Wellington’s Own Ninja Warrior Jordan Fernandez Fulfills Her Dream By Appearing On Peacock’s ‘American Ninja Warrior Junior’

By Mike May

Sometimes, if you visualize your dream, it will materialize. Jordan Fernandez, a 14-year-old Wellington resident and current Wellington High School freshman, was seven years old when she first saw the show American Ninja Warrior on TV. It made a life-altering impact on her young life.

If you haven’t heard, Fernandez was recently a contestant on Peacock’s American Ninja Warrior Junior show. But while her debut on national television is a story unto itself, what’s noteworthy is the path she followed to get from South Florida to southern California.

“I was seven years old, and I was watching American Ninja Warrior for the first time on TV at my uncle’s house,” Fernandez recalled. “I liked it so much that I wanted to get on the show, but I was too young.”

Fast forward to age 12. She still had the American Ninja Warrior dream, but had done very little to pursue it because of her young age. That’s when American Ninja Warrior Junior started, and she was old enough to appear on this version of the show.

However, Fernandez realized that she was not yet strong enough to compete among the show’s contestants. So, Fernandez started working out at her home in Wellington, mostly in the backyard. Her goal was to get fitter, stronger and ready to compete.

“I had to start working on my upper body strength, lower body strength and my balance,” Fernandez said. “In the beginning, I worked on pull-up bars, rings and monkey bars — all in the backyard.”

It didn’t take long for her family to realize that she was serious about pursuing a spot on American Ninja Warrior Junior, so they built an indoor obstacle course within the family’s garage. That gave Fernandez 24/7/365 access to a workout facility. The goal was to re-create a scenario that was somewhat similar to the obstacle course, without the water hazard, used on American Ninja Warrior Junior.

In early May of this year, Fernandez was notified that casting was open for this year’s season of American Ninja Warrior Junior. She applied immediately. It was the chance she had been waiting and working for since she was seven years old.

“At the beginning, I had to complete a number of forms for the producers to let them know I was serious about being on the show,” she said.

If the producers liked her application, they would ask for more information. And they did.

“For the second application, I had to record and send the producers a few videos with me on camera convincing them how serious I was about being a contestant on the show,” Fernandez explained.

If the producers remained convinced about her being a great candidate, then they would speak with her mother. And they did. “The third part of the application was when the producers spoke with my mom [Traciann] on the phone to confirm my interest and availability to be on the show,” Fernandez explained.

That conversation took place in late May with her mother confirming that her daughter’s interest was serious and sincere. Then it was time for Fernandez to start packing her bags for a trip to Hollywood.

On Monday, June 28, Fernandez traveled to Los Angeles to film season three, episode four of the American Ninja Warrior Junior show. She was joined on the trip by her mother, brother and sister. They were in LA for a week and stayed at a hotel downtown. It was an amazing experience.

“It was a crazy week,” Fernandez chuckled. “It was absolutely insane. It was so unreal. It was my first time under the lights.”

As much as Fernandez enjoyed the chance to compete as an athlete on national television, the best part of the trip was the time spent at the hotel with the other contestants.

The friendships began when they traveled in the bus from the airport to the hotel with the other competitors. It only got better from there.

“One of the best parts of the entire week was the time spent at the hotel with everybody on the show, eating together and swimming in the hotel pool,” Jordan said. “It was like being at summer camp. About 15 of us still stay in touch through a group chat.”

While in LA, they taped the show, which eventually debuted on Thursday, Sept. 23 and remains available to stream. Fernandez and her family watched the show from their home in Wellington.

“I would have done better had I been less nervous,” she admitted. “But I was pleased with how I performed.”

Fernandez’s performance entailed two attempts on the obstacle course, with each attempt lasting about 90 seconds.

The competition format remained virtually the same as it had been during the first two seasons. In all, 96 children, from all parts of the U.S., competed in three different age divisions — 9-10, 11-12 and 13-14. Each bracket featured 32 contestants mentored by two top American Ninja Warrior competitors, Najee Richardson and Jesse Labreck.

