ROC President Stanislav Pozdnyakov held a working meeting in Moscow with the head of the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) and member of the IOC Ingmar De Vos. Both sides discussed prospects for developing equestrian sport in our country, the participation of the Russian dressage team in the Olympic Games in Tokyo, as well as issues related to organizing major international competitions in the Russian Federation.
Ingmar de Vos arrived in Moscow to attend the FEI General Assembly 2019 scheduled to be held in the Russian capital from November 16-19. The annual meeting of the leaders of International Equestrian Federations has been organized since 1921, and it is being held for the very first time in Russia. This proves that there is renewed momentum for developing equestrian sport in our country.
– Holding the FEI General Assembly in Moscow less than a year before the start of the Olympic Games is a great event for the Russian sports community, – said Stanislav Pozdnyakov. – The Russian Olympic team at the Tokyo Games will most definitely include representatives of equestrian sport. True we have not had great results in equestrian sport since the Moscow Olympics in 1980, however, this presents a worthy challenge for us: not only to pass the selection stage, but also perform well in Japan. Indeed, as practice shows, success at the Olympic Games leads to increased popularity of any sport, as well as attracting the attention of fans.
Ingmar de Vos, in turn, lauded Marina Sechina, President of the Russian Equestrian Federation, for her contributions to the development of Russian equestrian sport.
– Since Marina Sechina became the head of the Russian Equestrian Federation, we have seen a lot of progress on the part Russian athletes, – said Ingmar de Vos. – Russia has magnificent victorious traditions in equestrian sport and it is very important to maintain them. Therefore, we are pleased that the Russian team will perform at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, although the qualification stage was quite difficult. Positive changes have occurred within a very short period of time, and Russia has numerous opportunities for growth and development. If this trend continues, together we can achieve quite a lot.
Marina Sechina commented on the preparations for the FEI General Assembly.
– We want to show Russian hospitality to the whole world. Representatives of more than 140 countries will attend the General Assembly. We tried to do everything to make them feel comfortable in Moscow. I am sure that there will be constructive dialogue and a wonderful atmosphere during the Assembly.
According to Ingmar De Vos, the International Federation for Equestrian Sport has big plans for Russia. In addition to hosting the FEI General Assembly in Moscow, looking ahead, international competitions of the highest level could be held on the territory of the Russian Federation. In this regard, the FEI President counts on the support of the ROC, primarily, in matters of certification and transportation of horses, as well as issuing visas under a simplified procedure.
– You have raised some very important practical issues, – said Stanislav Pozdnyakov.
– I absolutely agree that this can affect international participants. There is no doubt that the certification issue needs to be addressed, in particular, during joint working group meetings. As for visa support, ROC representatives in coordination with our counterparts, are more than ready to assist international participants.
