Sponsorship Welcomed at WEC Press Conference

The organizing committee provided background on the sport of Endurance throughout world, with a special focus on the particular interest of the UAE in the sport. This interest has flourished over the past 10 years, reflecting a growing impact in the sport by UAE events and riders.

The overall international endurance community, as represented by the participants in this World Endurance Championships, is being brought together at this world championship venu. Speaking about the history of the championship, Ghadayer said the first regular competition under the supervision of the international governing body Federatione Equestriane Internationale (FEI) was held in Rome, Italy in 1986 with 14 riders from 10 countries taking part.

"America won the individuals title and UK walked away with the teams crown. In 1988, Virginia hosted the second edition which has attracted 64 riders from 14 countries, and this time the Americans swept both titles. The third championship was organized in Spain and the number of participants jumped to 65 riders representing 18 countries and the Americans successfully defended their titles. The French riders made history in Holland 1994 and were crowned champions of the two titles. However, the Americans made a strong come back to the winning enclosure in 1996 at home in Virginia and earned a white wash victory. But the Americans retained the individuals title in the UAE 1998 and the British claimed their second success of the tournament in the teams competition. In France 2000, the number of riders hit as high as 141 riders and the French won the individuals title and the Australians made their presence felt in the teams competition."

"But in 2002, Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Maktoum rewrote the history of the championship, being the first male and the youngest rider to win the individuals title for the UAE and the Arab world," Ghadayer said.

The field of 186 riders from 44 countries will start the event at 6:00am Dubai time (+4:00GMT) on Thursday, 27 January. Opening ceremonies for the competition will occur at 7:00pm on the evening of 25 January at the Dubai Internationl Endurance City.