“Jesse went out of her way to provide coaching and encouragement, advice and guidance to me,” Fernandez said. “We also took some selfies.”

The episode includes a biographical sketch of Fernandez, including her desire to become a firefighter in honor of her late father, Lt. Alvis Fernandez, who served with Boynton Beach Fire Rescue.

When it came to the actual competition, two youngsters raced side-by-side on an obstacle course — ninja versus ninja.

Fernandez recalls the taping of the show with great clarity. It was a long and memorable day. Her wardrobe consisted of a gray tank top, black shorts, low-cut socks and sneakers.

“We woke up at 6 a.m., and we started work on the set at 9 a.m.,” she said. “We finished taping by 3 p.m.”

According to Jordan, the obstacle course tested her strength, balance, speed and flexibility. To get from the beginning to the end, it took about 90 seconds. The goal was to reach the buzzer at the end, without falling into the water hazard that lurked below.

“I competed twice, but didn’t reach the buzzer,” Fernandez said. “I was always one obstacle away.”

It was not easy, but Fernandez did her very best and was able to fulfill her dream.

She plans to continue being physically active at Wellington High School, playing soccer this winter and flag football next spring for the Wolverines. In soccer, Fernandez is a midfielder. In flag football, she’s a receiver. But, at home and in Hollywood, she’s a ninja, because that’s what she visualized, and it actually materialized.

Season 3 of American Ninja Warrior Junior is currently streaming on Peacock, available through many streaming platforms and apps, and at www.peacocktv.com.

Professional Leadership For Your Hometown Village Manager Jim Barnes Is Wrapping Up His First Year As Wellington’s Top Official

By Deborah Welky

The Village of Wellington began its 25th anniversary year with a new village manager, Jim Barnes, who is now celebrating his first anniversary as the village’s top official.

Since incorporation in 1996, Wellington has had three permanent village managers. While the first, the late Charlie Lynn, was recruited from Kentucky shortly after the village’s incorporation, the other two have both been hired from within existing village leadership — Paul Schofield, who took over for Lynn in 2008, and Barnes, who most recently served as Schofield’s deputy village manager.

Barnes first arrived in Wellington in 2003, and he has served in a number of key village positions. “My professional career has been a series of opportunities found — a series of right times and right places,” Barnes explained.

Barnes, 55, was born in Manila, in the Philippines, and moved to Palm Beach County in 1977. He attended St. Vincent Ferrer School in Delray Beach and graduated from Cardinal Newman High School in West Palm Beach, receiving an associate’s degree from Palm Beach Junior College, now Palm Beach State College, and a bachelor’s degree in geography from Florida Atlantic University.

However, he has learned as much from life in the workforce as he did in the classroom.

“My first job was as a clerk at a Marshalls department store, well before ‘brand names for less’ [Marshalls’ slogan] was as cool as it is now,” Barnes recalled. “I learned that it’s best to get to work early, because if you’re early, you’re on time, and if you’re on time, you’re late. I also learned that no job is too menial, and, lastly, that ‘love at first sight’ does exist.”

It was while working at Marshalls that Barnes met a girl named Kim, a Palm Beach County native. Though only 16 at the time, he knew she was “the one.”

“I knew right away that she was a catch,” Barnes said. “It took her four years to notice me, but that’s OK. I play the long game. The rest, as they say, is history — we just celebrated our 31st wedding anniversary.”

After graduating from FAU, Barnes went to work as a planner for Palm Beach County’s Planning, Zoning & Building Department. But he didn’t stay long.

“Within two years, I was lured to the private sector and worked for a multidisciplinary consulting firm on planning, environmental and land development projects,” Barnes said. “That afforded me the opportunity to work for local, state and federal agencies, as well as for private clients.”

But his time with Palm Beach County wasn’t quite finished.

“I eventually returned to work for Palm Beach County’s Facilities Development & Operations Department and, in 2003, started my career in Wellington as the assistant director of community services,” Barnes said. “What brought me to Wellington can be summed up in four words — Paul Schofield, Tom Wenham. Mr. Schofield presented me with an opportunity and, once I accepted, Mayor Tom Wenham reinforced why I made the right decision.”

