Emerging talent is selected for the 2013/15 BEF Excel Programme
Friday 11 October 2013
The 2013/2014 intake for the British Equestrian Federation’s Excel Talent Programme sees 54 riders across the three Olympic (dressage, eventing and showjumping) and one Paralympic (para-equestrian dressage) disciplines accepted onto the two-year Programme.
With over 100 applications submitted, the selectors commented on the marked increase in the quality of the applications received, despite having raised the standards this year across the discipline selection criteria.
David Hamer, Lead Co-Ordinator for the Sport England funded Programme commented; “With the success of the equestrian team in London it has never been more important to provide talented riders the opportunity to develop and ensure the legacy continues to keep Britain at the forefront of the sport”.
The Excel Programme, which is funded by Sport England, looks to provide a pathway to underpin the World Class Programme and help riders develop to be the best they can be in their chosen discipline.
Equestrian Performance Director, Will Connell added; “The list of athletes selected for the next tranche of the Excel Programme demonstrates the depth of talent we have in Great Britain. Excel underpins the World Class Programmes and along with the Member Bodies own Programmes (such as the Under 21 squad programmes) gives the young unparalleled opportunities to benefit from some of the best coaches in the country.
“I hope the selected athletes will take all they can from this opportunity and work hard to ensure they have the necessary horsepower to go on and challenge for selection to World Class and ultimately represent their country.”
A full list of all 54 athletes selected to the Programme for 2013/214 can be found on the BEF website, www.bef.co.uk
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