PRESS RELEASES
Tim Gredley Wins 'Jump for a Just World' Grand Prix,
Presented by Chesapeake Petroleum
March 4, 2006
Wellington, Florida - Great Britain's Tim Gredley was crowned
the winner of the of 50,000 'Jump for a Just World' Grand Prix
held Friday, March 3, at CSI5* Wellington, FL.
Presented by Victoria McCullough of Chesapeake Petroleum and
Ron and Cheryl Krise of Split Creek Farm, the 'Jump for a Just
World' Grand Prix was held for the benefit of JustWorld International,
a not-for-profit organization working in impoverished countries
for the benefit of underprivileged children.
Over 50 of the world's top international show jumping competitors
entered the class, which was held under the lights in the Internationale
Arena. While the hour grew late, the excitement never waned,
and 16 riders advanced to the jump-off. Three JustWorld International
Rider Ambassadors - Herve Godignon and Philippe Rozier of France
and Jean-Claude van Geenberge of the Ukraine, were among the
finalists, but in the end it was 20-year-old British phenomenon
Tim Gredley who secured the victory with an incredible jump-off
performance riding Omelli.
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Tim Gredley was named the winner of the 50,000 'Jump
for a Just World' Grand Prix, Presented by Chesapeake
Petroleum and Split Creek Farm, held Friday, March 3,
at CSI5* Wellington, FL."
Photo credit - Anne Gittins
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"I didn't expect there to be quite so many clear in the
first round, and I got lucky with a rub at one jump," said
Gredley, who is competing on the Winter Equestrian Festival
circuit for the first time. "In the jump-off, my trainer,
Robert Smith, told me to do anything to win, and not to wimp
out!"
That the Grand Prix also benefited charity was a pleasant surprise
for Gredley, who said, "My dad is involved in a lot of
charity work at home, and I think that anything that helps benefit
those in need is a good thing."
Second-placed finisher, Schuyler Riley of the United States,
has supported JustWorld International fundraising activities
in the past and added, "I think it is fabulous what Jessica
has done with the organization. She has done a great job of
raising awareness about the world outside of our sport, and
JustWorld International provides the riders with a great opportunity
to combine both sport and charity."
In addition to being the beneficiary of the Grand Prix, JustWorld
International has also been named the official charity of the
Global Champions Tour launched during the CSI5* Wellington.
At each of the six international show jumping tournaments that
comprise the Global Champions Tour, fundraising events will
be held for the benefit of JustWorld International. This is
an exciting opportunity for JustWorld to meet its mission of
funding projects and programs supporting underprivileged children
in developing nations, while at the same time educating the
public and the show jumping community about its work.
"The outpouring of support that JustWorld International
is receiving from the equestrian industry is truly overwhelming,"
said Jessica Newman, Executive Director of JustWorld International.
"I feel humbled by the number of people who have approached
me, wanting to help and to get involved with our cause, and
I am so grateful for the support of people like Ron and Cheryl
Krise and Victoria McCullough. To also be named the official
charity of the Global Champions Tour was a dream come true,
and will allow our organization to help even more people who
are so desperately in need."
A charity calcutta held during the Grand Prix saw over $3,000
raised in support of JustWorld International, while earlier
in the evening, JustWorld International launched its newest
youth program, Pony Pals, by having a Horseless Horse Show where
pony riders had great fun and made new friends while jumping
obstacles on foot. The JustWorld International information booth,
set up outside the Jockey Club, provided information on the
organization and also featured artwork from the JustWorld painting
project in Honduras with all sales directly benefiting the project.
JustWorld International Professional Rider Representatives
include Kevin Babington of Ireland, Christophe Barbeau of Switzerland,
James Benedetto of the United States, Bruno Chimirri of Italy,
Angela Covert-Lawrence of Canada, Bruno and Sophie Coutureau
of France, Ryan Crumley of Ireland, Federico Fernandez of Mexico,
Markus Fuchs of Switzerland, Herve Godignon of France, Francisco
Guedes of Portugal, Pauline Guignery of France, Olivier Guillon
of France, Imke Hofschroer of Germany, Candice King of the United
States, Eric Lamaze of Canada, Rutherford Latham of Spain, Peter
Leone of the United States, Robert Maguire of Great Britain,
Giulia Martinengo Marquet of Italy, Titi Mills of Honduras,
Eric Navet of France, Gregoire Oberson of Switzerland, Marie
Pellegrin of France, Ludo Philippaerts of Belgium, Piet Raijmakers,
Jr., of the Netherlands, Andres Rodriguez of Venezuela, Philippe
Rozier of France, Celine Stauffer of Switzerland, Tim Stockdale
of Great Britain, Ray Texel of the United States, Jean-Claude
van Geenberge of the Ukraine, and Marilyn Vorpe of Switzerland.
Through various initiatives, including donating a portion of
their prize money and giving clinics to benefit JustWorld International
and encouraging their owners, sponsors and youth to follow their
lead, riders are able to support the organizations projects
and programs.
Founded in 2002, JustWorld International raises awareness and
funds in the equestrian community to support humanitarian projects
that benefit impoverished communities and children in the developing
world. Cooperating with local partners, JustWorld International
implements sustainable, culturally sensitive education, health
and vocational projects. JustWorld International trains and
empowers international and local university student volunteers
to create and realize these projects, providing them with hands-on
experience in promoting social justice. With project sites located
in Cambodia, Honduras, Kenya and Senegal, students are working
for change in a wide variety of environments on behalf of JustWorld
International.
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