MALAYSIA TO HOST THE FEI WORLD ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIP 2008!
June 19

Malaysia has been selected by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) to host and organise the World Endurance Championship 2008 (WEC 2008). The FEI WEC 2008 will be staged at the sprawling Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Lembah Bidong, situated at a scenic coastline 25km north of Kuala Terengganu in Nov 6-9.

The FEI WEC 2008, held once every two years, is one of the greatest and toughest horse endurance racing championships, covering a total ride distance of 160km. The organiser Yayasan DiRaja Sultan Mizan (DYSM) believes the FEI WEC 2008 has all the trappings of the most keenly contested endurance competition ever since its official inception in Pratoni del Vavario, Italy in 1986.

The championship will be spiced up by various supporting events that have been planned to entertain the public visiting TIEP during the event.

This is the first time that the FEI WEC 2008 is hosted in a tropical country which has attracted many of the world's top riders not only because of Terengganu's beautiful and scenic environment but also of the additional extreme climate challenge for horse and rider.

As of today, a total of 41 countries have submitted their entry in principle making the FEI WEC 2008 one of the largest internationally participated event. Among the participating countries are the top equestrian endurance nations like France, the UAE, Brazil, Portugal, Bahrain, Argentina and Spain. The FEI WEC 2008 Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman of Yayasan DiRaja Sultan Mizan Dato' Seri Dr. Salleh Mohd Nor said anything can happen on the day of the competition as there are so many variables that could influence the outcome.

The uniqueness is of this sport is that there are two athletes involved (rider and horse) and they need to be in perfect synchronisation on the day of the race in order to achieve the top spot. It therefore not only requires a well conditioned, tough horse at its peak fitness level but a high dose of physical strength, fitness, stamina, strong mental power and determination from the rider.

The preparations for the event started in early 2006. The Organizer YDSM together with Event Management company A.D. ARIF Solutions Sdn. Bhd. had to overcome many organizational, technical and climate-imposed hurdles to ensure Malaysia was awarded as host in 2008. "We've held two trial events in Terengganu; one in 2006 for the Malaysian riders on horses and one in 2007 (also known as the Sultan's Cup) for invited foreign riders on foreign horses. We therefore had two 'dry runs' to give us the opportunity to test all necessary aspects which are required to stage an event of such magnitude", said Ms. Azrin Zuhdi, Event Manager and Director of A.D. ARIF Solutions Sdn. Bhd.

The Organiser also appreciates the support from the Federal and State Government. Dato' Seri Dr. Salleh said the Terengganu State Government has largely contributed to the event by forming a dedicated secretariat for the championship which is held in conjunction with Visit Terengganu Year 2008. "They are taking care of the preparation and maintenance of the infrastructure at TIEP, accommodation facilities, the upgrading of the Kuala Terengganu airport, as well as the tourism aspect for all our foreign delegates," he said.

He said the Ministry of Youth and Sports, through the National Sports Intitute (ISN), is in charge of Malaysia's preparation of the athletes for the championship. "They are conducting selection trials to help riders qualify for FEI WEC 2008 and to select the riders for the final team."

Terengganu is set and looking forward to make the FEI WEC 2008 a sport highlight as well as a memorable event for participants and spectators alike in light of the Visit Terengganu and Visit Malaysia Year 2008.

The Official Launch for the FEI WEC 2008 has been scheduled to be at Dataran Merdeka on 21st June 2008. In conjunction to the Official Launch, there will be a Horse and Marching Band Parade from Lake Titiwangsa to Dataran Merdeka, through Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman. 48 horses will be participating in the parade, accompanied by Marching Bands from the Kuala Lumpur City Hall and the Malaysian Prison Department. The horse parade will start at 9.45 am from Lake Titiwangsa while the Official Launch of the FEI WEC 2008 will begin at 10.30 am at Dataran Merdeka. Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong has graciously consented to officiate the FEI World Endurance Championship 2008.

Come November 6 - 9, the world will watch Malaysia with the greatest endurance riding battle where the trial and tribulation of 140 odd riders will showcase the essence of the sport and captivate the minds and hearts of everyone.