2002 World Equestrian Games

Introduction to the Event

Antonio Ortiz, the General Manager of the World Equestrian Games, which will be taking place in Jerez, Spain, September 10-22, 2002, and César Garcia de Quebedo, the Communications Manager, have been involved with the Games since its inception.

They and the others from Jerez are hoping that this will be the start of more events to be held at these venues. For them this is the beginning to the future of horse sports in Spain, not a culmination once WEG is over.

I went to Jerez, Spain to see the venues and to visit with Antonio, César and others on the WEG staff. Antonio explained his reasons why the Games are being held in Spain and his ultimate goals. "We have a good feeling about these Games. I feel the facilities will be ready in a month or less. We sold a lot of tickets already, which for us is important because horse sports in Spain are not popular."

But the Games have given new enthusiasm to horse sports and many festivities will take place while the Games are in Jerez. In fact, "The whole town will be involved," explained Ortiz.

Antonio went on to explain how a lotto was organized just for these Games and netted $10 million. They've secured five large sponsors (Rolex, Volvo, Banesto, Telefonica and Osborne) and five small sponsors (Marca, Hola, Ave, Telefonica, and the Government of Dubai for endurance) to help with the difference of $23 million that they feel the Games will ultimately cost them, which does not include the building of the venues, which the local municipality is paying for. Ticket sales and a trade fair will make up the difference. (There will be no tickets for endurance - that will be free to everyone.)

Antonio also explained that the goal is "to try and do a World Championship like it is in other sports. In many places it is way down and we would like to put the equestrian sport at the same level as other sports. Finally, I would like to create a total equestrian family all in one location. It will be good for the FEI, for the Games, for Jerez and for our sponsors." To Antonio, that was what these Games were all about.