Rome prepares for the equestrian showcase

Rome, september 2015 – City dignitaries have welcomed the debut of Longines Global Champions Tour as an “extraordinary showcase” for Rome.

Giovanni Malagò, President of Comitato Olimpico Nazionale Italiano (CONI) spoke of the importance of Rome making it’s debut on the Longines Global Champions Tour circuit: “Rome has hosted some very important sporting events in world. Seeing the horses compete in the Marmi Stadium represents something extraordinary both because of the difficulties and peculiarities which hosting the event entails, as well as for the high status of riders and their companions: the true champions.”

Echoing his sentiments about world class riders and horses, Franco Chimenti, President of CONI Servizi commented: “I am delighted that such a prestigious circuit, on the occasion of its tenth anniversary, has chosen Rome – and in particular the Casa dello Sport in the heart of the Foro Italico complex.”

As well as top level competition, the event next week will also allow guests the opportunity to connect with equestrianism, with a fun, educational and therapeutic area for disabled and able-bodied visitors. Luca Pancalli, President of the Italian Paralympic Committee spoke of the forthcoming event: “This is the global showcase of equestrian excellence which will also provide the opportunity to promote equine-assisted activities, a different way of riding: first as a rehabilitating choice, and then as a sport.”

Rome will mark the 13th leg of the 2015 championship series, and the Mayor of Rome, Ignazio Marino, spoke of significance of a Longines Global Champions Tour event taking place in the capital: “This is a hugely important event for our city involving an elite Olympic discipline.”

 “It represents not only a great sporting event for the city but a fantastic opportunity for cultural and tourism growth for the Council. It is a unique showcase, and provides the city with the opportunity to test its Olympic aspirations ahead of 2024.”

Rome joins the dynamic international calendar of destinations on the Tour circuit for the first time this year. Spectators will be given free tickets to the event from 11th to 13th September.

Vittorio Orlandi, President of the Italian Equestrian Federation also spoke of the meaning behind Rome as a Tour destination: “Italy will therefore be under the spotlight of world show jumping once more, riding the wave of the enormous media attention reserved for the circuit.
 
“The Longines Global Champions Tour has become one of the premier events on the international show jumping scene. The main stars of our sport merit a special mention: the horses, whose wellbeing is always given great attention.”

Top-level show jumping will unfold at the stunning Stadio dei Marmi, which is part of the Olympic complex in Rome. Giovanna Marinelli, Councillor for Culture and Sport, Rome Council said: “The event, which is among the most important in the world of show jumping, will also be an extraordinary showcase for the spectacular Stadio dei Marmi, the event arena.”

Thousands of spectators and guests will witness the very highest calibre of show jumping in the Italian capital.

The Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Rome will be broadcast on Eurosport, beIN Sports, RAI Sport 1, Globosat, ClassHorse TV, Equidia, Horse & Country TV. In addition, RAI Sport will cover the CSI5* competitions over the three day event, and all will be shown live via GCT TV. 

4th September 2015