April 30, 2006
© Asiapromote Ventures Sdn. Bhd.
The Equestrian World drew attention to the continuing needs of the tsunami survivors by announcing their partnership with the Force of Nature Aid Foundation (FON) at the FEI World Cup Jumping Final Kuala Lumpur 2006. “We believe that with the commitment of the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) and the strong support of horse lovers around the globe, we will be able to make a real difference rather than just a gesture of help, said Peter Imran Winton, Chief Executive Officer, Asiapromote Ventures Sdn Bhd, the organiser of the very first World Cup Final in Asia. The tsunami struck just after Christmas 2004 and affected the coast lines of a dozen countries where a quarter of a million people lost their lives and many more lost their homes and livelihoods. It is estimated that recovery for some of the worst affected areas like Aceh, will take about 10 years. The Equestrian World Tsunami Fund (EWTF) was put together in the immediate aftermath of the Asian tsunami by the international equestrian community with the backing of the FEI to help the survivors of the tragedy get back on their feet. They now look to long-term strategies to ensure rebuilding, rehabilitation and recovery. “It’s great to see the compassion of a worldwide community who share the same passion and interest, getting together to help another community after the tragedy of December 26, 2004,” said YBhg Tan Sri Razali Ismail, Chairman of FON and former President of the United Nations. From Armenia to Australia, from Uganda to Germany, from South Korea to America, EWTF is truly a global effort and includes support from such luminaries in the equestrian world like three-time World Cup Champion Rodrigo Pessoa, well-known trainer and breeder Paul Schoekemoehle, former World No. 1 rider Markus Fuchs from Switzerland and equine freight forwarder Peden Bloodstock. FON is a global non-profit organisation based in Malaysia dedicated to the long-term recovery of communities affected by national disasters. They work in Aceh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, India and Mississippi in the US following hurricane Katrina. The first project to be undertaken by the Fund is a Community Resource Centre in Banda Aceh which will provide a public education space where disaster management and related information can be taught and displayed; lecture theatres, seminars and training rooms, livelihood and management skills training; a library and computer centre, shops, café and a public memorial park. Taking up former US President Bill Clinton’s challenge - “What we have to do now is not to forget these people and places when all the cameras are not there. That’s the number one problem that we just forget and not see this through”, this is a project the equestrian world can stake their ownership and play a major role in helping the Acehnese restore their community and livelihood. “Poverty is the main component in vulnerability to natural disasters. We hope that this will not only be a useful and flexible building that can be used to widen the skills of the people in Aceh, but will also symbolise the new Aceh that we all wish to see – at peace, prosperous and less vulnerable to natural disasters,” said Steve McCoy, Chief Executive Officer, FON. To create greater awareness around the globe of the continuing needs of the survivors and the efforts of the equestrian community, the campaign will highlighted at other events on the world equestrian calendar.