Since then, Barnes has collected a number of post-degree credentials. He is a certified planner with an advanced specialty certification in environmental planning by the American Institute of Certified Planners, a certified parks and recreation professional by the National Recreation and Park Association, and a credentialed manager by the International City/County Management Association.

In 2005, two years after accepting his first job with the village, the Barnes family moved to Wellington.

“We were looking at locations, and it became increasingly clear that Wellington was a special place. Our children attended Wellington Elementary School, Wellington Landings Middle School and Wellington High School,” Barnes said. “They participated in co-curricular and extracurricular activities at school, as well as in community programs offered by the village. Now, having experienced it first-hand, I can say with conviction that Wellington is truly a great place for families. Notwithstanding its growth, it still remains a close-knit community.”

Today, with their family and their hometown firmly behind them, son Kyle, 24, is a graduate student at the University of Michigan, and daughter Devyn, 21, is a senior at the University of Central Florida.

Barnes himself has advanced as well. Since his initial hiring, he has held several leadership positions with the village — deputy director of environmental and engineering services, director of parks and recreation, deputy director of operations, director of operations, assistant village manager and deputy village manager.

“Then, I was fortunate enough to be selected by the council to succeed Paul Schofield as village manager,” Barnes said. “I am grateful to everyone along the way who afforded me the many opportunities from which I have benefited, and I am hopeful that I left every stop a little better than I found it.”

That goal — to leave things in an improved state — is just one of the many mantras Barnes lives by. To live with authenticity is another.

“It’s important to be yourself,” he said. “It’s important to be exactly who you are, not just a replica of someone else or a filtered-out version of who you think other people want you to be. As a child, you are who you are, and you don’t care. That’s important. Authenticity — the real you — is what builds connections and relationships. It’s also important to just be happy! As a child, you just default to ‘happy’ and, as an adult, you can and you should. Your mood is actually up to you. It is a choice you can make any time of any day in any situation. A smile is a powerful little movement. It relieves stress, reduces blood pressure and can change your mood.”

Barnes is very grateful for Wellington’s hardworking staff members, particularly after these difficult pandemic years.

“It’s great to work with a group of people who know their collective ‘why,’” Barnes said. “The last 19 months have been challenging, and they continued to deliver best-in-class services to our residents and customers. I thank them for their amazing energy and effort.”

He also had thanks for Wellington’s residents and many visitors.

“To the residents, I’d say that the leadership of Wellington wants to continue to create an environment in which both our residents and businesses can thrive,” Barnes said. “It takes all of us working together to make that happen. Together with you, I am happy to call Wellington home… To visitors, whether you are here for business or pleasure, we hope you were able to experience all our great hometown has to offer.”

Let The Games Begin An Inside View Of The Tokyo 2020 Olympics

By Annan Hepner

All eyes were on Tokyo last summer as the Olympic Games were held following an unprecedented one-year delay. It was a record-setting showing for the United States Equestrian Team and its amazing squad of riders and coaches, most with deep ties to the Wellington community. The dressage team of Adrienne Lyle riding Salvino, Steffen Peters aboard Suppenkasper and Sabine Schut-Kery with Sanceo rode to an incredible silver medal victory. Not to be outdone, the show jumping team of Laura Kraut with Baloutinue, Jessica Springsteen aboard Don Juan van de Donkhoeve and McLain Ward riding Contagious competed in a thrilling gold medal jump-off with the Swedish riders, taking silver by just the narrowest of margins. We are pleased to partner with Annan Hepner of the Phelps Media Group to bring our readers this fascinating behind-the-scenes look at what it was like to cover equestrian events at an Olympic Games unlike any other.

