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Tim Gredley Wins 'Jump for a Just World' Grand Prix,
Presented by Chesapeake Petroleum


Tim Gredley was named the winner of the 50,000 'Jump for a Just World' Grand Prix, Presented by Chesapeake Petroleum and Split Creek Farm, held Friday, March 3, at CSI5* Wellington, FL.
Photo Credit - Anne Gittens
March 4, 2006 – Wellington, Florida – Great Britain's Tim Gredley was crowned the winner of the of 50,000 'Jump for a Just World' Grand Prix held Friday, March 3, at CSI5* Wellington, FL.

Presented by Victoria McCullough of Chesapeake Petroleum and Ron and Cheryl Krise of Split Creek Farm, the 'Jump for a Just World' Grand Prix was held for the benefit of JustWorld International, a not-for-profit organization working in impoverished countries for the benefit of underprivileged children.

Over 50 of the world's top international show jumping competitors entered the class, which was held under the lights in the Internationale Arena. While the hour grew late, the excitement never waned, and 16 riders advanced to the jump-off. Three JustWorld International Rider Ambassadors - Herve Godignon and Philippe Rozier of France and Jean-Claude van Geenberge of the Ukraine, were among the finalists, but in the end it was 20-year-old British phenomenon Tim Gredley who secured the victory with an incredible jump-off performance riding Omelli.

"I didn't expect there to be quite so many clear in the first round, and I got lucky with a rub at one jump," said Gredley, who is competing on the Winter Equestrian Festival circuit for the first time. "In the jump-off, my trainer, Robert Smith, told me to do anything to win, and not to wimp out!"

That the Grand Prix also benefited charity was a pleasant surprise for Gredley, who said, "My dad is involved in a lot of charity work at home, and I think that anything that helps benefit those in need is a good thing."

Second-placed finisher, Schuyler Riley of the United States, has supported JustWorld International fundraising activities in the past and added, "I think it is fabulous what Jessica has done with the organization. She has done a great job of raising awareness about the world outside of our sport, and JustWorld International provides the riders with a great opportunity to combine both sport and charity."

In addition to being the beneficiary of the Grand Prix, JustWorld International has also been named the official charity of the Global Champions Tour launched during the CSI5* Wellington. At each of the six international show jumping tournaments that comprise the Global Champions Tour, fundraising events will be held for the benefit of JustWorld International. This is an exciting opportunity for JustWorld to meet its mission of funding projects and programs supporting underprivileged children in developing nations, while at the same time educating the public and the show jumping community about its work.

"The outpouring of support that JustWorld International is receiving from the equestrian industry is truly overwhelming," said Jessica Newman, Executive Director of JustWorld International. "I feel humbled by the number of people who have approached me, wanting to help and to get involved with our cause, and I am so grateful for the support of people like Ron and Cheryl Krise and Victoria McCullough. To also be named the official charity of the Global Champions Tour was a dream come true, and will allow our organization to help even more people who are so desperately in need."

A charity calcutta held during the Grand Prix saw over $3,000 raised in support of JustWorld International, while earlier in the evening, JustWorld International launched its newest youth program, Pony Pals, by having a Horseless Horse Show where pony riders had great fun and made new friends while jumping obstacles on foot. The JustWorld International information booth, set up outside the Jockey Club, provided information on the organization and also featured artwork from the JustWorld painting project in Honduras with all sales directly benefiting the project.

JustWorld International Professional Rider Representatives include Kevin Babington of Ireland, Christophe Barbeau of Switzerland, James Benedetto of the United States, Bruno Chimirri of Italy, Angela Covert-Lawrence of Canada, Bruno and Sophie Coutureau of France, Ryan Crumley of Ireland, Federico Fernandez of Mexico, Markus Fuchs of Switzerland, Herve Godignon of France, Francisco Guedes of Portugal, Pauline Guignery of France, Olivier Guillon of France, Imke Hofschroer of Germany, Candice King of the United States, Eric Lamaze of Canada, Rutherford Latham of Spain, Peter Leone of the United States, Robert Maguire of Great Britain, Giulia Martinengo Marquet of Italy, Titi Mills of Honduras, Eric Navet of France, Gregoire Oberson of Switzerland, Marie Pellegrin of France, Ludo Philippaerts of Belgium, Piet Raijmakers, Jr., of the Netherlands, Andres Rodriguez of Venezuela, Philippe Rozier of France, Celine Stauffer of Switzerland, Tim Stockdale of Great Britain, Ray Texel of the United States, Jean-Claude van Geenberge of the Ukraine, and Marilyn Vorpe of Switzerland. Through various initiatives, including donating a portion of their prize money and giving clinics to benefit JustWorld International and encouraging their owners, sponsors and youth to follow their lead, riders are able to support the organizations projects and programs.

Founded in 2002, JustWorld International raises awareness and funds in the equestrian community to support humanitarian projects that benefit impoverished communities and children in the developing world. Cooperating with local partners, JustWorld International implements sustainable, culturally sensitive education, health and vocational projects. JustWorld International trains and empowers international and local university student volunteers to create and realize these projects, providing them with hands-on experience in promoting social justice. With project sites located in Cambodia, Honduras, Kenya and Senegal, students are working for change in a wide variety of environments on behalf of JustWorld International. For more information on JustWorld International, please visit www.justworldinternational.org.

 


 
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