Rottinghuis Announces O’Connor and Hodson as His FEI Vice Presidential Candidates

Henk Rottinghuis, Presidential candidate for the FEI, announced that he would be joined in the Presidency by two of the most respected names in equestrian sport. They are 2000 Olympic gold medallist, current President of the United States Equestrian Federation, Chair of FEI Group IV and FEI Bureau member, David O’Connor, as 1st Vice-President; and as 2nd Vice-President, the current holder of the office, leading New Zealand lawyer Christopher Hodson, who is generally perceived as a guardian of continuity within the FEI and has recently announced his willingness to serve Mr Rottinghuis.

Commenting on the announcement David O’Connor said: “From my experiences as an International athlete for 20 years and a National Federation President these past seven I believe that the FEI is poised to make great strides in promoting equestrian sport around the world. I believe that Henk’s global view and pragmatic viewpoints make him the right person at the right time for the FEI. I am honored to be thought of as being valuable to the team that Henk is putting together to guide equestrian sport into the future.”

The announcement has been made ahead of the election at the FEI General Assembly election in Chinese Taipei on 5 November 2010.

Mr Rottinghuis said “The composition of this team fits perfectly with the needs of the FEI. I am very happy that both David and Chris have subscribed to my Agenda.

“To achieve this Agenda, which the federations have themselves requested, we need individuals with great knowledge of the sport, experience of the requirements and cultures of federations across the world, sound commercial principles and great integrity. I am confident that this team delivers that and much more.

“It is testament to the strength of the Agenda that both the US Equestrian Federation, the largest equestrian federation in the world, and two people of such individual qualities, who have themselves been talked about as presidential nominees, have recognised the task that lies ahead and agreed to act as my partners in our quest to deliver the Agenda.

“There is much to be done, not through ‘change’ but through a fresh approach that safeguards and builds on the FEI’s successes to date, not one which abandons them and starts all over again. David’s in-depth knowledge of the sport and athletes across the world, as well as his leadership of his federation, represents a good example of cooperation of established and developing countries, both small and large. This, coupled with Chris’ commitment to continuity, integrity and development, complement the skills that I bring,” said Mr Rottinghuis.

Looking ahead to the election in Taipei Mr Rottinghuis said: “National Federations have a clear choice. Those who have been happy with the last four years have two candidates to choose from – each of whom has been responsible for administering the FEI during that period. However, if they are looking for a new approach with a knowledgeable and committed, globally-focussed team, delivering a clear agenda, then they have only one choice.”