All eyes were on Tokyo last summer as the Olympic Games were held following an unprecedented one-year delay. It was a record-setting showing for the United States Equestrian Team and its amazing squad of riders and coaches, most with deep ties to the Wellington community. The dressage team of Adrienne Lyle riding Salvino, Steffen Peters aboard Suppenkasper and Sabine Schut-Kery with Sanceo rode to an incredible silver medal victory. Not to be outdone, the show jumping team of Laura Kraut with Baloutinue, Jessica Springsteen aboard Don Juan van de Donkhoeve and McLain Ward riding Contagious competed in a thrilling gold medal jump-off with the Swedish riders, taking silver by just the narrowest of margins. We are pleased to partner with Annan Hepner of the Phelps Media Group to bring our readers this fascinating behind-the-scenes look at what it was like to cover equestrian events at an Olympic Games unlike any other.

When my official press credential arrived in the mail in early June, it marked more than three years of applying and tediously filling out paperwork for a chance to venture to Tokyo. During a normal Olympic Games, the logistics are quite robust, but with the year-long postponement due to the pandemic, preparing for Tokyo 2020 (despite being held in 2021, this was the official name of the games) was a mountainous undertaking.

Japanese culture is renowned for its attention to detail, but the pandemic threw a major wrench into everything. The organizers jumped through new hoops every week to attempt to mitigate as much risk as possible while dramatic headlines caused a frenzy: Will the games be canceled? Should they be canceled? What about the 11,000 athletes who had trained their entire lives for this moment? It certainly was a chaotic runup to the Olympics, but as they say, “The show must go on.” And it certainly did, with impressive processing, tracking and maneuvering of the estimated 80,000 people who flew into Tokyo as participants.

There is still a contentious debate on whether the games were an overall success, but they were not the disaster that many anticipated.

Only 430 positive cases occurred throughout the games, and there were countless spectacular moments in sports with records smashed and inspirational performances wowing TV viewers. However, with travel into Japan banned other than for credentialed participants, and Japanese ticket holders refunded due to the state of emergency, the losses were significant. Postponing a year cost the organizing committee more than $2.8 billion, and the absence of spectators robbed the Japanese not only of tourism dollars, but the opportunity to showcase their culture.

Despite the controversies, my goal here is to shed a little light on what it was like covering the games as an equestrian photographer.

The Prep — While the pandemic logistics for athletes and coaches were primarily handled by their national governing body, members of the press were responsible for filing every additional piece of paperwork correctly, or risk not being granted entry. Pre-COVID-19, I was beyond thrilled for the chance to represent Phelps Media Group at the most prestigious sporting event in the world. It was a distinct accomplishment in my career, and as an avid traveler, I was unfazed at the thought of flying alone to the opposite side of the globe. Yet as the pandemic raged on, it became a marathon of solving one logistical nightmare after another.

Hotel and flight rebooking was the easiest part of the postponement. We waited until the spring to purchase new tickets when we were more confident that Tokyo 2020 was happening, whether the world was ready or not. Every day leading up to my flight, I received e-mails with additional obligations and forms I needed to submit. Since I was the only staff member representing my company in Tokyo, I was also responsible for training as a COVID-19 liaison officer, which was a mandatory assignment to comply with the restrictions. Hundred-page-long playbooks full of strict rules plagued my dreams.

Prior to taking off from Fort Lauderdale to Haneda International Airport, I had an overflowing folder with my official credential, passport, two negative COVID-19 PCR certificates, additional health insurance, a 14-day report of daily temperature monitoring, an immigration QR code and hard copies of all the required forms. The most nerve-wracking part of the preparation was waiting for the approval of my required 14-Day Activity Plan. It highlighted the few locations I was allowed to visit while in Tokyo. It was approved only hours before my flight.

A 20-Hour Journey — Fortunately, the trip itself to Tokyo went off without a hitch! I spent the journey organizing my Adobe Lightroom photography catalog, reading an entire book and attempting to get a bit of sleep. When I landed in Haneda, all credentialed passengers were escorted to a private section of the airport to begin the three-hour immigration process. Because my activity plan was approved in time, I was able to breeze through many steps of the check-in procedure. Other passengers were not as lucky.

