October 03, 2006
© Asiapromote Ventures Sdn. Bhd.
Kudos for the first ever FEI World Cup Jumping Final to be held in Asia are still being received by the organiser, Asiapromote Ventures Sdn Bhd.
“We are overjoyed to have received such excellent messages and reviews from FEI (Federation Equestre Internationale) officials – including the past President and the new President, FEI delegates, officials, riders and the international media. It makes all our hard work in the planning and execution of the world’s most important and prestigious equestrian event held in Malaysia for the very first time definitely worthwhile,” remarked Wan Zaleha Radzi, Managing Director, Asiapromote Ventures. Held at Putra Stadium in April this year, the FEI World Cup Jumping Final broke the duopoly that has been held for the past 27 years by Europe and the United States. Many were pleased with this development and to quote Eduardo Tame, FEI delegate from Mexico.
“I’m very glad that showjumping at higher level has gone beyond Europe and America.” This was echoed by Wayne Roycroft, Chairman, FEI Eventing Committee, “We have people in Malaysia who worked so hard to get the World Cup Final and move it out of Europe. A good showcase – put the Final in front of a new audience.” The latest message was from Michael Stone, the FEI Secretary General, who commented that the FEI World Cup Jumping Final 2006 in Kuala Lumpur has made an important mark on the FEI calendar of most significant events. He added, “The event was definitely a great success and a most memorable occasion in the history of the FEI and equestrianism. I would like to address my warmest thanks to Asiapromote and to you both for the important part you played in rendering the momentum into the best Jumping Final ever organised. You have been able to provide the substance and platform to make this Final a success. Furthermore, its extensive coverage by international press was also of great benefit of the sport, the FEI and Malaysia as a holiday and business destination.
“I know that everybody at the FEI will join me in saying that we are proud of the result and encourage your effort to bring our sport to Asia and raise the level of competition in Malaysia and the region. “We thank Asiapromote’s efforts and contribution and encourage Asiapromote to continue with the fantastic work.” Benefits to the sport and to the region were reaffirmed by Capt. John Roche, Manager. FEI Jumping Department, who remarked that the event “has brought a lot to the World Cup itself as well as equestrian sports in Asia”. The FEI World Cup Final has certainly endorsed Malaysia’s capability in organising a world-class sporting event as was reflected by the remarks of the First Vice President of the FEI – “Asiapromote has done a very good job organising the FEI World Cup Final and Malaysia had done a fantastic job in accomplishing it in three year” and repeated by Sally Ike, US Team Leader, “Malaysia has set a new standard.
The Organising Committee deserves a lot of gratitude and our thanks because they’ve done an amazing job.” Wan Zaleha added that it was heart warming that our Malaysian hospitality has convinced many to visit Malaysia again. Marcin Szczypiorski, President, Polish Equestrian Federation stated that it was his first time to Malaysia and the hospitality makes him want to come back for a visit. Sport commentator Michael Tucker from the United Kingdom said that he would be “surprised if I haven’t persuaded a good number of us to come and visit again.” Asiapromote’s CEO, Peter Imran Winton said, “Our attention to logistic details has resulted in excellent feedback and I must thank our team for helping us make it a tremendous success.” US Team Vet, Geoff Vernon has only praise for the FEI World Cup Final – “This is one of the best Finals. Everything they do is attention to details and everything has been done the best it can be done. Everyone is in agreement that this horse show is fabulous.” Echoing Vernon is Robert Ridland, FEI International Technical Delegate, “It may seem minor but it’s the little details that make these World Cup Finals just that much better than others that these competitors and their support staff have gone to in the past. This has been a good learning experience about how things can be done when handled properly”.
Media reviews were just as glowing. Irish journalist, Jan Heine commented, “Asiapromote has run a fabulous event with everything running brilliantly. A special word must be said for the media facilities at Putra Stadium – they are exceptional!!! To be able to bring our readers the news and colours from an event like this the conditions have to be perfect – from the lighting for photographers to the numerous desks and powerpoints required for the journalists and their equipment – add to the sensitivity of digital equipment to extreme temperatures and the care which has been taken to ensure that humidity and heat is not affecting anyone working in this fabulous venue. The Malaysians have certainly proved to the working media that they are more than capable of running a top-class event.”
Globe trotting Australian photojournalist, Roger Fitzharding lauded, “Well done for a great show and to the press office that was friendly and efficient. It must have been mammoth, yet you seemed to make it all look easy.” Diana DeRosa, a journalist with Hunter Jumper News, USA has this to say, “You felt not only that they wanted you there but that they were willing to go that extra mile to do whatever it took to ensure you enjoyed the time you spent in Malaysia. That welcoming reception happened at every level – from the riders, to the grooms, to the support staff and to the media. It has left us all with a good feeling about this country! The readiness of the people to help goes beyond providing the food or getting up the jumps. They genuinely care and are always ready to help you get what you need or take you where you need to go.” To sum it all up, Nicholas Brooks-Ward, organiser, London Olympia Horseshow said that “it was so special – a script like that couldn’t have been written by the best scriptwriter in Hollywood”.