DUBAI, 8 January 2004 — Show Jumping World Champion Dermott Lennon is once again making history by becoming the first horseman in his class to take part in a Middle East and Africa-based competition. Famed for being the first Irish rider to achieve show jumping World Champion status, Lennon is in the UAE to compete in the Abu Dhabi International Show Jumping Competition (Jan. 7-9) and Dubai International Show Jumping Competition (Jan. 13-16).
On his arrival in the UAE, Lennon announced details of his recently finalized euro 1.7 million-plus sponsorship deal. Support for the world’s best has been shown by Prince Sultan ibn Fahad ibn Nasser ibn Abdulaziz, who will be part owner of Lennon’s young stallion, Belfast Knight. Princess Haya of Jordan has been supportive in assisting Lennon’s visit to the UAE-based competitions.
Lennon is also receiving sponsorship support from Sun Microsystems Middle East and North Africa and its partner Mideast Data Systems, and KLM Cargo. “The Middle East is home to a burgeoning show jumping market and I am thrilled to take part in such high-quality competitions,” said Lennon.
“The generosity of the sponsors is overwhelming and it is this level of support which demonstrates to me just how high a priority show jumping is on the sporting agendas in the Gulf.”
In addition to the competitions, Lennon is visiting the Middle East to assess the potential of training up to 20 show jumping novices, preparing them for international competitions.
“Reaching the pinnacle of the show jumping field has required a great deal of hard work and dedication, but realizing my dream has encouraged me to give something back to the sport’s beginners,” said Lennon.
“I am keen to foster the development of show jumping and taking on trainees from the Middle East and sharing my experience with them is just one way for me to accomplish this goal.”
Lennon, who was crowned world champion in September 2002 at the World Equestrian Games in Spain, will hold the title until 2006. Based on his achievement in becoming world champion, Lennon automatically qualified for the Olympic Games in Athens this year.
“The costs are high to compete at an international level and I am thrilled to be able to support the development of such a professional. Dermott not only is dedicated to the sport but he is focused on training the next generation of potential champions,” said Prince Sultan.