From the moment I landed, the friendliness and hospitality of the Japanese staff was unprecedented. While the logistics were insane, their openness to everyone arriving made the experience pleasant. They ensured the health-monitoring app on my phone was set up correctly, an addition necessary to track everyone’s movements throughout the games. The hotel, sports venue and main press center were the only locations I was allowed to go, and face masks were required everywhere. The app would also alert you if you happened to come in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 in order for you to go into isolation as a precaution. This was followed by a final COVID-19 test and an hour-long wait until my vial number was listed on the negative-results screen.

The next few steps were a bit of a blur as jet lag was setting in, but the volunteers ushered me into a taxi to deliver me to my hotel. It was about a 45-minute drive through the city to arrive in Shinjuku, a bustling Tokyo burrow. After a confusing check-in process with my lifesaving Google Translate, I toured what would be my abode for the next 20 days — a miniature room with an even tinier bathroom, featuring a breathtaking view, hot water and a functioning AC. What more could I need for the work trip of a lifetime?

Let The Games Begin — My first full day in Tokyo involved figuring out the complex bus shuttle system with precise timetables and touring the main press center. I picked up taxi vouchers, a camera rain guard from the Canon store and my photographer bib. What it lacked in fashion sense, it certainly made up for with the amount of useful pockets. I also was given 10 self-testing COVID-19 kits, as we had to submit saliva samples daily for the first three days, and then every four days following.

As I was only covering the equestrian disciplines, I familiarized myself with the stunning BajiKoen Equestrian Complex and the traditionally decorated stadium. Following the initial horse health inspection and schooling session, my work assignments kicked off full tilt.

My personal favorite, the dressage competition, was the first discipline to take to the arena, and despite the lack of spectators, the environment was electric. I witnessed some less-than-stellar performances, but I also was privileged to watch some of the most harmonious tests I’ve seen in my career. Fan-favorite riders including Jessica von Bredow-Werndl, Charlotte Dujardin, Isabell Werth and Cathrine Dufour laid down beautiful rides, but as an American, witnessing Sabine Schut-Kery’s rides throughout the week on Sanceo was magical. It was her Olympic debut beside veterans Steffen Peters and Adrienne Lyle, and she wowed everyone with personal bests!

She said it best following the U.S. Dressage Team’s historic silver medal win. “I’m so proud of my horse, my team, my owners and the coaches,” Schut-Kery said. “This is my first Olympics, and it has been a really great experience. I’m still a little bit speechless. I am filled with joy and pride, but it’s such a team effort. To deliver for the whole team, not just the riders, but for my coaches and owners, that’s everything. It was a big relief and happiness.”

Once the dressage team and individual medals were awarded, three-day eventing athletes took to the ring. Covering the cross-country course alone in Tokyo was quite the experience — a 4 a.m. wake-up call to shuttle to the course, temperatures over 100 degrees and running around the vast course to get shots wiped me out. However, the photos offered stunning views of Tokyo Bay and the city’s skyline — and all the American riders crossed the finish line safely.

The four days of show jumping competition wrapped up my whirlwind trip, and the competition kept everyone on their toes. The Swedish team was foot perfect, with its riders not touching a single rail. Following the first round of the team final, they were propelled into an unprecedented gold medal jump-off with the U.S.

In the end, all three athletes from each country cleared the track, and just 1.3 seconds would separate the two nations, as Sweden clinched the gold medal while the U.S. brought home the silver. It was mind-blowing to be shooting the action live while colleagues back home were texting their excitement!

The youngest team rider, Jessica Springsteen, explained it best: “I thought all three of our horses jumped great, so I had really high hopes coming into the final, especially with Laura [Kraut] and McLain [Ward] on the team. It really gave me a lot of confidence and gave me the ability to have big dreams riding with them.”

Reflections Through My Lens — As the final medal ceremony faded into the Tokyo skyline, my eyes welled with tears as it hit me how fast the time flew by and how special the experience was. Though I was apprehensive about delivering high-quality coverage for our readers and clients back home, funny enough, the most difficult part of my routine was acquiring food. Since we were not allowed to go out to eat for the first 14 days, UberEats was the only reasonable source of food, but the app did not translate menus to English. It was a daily adventure ordering food and meeting the Japanese bike deliverers in the hotel lobby.

