JustWorld International Rides the LGCT Miami Wave

The tides have rolled in, and the equestrian community is gearing up for a sunny week of show jumping on the shimmering Atlantic Ocean. From April 12-15, the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) will once again welcome the sport’s leading athletes to the world class venue set on perhaps the most famous coastline in America—Miami Beach. 

To the LGCT, the phrase “world class” takes on a multitude of meanings. Providing a top of the standard experience for riders, their teams and a full house of spectators, the LGCT offers exceptional hospitality through their VIP Lounge, highlighted by gastronomy which pays homage to the remarkable cities along the tour. Elevated viewing experiences and a buzzing social scene compliment the sport which features exhilarating speed classes and team events, culminating to Saturday’s Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Miami Beach. “World class” also means giving back. The LGCT of Miami Beach is dedicated to supporting JustWorld International, the Federation Equestre International (FEI) Official Charity Partner, by offering their platform, visibility and unique opportunities to further the mission of fracturing the cycle of poverty in disadvantaged communities in Cambodia, Guatemala, Honduras and the United States. 

All eyes will be on JustWorld Ambassadors as they negotiate courses while representing the organization and their respective GCL Teams. Olympic Gold Medalist and devoted JustWorld Ambassador Laura Kraut (USA) is set to jump the CSI5* along with Olympian and world no.7 Marlon Modolo Zantonelli (BRA). Longtime JustWorld supporter Margie Goldstein-Engle (USA) will also be vying for top honors in the CSI5*, while youth Ambassadors including Ethan Calvo (USA), Gigi Spragg (USA), Lenir Perez (HON), Ana Sofia Perez (HON), Ana Sofia Rodriguez (GUA) and Ana Cristina Rodriguez (GUA) will be representing the future of the sport and philanthropy alike, stepping out with their best horses and greatest efforts for the CSI2*. Not only will JustWorld riders be on course, but the beautiful blue and purple JustWorld oxer will be integrated into the track, between the ears of their horses and in full view of Miami Beach spectators. 

Olympian Juan Andrés Rodrigues (GUA) will be ringside training his students and two daughters, Ana Sofia and Ana Cristina, and you might recognize an extra glow in his expression. Rodriguez just returned from Jocotenango, Guatemala where he was visiting JustWorld’s partner project El Patojismo, which he was integral in helping identify and develop. Rodriguez was among the honored guests invited to celebrate El Patojsimo’s monumental achievement; the official opening of the Centro de Oportunidades (CDO). The CDO is El Patojismo’s new and innovative vocational high school designed to support Guatemalan youth through academics, art, culture, entrepreneurship and more to build successful futures. For Rodriguez, this moment represented the triumph of 15-years of effort and the immense potential of the project moving forward.

In addition to recognizing JustWorld veterans like Rodriguez, the LCGT’s generosity in offering their venue will give even more riders and their families the opportunity to learn about JustWorld and the children whose lives are positively impacted everyday by community efforts at home and abroad. We can’t wait to see you ringside (and oceanside) next week, and are thankful to each and every one of our unwavering Ambassadors and supporters. 

opportunities is very exciting,” said Rodriguez. 

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JustWorld International

Established in 2003, JustWorld was founded to provide equestrians with a way to support carefully vetted education programs for impoverished children around the world. Thousands of JustWorld Ambassadors from more than 40 countries have since committed to “ride for the cause” and assist JustWorld in accomplishing its mission to help build brighter futures for these children and their communities. Equestrian-based companies and events worldwide support JustWorld’s efforts, and the governing body of the global equestrian sport, the FEI, has endorsed JustWorld as its official charity partner. In 2022, JustWorld is helping improve the lives of nearly 10,000 impoverished children around the globe daily.

To donate, become an Ambassador, or learn more about JustWorld, please visit www.justworldinternational.org or @justworldinternational on Facebook and Instagram.

JustWorld International is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization in the United States and tax-deductible donations are accepted in the United States. JustWorld International has no political or religious affiliation.