Full steam ahead for WEG despite concerns
An approaching hurricane and beds for grooms were among the late issues faced at the Tryon Games
A HURRICANE and concerns over facilities and grooms’ accommodation were among the issues faced by World Equestrian Games (WEG) organisers in the final days before the event.
A state of emergency was declared in North Carolina at the start of this week, as Florence, which had been upgraded from a tropical storm to a hurricane, was due to hit the east coast of the US.
It is due to reach the mainland today (13 September) or tomorrow, when competition at WEG will be in full swing.
But WEG host Tryon International Equestrian Center reminded fans it is set well inland.
“All systems are a GO for the FEI World Equestrian Games in Tryon this week!” the centre said in a statement. “The National Weather Service is providing updates multiple times a day. It’s too soon to tell where Flo will go, but the good news is we’re located far west and inland!”
On Monday afternoon, Tryon added that according to the National Weather Service (NWS), “the currently forecasted track of Florence keeps the WEG site well west of the circulation centre”.
“The NWS has warned of ‘numerous thunderstorms throughout the week’, it added.
Tryon has also set up a system for alerts; spectators can text WEG2018 to 888777 for weather and emergency notifications.
Mark Bellissimo, managing partner of Tryon Equestrian Partners, issued a statement on grooms’ accommodation on Sunday, after a picture of bunk beds in a tent emerged online.
One British groom described the situation as a “shambles”, adding that she had been given an on-site cabin after three nights of staying a 45min drive away.
Mr Bellissimo said he had made a commitment to house grooms on site, and that he had “underestimated the demand”.
“I was too optimistic,” he wrote. “I made a mistake and I apologise. We are doing everything we can to rectify the situation.”
Mr Bellissimo said his organisation had “always been committed to recognising the importance of grooms”, adding: “You have my word that we will resolve all issues related to the grooms’ accommodation.”
He offered “multiple options” include residential vehicles, cabins and off-site accommodation.
A British Equestrian Federation (BEF) spokesman told H&H the BEF was liaising with organisers and the FEI over the hurricane situation, and that all British grooms had secured onsite accommodation by Monday.
OPENING CEREMONY
AN opening ceremony was due to take place on Tuesday despite fears no tickets were on sale (news, 6 September). Mr Bellissimo said Tryon was hosting a free concert, with country artist Hunter Hayes and speakers such as FEI president Ingmar de Vos.
“In addition to the amazing horse and rider teams, we wanted to dedicate the opening ceremony to the people who truly stepped up to make this event happen,” Mr Bellisimo said. “We are delivering these Games in less than 18 months, and that would not have happened without the dozens of contractor teams and their staff, as well as the local government, community, and our staff, so we wanted to honour them all.”
Concerns over endurance facilities were also shared by the UAE’s Ahmed Al Hammadi, whose fears included that the track was unsuitable.
Tryon was unavailable for comment as H&H went to press.