A few days before my flight home, I received the “all clear” message on my tracking app, granting me permission to move more freely around the city. Though I only had one day to explore between my coverage schedule, I took full advantage of the opportunity.

I spent the day with a photographer friend, hopping onto the metro, wandering the streets and fitting in as many historic stops as I could, including Asakusa Temple, the Imperial Palace and Meiji Jingu Shrine.

After boarding the plane home, I racked my brain thinking back on all the professional tricks of the trade I learned from photographers with decades of experience and how grateful I was for the opportunity to shoot alongside the best of the best. I was surprised by how the isolation of traveling and working alone affected me, but the journalists and photographers I befriended in Tokyo made it a rewarding experience.

What a privilege it was to photograph the games, and it is such an honor to hear from athletes who’ve seen my work thank me for immortalizing their experience. As anxiety-inducing as the lead up to Tokyo was, taking the leap to attend was well worth it. Here’s to seizing every opportunity and surviving to tell the tale!

International Polo Club Palm Beach’s 2022 Season Will Feature Thrilling Polo Action And Refined Hospitality

By Elaine Wessel

The International Polo Club Palm Beach is one of the top polo destinations in the world, and it is located right in the heart of Wellington’s horse country. Every winter from January through April, the venue hosts the world’s best high-goal teams and the most prestigious polo tournaments in the United States.

World-renowned players and polo enthusiasts alike come to town each winter to enjoy their love of the sport at the largest and most spectator-friendly polo facility in the country. The 2022 high-goal polo season at IPC is right around the corner, opening in January and continuing until a thrilling finale in April.

IPC includes seven state-of-the-art tournament fields that can accommodate multiple games simultaneously, ensuring that the action continues from the first to the last game of the day.

The flagship events of the IPC polo season are undoubtedly the feature polo matches every Sunday afternoon from January through the end of April. The thrill of the game, paired with the elegance of the outfits and the wonderful hospitality offerings, combine for a uniquely memorable experience for everyone, regardless of their knowledge of the sport.

“We are proud to host some of the most exciting polo tournaments in the world at IPC. With so many competitive teams, the IPC polo season gives them an incentive to play at their best, which ultimately helps to provide the best experience possible to both casual and serious fans of the sport,” said Paul Regal, vice president of operations and catering services at IPC.

Members can take advantage of prime viewing of the matches from their assigned boxes, but non-members also have many options available to them, all close to the action. On the east side of the field, the Pavilion hosts a very popular ticketed champagne brunch on the covered patio. For those looking to customize their experience with their favorite food and drinks, tailgates are available alongside the edge of the field, and the casual fan is welcome to seats in the grandstands.

As if four months of polo is not enough, IPC will be extending its season with the IPC Spring Series, which is slated to run for four weeks into May and will feature amateur polo tournaments. The spring extension will be run by the on-site International Polo School, which allows fans of all ages and skill levels — even beginners — to learn the rules of the game and play on an experienced school horse with individual lessons and team practices. The school employs USPA-certified instructors to teach the basics of riding, stick-and-ball techniques, and the overall strategy of a four-on-four match.

“Many of our clients derive from a background in the hunter/jumper discipline or are completely new to the sport,” said Gates Gridley, head trainer at the International Polo School. “We are unique to other local polo clubs because we offer an opportunity for teams to practice as part of their participation in league tournaments. We pride ourselves in offering a fun, competitive and social environment for clients, and our field-side authentic Argentine asados can’t be beat.”

Another feather in IPC’s cap, the Florida Festivals & Events Association recently announced the winners of its annual SUNsational Awards, and IPC was honored with an award for the “Adaptation of an Event” category. A total of 170 events submitted materials for consideration, and out of all the entries in the category, IPC was awarded third place overall. The facility and its team were recognized for the extensive Reopening Guide that was produced and implemented to combat the risks of COVID-19 during the 2021 high-goal polo season.

