A comprehensive set of questions and answers can be found on the London 2012 website here, some further questions can be found below.
Q: What was the brief when looking for the equestrian venue?
The brief specified that the equestrian venue should:
- Be close to the Olympic village and the media centre. (It was a requirement by the London 2012 Bid Committee that the venue be within 30 minutes of the proposed Olympic village at Stratford, East London)
- Be accessible by public transport.
- Be visually stunning, particularly for television.
- Be cost effective.
- Unite all three Olympic disciplines.
Overall, the chosen venue needed to have the potential to stage the best equestrian Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.
Q: How did the selection process work?
The London 2012 Bid Committee asked the BEF to recommend a venue
1. A working party was formed with representatives from each of the Olympic and Paralympic sports
2. A number of venues in and around London were visited
3. A recommendation was made to the BEF Board, which included the chairman of each of the Olympic disciplines, who in turn recommended Greenwich to the London 2012 Bid Committee
HPower International were engaged by the London 2012 Bid Committee to review the technical capability and draw up detailed plans for submission to the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Q: Why have we decided to use a temporary site rather than developing permanent facilities?
The BEF has an obligation to help the London Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games deliver a cost effective Games and the cost benefits of the temporary facilities outweigh the advantages of creating a new permanent facility. Greenwich Park was also chosen on its own merits and promises to be an iconic and visually stunning location.
Q: As Greenwich Park is a temporary venue does that mean there will be no lasting legacy for Equestrian Sport from the Games?
Hosting a memborable event at the iconic venue of Greenwich Park will rasie the profile of equestrian sport both nationally and internationally. The BEF is also working on plans to ensure there is a legacy for equestrian sport. You can read all these plans in the dedicated section of this website, which you can access here.
Q. Why is it thought to be possible to have the equestrian competitions at the centre when this has never been an option in past Olympic Games?
It is rare to have equestrian sport within 30 miles of an Olympic stadium and the cross-country has never been in a city centre. The main reason why it is possible for the London Games is that the space requirement for cross-country has been dramatically reduced by the recent introduction of the short format, removing the room needed for roads, tracks and the steeplechase. Being close to the centre of the Games will be a huge benefit for the riders as they will be at the heart of the action and the location fits in with the overall plans to bring sport into the inner city.
Q: What is the situation with training camps?
The London Organising Committee created specifications for Equestrian Training Camps, following advice from the BEF. Several facilities across the UK have been selected to be included in the Pre-Games Training Camps guide. More information and a list of these facilities is available here.
Q: How can I get involved and volunteer for the equestrian competitions?
The London 2012 volunteer recruitment programme will be launched in 2010 by the London Organising Committee. In the meantime anyone interested in registering their interest as a volunteer across all elements of the Games can do so via www.london2012.com
Q: Who are the various bodies involved in delivering the 2012 Games and what are their roles?
The London Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) and the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) are contracted to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to deliver the Olympic and Paralympic Games in London. LOCOG are responsible for all arrangements for hosting and staging the Games, the ODA are responsible for the infrastructure.
The International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) will sign off the equestrian sport specific plans sent to them by the London Organising Committee.
The British Olympic Association (BOA) aims to maximise the potential of team GB athletes at all future Olympic Games and develop the Olympic movement in the UK.
The British Paralympic Association (BPA) fulfills a similar role for Britain's Paralympic athletes.
The BEF will co-ordinate the interests of equestrian sport, conveying relevant views to the London Organising Committee, and providing support to both the London Organising Committee and the FEI.
Q: Where can I find more information on these groups?
The relevant websites can be found below:
· London 2012 and ODA - www.london2012.com
· BOA - www.olympics.org.uk
· BPA - www.paralympics.org.uk
FEI - www.horsesport.org
Q: What are the dates for the 2012 Games?
The London 2012 Olympic Games will run from Friday 27 July to Sunday 12 August. The London 2012 Paralympic Games will run from Wednesday 29 August to Sunday 9 September.
