This past weekend Equestrian Bahamas was honoured to host representatives from the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI). Mr. Mark Samuel, Vice-President of the FEI Board and Chairman of Group IV (North America and the Caribbean), and Mr. Francisco Porras Lima (Director of Governance and Institutional Affairs) visited us from September 15-17 to conduct a site visit. This site visit was the final step to our recognition by the FEI and the IOC as an official member National Federation of the international Olympic body.
During the site visit Mr. Samuel and Mr. Lima met with EB Directors and Officials, representatives of the local barns, and members of the Bahamas Olympic Committee to undertake a comprehensive analysis of our competitions, facilities, development programs and more. As a result of the visit, upon the recommendation of the FEI Board our application will be presented for ratification at the upcoming FEI General Assembly in Moscow. EB Board Member Mr. Peter Vlasov will be in attendance at the GA to represent Equestrian Bahamas.
Equestrian Bahamas wishes to thank Mr. Samuel and Mr. Lima, as well as the Bahamas Olympic Committee, for their support and encouragement. We also thank those who worked to organize the logistics of the visit and helped to make it a success!
Membership in the FEI presents tremendous opportunities to expand our grassroots programs, provide comprehensive training programs for our coaches and riders, and afford access to international competitive opportunities for our riders at every level. This is an exciting step forward for equestrian sport in The Bahamas. We look forward to hearing positive news from the General Assembly in Moscow!