“The 2021 preparation and execution of the polo season was undoubtedly the most challenging one we have faced, but I am so proud of our team for what they were able to accomplish in spite of many hardships and new situations. To receive official recognition for our efforts is quite an honor. Though IPC hopes there will not be a need to implement the full COVID-19 protocol for the 2022 season, the team is now well prepared to do so should it be prudent,” said Vaneli Bojkova, vice president of event operations at IPC.

While polo is the cornerstone of IPC, the facility also offers annual memberships for locals and seasonal memberships for those in town only for the winter in order to take advantage of its amenities that include a luxurious pool and spa area, dining options, tennis courts and more.

Events such as meetings, parties, weddings and other celebrations are hosted at IPC throughout the year, bolstered by the delicious and creative on-site catering.

The International Polo Club is located at 3667 120th Avenue South in Wellington. For more info., including how to buy tickets, inquire about event space, become a member or schedule a polo lesson, call (561) 204-5687 or visit www.internationalpoloclub.com.

Iconic Winter Equestrian Festival Will Return In 2022 With New Partners, Upgrades And An Award

By Elaine Wessel

The iconic Winter Equestrian Festival will return to Wellington for its annual three-month run starting in January 2022. Hunter, jumper and equitation classes will showcase equestrian talent of all levels from Jan. 5 through April 3, 2022. The highlight class of the entire series, the $500,000 Rolex Grand Prix CSI5*, will take place as the grand finale.

As the world’s largest and longest-running equestrian sports event, WEF will attract 4,000 families, 7,000 horses and thousands of competitors from across the globe to Wellington to compete for more than $12 million in prize money.

The upcoming winter season will come hot on the heels of two big announcements from the WEF team, including a major new investing partner and an award for event safety following the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In July 2021, it was announced that Andreas Helgstrand, CEO of Global Equestrian Group (GEG), and Mark Bellissimo, CEO of Wellington Equestrian Partners (WEP), formed an unprecedented partnership focused on developing international equestrian sport in Wellington.

Now with GEG onboard, the initiative will launch major investments in all areas of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center facility, while also increasing exposure in Europe, Asia and South America.

“The Winter Equestrian Festival and PBIEC are fantastic brands within international equestrian sport,” Helgstrand said. “Together, we will strengthen the offering and create a global market leader spreading our passion for equestrian sport and lifestyle to new markets.”

Ludger Beerbaum, a four-time Olympic gold medalist in show jumping, is also involved as GEG’s co-owner. “Our goal is to enhance equestrian sport by providing superior venues and top sport so riders across the world can live out their passions and dreams,” Beerbaum said. “With the acquisition of PBIEC, we now have the perfect setting to do this in the United States.”

Bellissimo looks forward to this unique international collaboration. “We are pleased to be collaborating with both Andreas and Ludger, whose passion and commitment to equestrian sport is extraordinary,” Bellissimo said. “Opportunities abound to take the sport to a new level.”

Perhaps the most recognizable equestrian sporting venue in the United States, PBIEC is operated by Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) and hosts 42 weeks of United States Equestrian Federation-rated competition from August through June, highlighted by WEF, the flagship event. This past summer, PBIEC started on its first round of improvements since the GEG investment, beginning with a series of riding rings that receive heavy traffic.

“Our competitors will appreciate all of the work that has been completed in the off-season to upgrade the facility, especially the riding rings,” said David Burton Jr., chief operating officer and competition manager. “Thanks to JTWG Inc. and Pro Equus, the footing in the Mogavero has been completely replaced, and Pro Equus OT-40 mats installed. This is just the start of improvements that will make for an even better experience in our competition arenas and will hopefully contribute to keeping horses safe and performing at their best, which has always been our priority.”

Following the acquisition announcement, there was another important development over the summer. In August, PBIEC was honored with a second place SUNsational Award in the “Event Safety Plan” category from the Florida Festivals & Events Association. Out of a total of 170 events that were nominated for various distinctions, PBIEC was one of a select group that was recognized with an award.

