The twelve applications for funding for Canadian high performance dressage riders to train for and compete in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is the highest number of applications that the Canadian Dressage Association Athlete Assistance Program (C-DAAP) has received to date.

The July 31 deadline for application passed, and the twelve applicants— all athletes declaring for the 2016 Olympic Games— are hoping for their shot at the total of $80,000 that C-DAAP is offering, with a maximum of $20,000 awarded to any one rider. The decision on the award recipients and the amount of each stipend will be made by August 17 by an independent Athlete Council, and the winners will be notified by email.
After the Canadian Dressage Team’s Silver Medal-winning finish at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada, the country’s athletes have proven that they are formidable global

contenders determined to go for the Gold in Rio. The funds from the C-DAAP awards will be used for help with training and competition expenses that the horses and riders will incur in their quest for excellence. The non-profit Canadian Dressage Athlete Assistance Program, which provides for the support and advancement of Canada’s high-performance dressage athletes, has awarded more than $130,000 since 2012. The organization offers 100 percent of its net proceeds from fund-raising efforts to the riders.

The Canadian Dressage Athlete Assistance Program relies on the support of individuals and corporate sponsors to make this important source of funding possible. For more information about C-DAAP and to find out how you can help, visit www.cdaap.ca and view C-DAAP’s Facebook page.