrangements
were in place for broadcasting from the Championships.
"Satellite up-links and facilities for overseas broadcasters
are already attracting European television companies
and it is a huge disappointment that the BBC have declined
to cover the event," he said.
 However,
support has been forthcoming from UK Sport. "The £180,000
of Lottery funding that UK Sport is investing in the
Championships is a significant contribution," said John
Scott, Director of Major Events at UK Sport. "This is
the second major event that we have supported the British
Equestrian Federation with following the success of
the European Show Jumping Championships in 1999. UK
Sport is keen to see Olympic sports showcased on home
soil and we are determined to use this opportunity to
stimulate the development of dressage in this country."
Over 40 nations have been issued with invitations to
the Championships and approximately 20 nations are expected
to send team and individual competitors to contest the
coveted European title. Reigning champion, Ulla Salzegeber,
plans to defend her title with her horse, Rusty, who
she described as being on top form following his recent
World Cup win.
The extra support from the home crowd is expected to
lift the British team performance and their chances
of success, particularly in their attempt to qualify
for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. The European Dressage
Championships will be the last opportunity for teams
to qualify for a place at the Games.
 More
information is available on the website www.edc2003.com.
Tickets are available from Ticketmaster on 0870 0602328
(24 hours), at all Ticketmaster ticket centres including
selected Virgin Megastores and Tower Records Stores
nationwide. Book online at www.ticketmaster.co.uk.
For Group bookings call 08705 94 94 94 94.
Images copyrighted:
Arnd Bronkhorst
/ Mary
Phelps
Related Links
Back to the 2003 EDC Index
FEI
Names Judges for 2003 European Dressage Championships
2001 European Dressage
Championships
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