PRESS RELEASES
"JustWorld Rider Ambassador Jean-Claude van Geenberghe celebrated victory in
the €40,000 Grand Prix at CSIO5* Lummen, Belgium on July 2, 2006."
Photo credit - Thierry Billet, Sportfot
High resolution photograph available upon request, please contact jward@startinggate.ca.
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Jean-Claude Van Geenberghe Victorious at CSIO Lummen
July 5, 2006
Lummen, Belgium - Jean-Claude Van Geenberghe celebrated Grand
Prix victory at the CSIO5* Lummen, BEL, held June 29 to July 2,
2006. Representing the Ukraine in competition, Van Geenberghe
is also a prominent Rider Ambassador for JustWorld International,
a not-for-profit organization working in impoverished countries
for the benefit of underprivileged children.
It was a successful weekend for Van Geenberghe as, on Friday,
he delivered two clear rounds in the €55,000 Nations' Cup competition,
allowing the Ukraine to finish tied for third place. In Sunday's
two-round Grand Prix, Van Geenberghe again produced double clear
rounds, a feat no other competitor could match, to win the €40,000
Lummen Grand Prix without a jump-off. In both the Nations' Cup
and the Grand Prix, Van Geenberghe rode Osta Rugs Tresor, a
10-year-old chestnut Belgian Warmblood stallion by Major de la
Cour that is owned by Mr. De Brandere.
"It was a little bit of a test for this horse, he had only had
one week off during the past month, and the weather was very hot
at Lummen," explained Van Geenberghe. "In the Nations' Cup,
he delivered two clear rounds, and then had one day off. In
the Grand Prix, he jumped two clear rounds, and I was really
pleased especially because I saw a lot of other horses struggling
with the heat in the second round. To me, it proved that Osta
Rugs Tresor is fit, in good shape, and strong enough to jump
in Aachen."
In the weeks leading up to CSIO5* Lummen, Van Geenberghe had
enjoyed several other victories. At CSI4* Cannes, he won the
€25,000 1.50m Prix Leclerc riding Osta Rugs Tresor and
also topped the €20,000 1.40m Team Relay riding Osta Rugs
Coronation. At CSI5* Monte Carlo, MON, held the week before
Lummen, Van Geenberghe and Osta Rugs Coronation took third place
in the 1.50m 'Jump for a Just World' Grand Prix, presented by
Chesapeake Petroleum.
"I think it is very important to do something to help others,"
said the 43-year-old regarding his decision to become a JustWorld
Rider Ambassador. "I have known Jessica for a long time, and
thought that JustWorld was a good cause to become involved in.
And since I have started wearing the JustWorld jacket, I have
had really good success, which means that I will be able to
donate even more money!"
Jessica Newman, Executive Director of JustWorld International,
was pleased to welcome Van Geenberghe as a Rider Ambassador, saying,
"With Jean Claude's recent streak of success on the Riviera tour
in St. Tropez and Cannes, I knew he was due for a big win. He
has been hot on the money, and does us proud by wearing his new
JustWorld colors! He is a very elegant and efficient rider, and
a great example of someone who is focused on moving to the top of
the world rankings, yet also down to earth enough to genuinely
want to contribute to making the world a better place."
Representing his native Belgium, Van Geenberghe competed at the
1988 Olympic Games, four World Cup Finals, and numerous European
Championships before he began riding for the Ukraine earlier this
year. Based at Zilveren Spoor in Moorsele, BEL, Van Geenberghe
operates a coaching, training and sales business.
Over 40 professionals have become JustWorld Rider Ambassadors including
such well-known names as Kevin Babington of Ireland, Markus Fuchs of
Switzerland, Herve Godignon, Olivier Guillon and Eric Navet of France,
Candice King, Peter Leone, and Michael Morrissey of the United States,
Eric Lamaze of Canada, Robert Maguire and Tim Stockdale of Great Britain,
Ludo Philippaerts of Belgium, and Piet Raijmakers, Jr., of the Netherlands.
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 organization's 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. For more information on JustWorld International,
please visit www.justworldinternational.org.
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