Young Italians out for home Eventing success

Twenty nations will compete at the FEI European Eventing Championship for Young Riders and Juniors 2016 -Presented by Saudia. The continental challenge hosted by the Military Equestrian Center of Montelibretti (21st-25th September) will welcome the under 21 representatives of 16 nations.Gates open, since Sunday, September 18th, to welcome the participants and submit them to the horses veterinary examination.The 12 young Italian riders chosen to represent their country have been in their training camp in Pratoni del Vivaro outside Rome under the tuition of the young riders’ national coach, Lieutenant Colonel Andrea Mezzaroba. The young riders will be trying to replicate the individual success of 2000 (Vittoria Panizzon riding Grommet) and the team of 2003 (starring Philip Tabarini on Arnoldo, Martina Sgarzani on Faramon, Evelina Bertoli on Elektra, Luca Bommino on Allegra).“To the young blues – said FISE President Vittorio Orlandi – I wish them to be cooler than ever because a continental challenge at home is exciting, all fitness levels have to be high. I have personally witnessed how difficult it proves when it is your own country in their own country. I am sure, though, that our riders will be small gladiators.”
The ribbon-cutting, with the opening ceremony, is scheduled for Wednesday, September 21, at 18.00. It will be the “Thunderbolt“ Parachute Brigade performing the welcome to participating nations together with the historic carousel and the Fanfare on horseback of the 8th Regiment Lancers of Montebello (the latter will also accompany the closing ceremony). Paratroopers will jump from a HH412 air carrier.WORD FROM THE FEI AND THE OLYMPIC CHAMPION JUNG
“The competitors taking part in the youth continental challenge – said President FEI Ingmar De Vos – identify the young European elites and represent the best aspects of our sport: dedication, hard work, commitment, confidence, team spirit, competitiveness and maximum respect for the horse.“
The same opinion comes from the reconfirmed Olympic champion Michael Jung, pointing his finger to the sporting development: “These are the first competitions that give a young athlete the opportunity to experience the excitement of belonging to a team. You learn to be in charge of a team and to strive together to achieve the coveted podium.“ITALIAN OFFICE OF EXCELLENCE
In the past, Italy has been the scene of the continental event for eight editions, the last in 2004 to Pratoni del Vivaro. After eleven years it is back again, with the European youth competition at Military Centre of Montelibretti Riding welcoming both the European Under-21 than under 18.
“This double event, a continental challenge junior and young riders together – said the president of CONI Giovanni Malago – offers us the opportunity to show the indisputable and appreciated skills that we bring forth whenever we are called to arrange such important events. My hope is that these championships may open the way for our young people to the challenges of the senior world and in Europe which reaffirms the close relationship between the City, horse riding and sport in general.“ITALIAN ARMY PRESENT
The Italian Army will implement, in the four days of competition, a series of promotional activities. The flight simulator with a Rolfo qualified AVES will be present in the hospitality village, and there will also be a climbing wall with a personal instructor of the 9th Alpine Regiment.
In the exhibition area it will be possible to admire the machinery of the Armed Forces: a Blindo Centaur and an LMV “Lynx“ with the crew present.FEI European Eventing Championship for Young Riders & Juniors 2016 Presented By SaudiaOfficial Website: http://cme2016.weebly.com