National Disability Sports Alliance Announces Advanced International and Advanced National Rider Lists

Kingston, RI—January 26, 2004—The National Disability Sports Alliance (NDSA) has announced its 2004 Advanced International and Advanced National Rider Lists for equestrian sport and will be considering applications for the 2004 NDSA Developing Rider List.

Those on the 2004 NDSA Advanced Riders International List qualify for consideration for participation in the 2004 NDSA Championship, to the 2004 Paralympic Team Dressage squad, and other major international competitions and NDSA-sponsored training opportunities. These athletes are eligible to receive the highest level of NDSA scholarship funding (as available) to support their competition and training efforts at specific NDSA-sanctioned and -sponsored events.

The following riders completed all 2003 NDSA Annual Performance Requirements and have been named to the 2004 Advanced Riders International List:

Internationally Qualified for 2004:

Grade

The rider’s Ranking Score was determined by an average of the two “warm-up” tests, two “championship” tests, and one freestyle test from their grade, as submitted on the rider’s 2003 Documentation Form. Each rider’s total of these five scores used to create the Ranking Score is shown in parenthesis.

Placement on the 2004 Advanced Riders National List qualifies a rider for possible consideration for the 2004 NDSA Championship, select international competitions, and select other NDSA-sponsored competitions and training opportunities. These athletes may be eligible to receive some NDSA scholarship funding (as available) to support their competition and training efforts at specific NDSA-sanctioned and -sponsored events.

The following riders have fulfilled the 2003 NDSA Annual Performance Requirements to be named to the National List and have submitted a sufficient number of scores to be named an Advanced Rider by NDSA Equestrian, but did not fulfill the requirements to be internationally qualified:

Nationally Qualified for 2004:

Riders named to the 2004 NDSA Developing Rider List will be qualified to participate in NDSA-sponsored training opportunities and national level sanctioned and sponsored competitions. Developing Riders are defined as those who have shown sufficient evidence that they are qualified to be considered as potential national or international level riders. Applications for inclusion on the 2004 NDSA Developing Rider List are being considered and will be published at a later date.

The National Disability Sports Alliance is the national governing body for equestrian sport for riders with disabilities. The non-profit organization is responsible for the development and selection of riders for national championships and international competitions, including World Championships and Paralympic Games, and provides training, competition, and advocacy for riders of all levels with physical disabilities. For more information about NDSA and opportunities to support the programs, please visit our website at www.ndsaequestrian.org or contact Denise Avolio at (914) 949-8166 or diavolio@ndsaonline.org.