Re: Show me the money

["jsalas" <jsalas@tampabay.rr.com>]

Howard, If I am not mistaken, no one can qualify for any Olympic Game if they have been paid for their participation in a sporting event. True? That doesn't mean they can't get "sponsors" to help with the cost of getting to the Olympics. The Olympics then, are for amateurs. They don't go pro, and get paid until after they get a medal. And most times, not even then.  So this "World Masters" is separate from any Olympic event. And since money is involved, I don't think it could be used as a qualifier. Prize money is considered income, at least according to the IRS. I also wondered who and where that money was going to come from. I don't want to see money in endurance, period. At least not as prizes. If you are good and can convince someone to sponsor you financially so that you can get to the top, that's fine. As an example, my nephew has qualified for a huge track meet in Australia. A qualifier for the next Olympics. It is $4000 per person just to fly over and back. His mother has to go with him so that is $8000 just for plane tickets. They had a garage sale, sold candy and begged for sponsors. The money was raised, and he gets the chance to participate in something that may change his life! What an opportunity! Why can't FEI, UAE and AERC offer more opportunities to get people qualified for the Olympics (obviously a goal) and offer to sponsor the riders? I agree one hundred percent with you about no money rewards, but I would like to see this sport in the Olympics. If other sporting events can do that, (have qualifying events with no money prizes) why can't the world of endurance riding? Why one million dollars? I would like some clairification on the rules of qualifying for any Olympic Sport and will do some research and let you know. Lisa Salas, The Odd FARM