| Four years in the making, the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Normandy came to a close on September 7, 2014. The fifteen-day event brought top competitors from more than 76 countries and attracted a crowd of over 565,000 spectators. As one of only four charities chosen, JustWorld International was able to benefit from the unparalleled opportunity to gain worldwide visibility and promote their mission at the quadrennial event. Hannah Selleck, a well-respected equestrian competitor and daughter of American Actor Tom Selleck, served as an official JustWorld International Ambassador. She was also chosen by the organizing committee to represent the Games as an official World Equestrian Games Ambassador. While at the Games, Selleck worked diligently to assist JustWorld in furthering their mission by assisting in promotional activities, media involvement, and VIP events. Be sure to check out her interview on FEI TV, in which she speaks about her passion for the cause. Selleck, always a great sport and ambitious Ambassador, even participated in fun events like jousting while at the Games. "Caen was incredible. JustWorld was centrally located in the Games Village which welcomed thousands of people from all over the world. Jousting was an unexpected thrill! The social events added to the experience, more exposure and plenty of opportunity to meet and greet," Selleck said of her time at the Games. "I'm excited about being a part of JustWorld's efforts and look forward to upcoming events and a chance to go on a project trip." Selleck was not the only JustWorld celebrity Ambassador to make a mark at the 2014 WEG. Kevin Staut, currently Number 5 in the World Rankings and one of JustWorld's most committed Ambassadors, conducted an autograph session and meet-and-greet with his fans. The line to meet the number one French Show Jumper stretched from the JustWorld International stand throughout the Games Village. Adoring fans jumped at the opportunity to meet the French celebrity on Saturday, August 30, 2014. "I've known Jessica a long time, and I'm really proud to be part of JustWorld International. We have been working together now for 10 years, and at the beginning I did really small things, but in the past two years things have developed progressively," Staut said. "I have an adopted sister from Cambodia, and she's 13 years old. Now I'm really trying to help Jessica as much as I can because I see my sister in these children, the 'what could have been'," said Staut. ".... I have my competitions, shows and job, but last year I went to Cambodia, and in three weeks I am going to Guatemala to visit the JustWorld project and do a clinic at the Escuela de Equitación El Cortijo to help raise money for JustWorld. I'm really impressed by what Jessica is doing. She works so hard and gives a lot of herself for their mission." Also in support of JustWorld International were Sweden and Colombia's rising stars, Alexander Zetterman and Daniel Bluman, alongside French actress and fellow equestrian, Marina Hands. They came together for an autograph session in support of the non-profit and gave insight into their involvement and passion for the cause. "I have a feeling that most of the time when we talk about charity it makes people feel very guilty, but JustWorld has a very joyful approach that I really like. It's not about forcing anyone; it's about donating if you feel that you are passionate about what you are doing," said Hands. "I know that what JustWorld does comes from passion," Hands enthused, "These organizations are especially important when you're giving to those in need. Also, for me, it [has] meant a lot because I want to enlighten my own life by thinking of other peoples' needs, and bring other people to think that way, too." Alexander Zetterman then described why he chose to become a JustWorld Ambassador: "We can all do a little bit. So many people are becoming engaged, so it's spreading quickly. Representing JustWorld just feels so natural. It is very unifying within the equestrian community whether you are a rider, a fan or just want to help." Daniel Bluman, who represented Colombia at the Games during the show jumping portion of the competition, also showed his support. He has been a JustWorld Ambassador since 2009, and recently furthered his involvement in the organization by initiating and supporting JustWorld's newest partner, Fundación Social Antorchas de Vida, which is located in Medellín, Colombia. Bluman was so inspired by the work JustWorld had done in Guatemala, Honduras and Cambodia that he pledged to help begin funding the new project in his home country and began inviting others to join his cause. During the 15 days of the World Equestrian Games, JustWorld ran a plethora of activities at their booth, which was run by volunteers and organizers who kindly donated their time. Daily drawings were held for fabulous prizes, which were kindly donated by JustWorld's loyal partners and generous supporters, in order to raise money for the charity. More than 700 people participated, of which 80 of them left the Games having won a prize! Thanks to the support of the World Equestrian Games, the charity was able to raise close to $20,000 through this exciting partnership and presence throughout the event. JustWorld was represented both in and out of the competition rings at the World Equestrian Games. Ambassadors from around the world represented the purple and blue colors of the inspirational non-profit organization. Here is the full line-up of the JustWorld Ambassadors who showed their support at the WEG 2014: Abdeslam Bennani Smires (MOR), Alex Zetterman (SWE), Andres Rodriguez (VEN), Daniel Bluman (COL), Eric Lamaze (CAN), Juan Carlos Garcia (ITA), Kevin Staut (FRA), Paola Amilibia Puig (ESP), Raena Leung (HKG) and Nicolas Wettstein (ECU). About JustWorld International JustWorld International is a not-for-profit, humanitarian organization which funds life-changing education, nutrition, health and hygiene, and leadership and cultural development programs for impoverished children in Cambodia, Honduras, Guatemala, and Colombia. JustWorld International is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization in the United States and a registered Association 1901 in France. Tax-deductible donations are accepted in Switzerland and JustWorld's supporters may send their donations to Fondation Philanthropia, a Swiss public-benefit umbrella foundation. Tax-deductible donations are also accepted in Canada. Canadian donors please visit: https://tidescanada.org/support/justworld-international-fund/. JustWorld International has no political or religious affiliation. About the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy Held every four years, alternating with the Olympic Games under the support of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), the World Equestrian Games are the largest equestrian event in the world. For 15 days, from August 23 to September 7, the event offers the equivalent of eight world championships. Three of them are Olympic disciplines (Jumping, Dressage and Eventing), the fourth is the Paralympic Games (Para-Dressage). In addition, four other equestrian disciplines are included (Endurance, Vaulting, Reining and Driving). Organizers have also added two team sports, Polo and Horse-ball. The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014 expects to draw around 500,000 spectators to witness the elite global equestrian sports. This is an event where the quality of venue, the intensity of competition and the level of participation (76 nations represented, almost 1,000 horses and athletes) should combine to provide a high degree of entertainment and performance. |