PBIEC was among the honorees due to its extensive and industry-leading COVID-19 Action Plan that was produced and implemented for the 2021 Winter Equestrian Festival. The nearly 20-page plan was all-encompassing and outlined new operating procedures across all areas in order to safely bring horse shows back amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only was PBIEC one of the only horse shows to successfully run its entire show circuit in 2021, but it simultaneously increased digital spectator engagement and viewership, while ensuring that those industry professionals who rely on the sport were able to continue their livelihood.

“The entire team at PBIEC contributed to the success of the 2021 Winter Equestrian Festival, and thus this honor,” ESP President Michael Stone said. “We are so pleased to have our collective efforts recognized, and we will continue to work diligently to offer award-winning horse shows for years to come.”

At this time, WEF plans to open its doors to the public for the 2022 season, much to the delight of the local community. The general public will be welcomed each day, but the Saturday Night Lights series is the biggest showcase, as spectators are invited to join for evening Grand Prix competition, family-friendly activities and entertainment. While on-site, visitors can revel in the multitude of vendors both for equestrians and non-equestrians. Whether you are looking for the season’s cutest clothing, a new puppy to adopt or a saddle for your horse, the shopping experience at PBIEC is not to be missed.

For any individuals or groups looking for an especially unique or elevated experience, PBIEC also offers extensive hospitality options. Seating options during WEF include offerings such as ringside boxes and VIP tables, while private tours and event spaces are also available to host a meeting, conference or special event.

Mark your calendars and save your weekends for the 2022 Winter Equestrian Festival, which gets underway the first week in January.

The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center is located at 3400 Equestrian Club Drive in Wellington. For more info., call (561) 793-5867 or visit www.pbiec.com.

The 2022 Adequan Global Dressage Festival Welcomes Back New Olympic Medalists While Hosting Key Qualifiers

By Elaine Wessel

Soon to be back for its 11th year, the Adequan Global Dressage Festival will showcase hundreds of top dressage partnerships at Equestrian Village in Wellington from Jan. 12 through April 3, 2022.

The AGDF is one of the world’s largest international and national dressage circuits, offering more than $600,000 in prize money, making it one of the richest dressage events in the world. The AGDF is also one of the few circuits in the United States to host a CPEDI, a qualifying event for para-dressage, which allows athletes with disabilities to compete and achieve their goals in equestrian sport.

The 2022 season will be on the heels of exciting performances during the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics, which featured many of the competitors that will call Wellington home for the winter. The American team is expected to be welcomed back to much fanfare following its silver medal in the team competition.

That victory came thanks to impressive rides from Sabine Schut-Kery on Sanceo, Steffen Peters aboard Suppenkasper and Adrienne Lyle riding Salvino. Schut-Kery and Sanceo performed especially well, finishing in fifth place overall in the individual standings with a new personal best score of 84.300 percent.

With the Olympics now in the rear view, duos will look toward the upcoming championships to challenge the globe’s best.

“We are planning for an especially competitive and exciting winter season of dressage at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival in 2022, considering the upcoming World Cup Finals and World Championships later in the year,” AGDF Director of Sport Thomas Baur said. “Now that the Olympics have concluded, we are also pleased to be able to host a number of Olympic teammates, especially those from the USA team, who earned a podium spot, to mark the first time the team has collected a team silver since the London Olympic Games in 1948.”

In 2022, the AGDF will feature 10 weeks of competition, eight of which will offer internationally rated classes. Week One, Week Five and Week Eight will include World Cup Qualifier classes, with competitors striving toward qualifications in the North American League for the FEI Dressage World Cup Final in Leipzig, Germany, immediately following the conclusion of the AGDF in April.

Over the course of the 2022 AGDF, dressage pairs will be aiming to show off their talents in order to earn a spot on their nations’ respective teams for the World Championships in Herning, Denmark, in August 2022.

Week Seven will serve as the highlight week of the series with CDI5* classes in the International Ring. In 2021, Schut-Kery and Sanceo nabbed victory in the Grand Prix Special CDI5* and Grand Prix CDI5*, while Peters and Suppenkasper earned a win in the Grand Prix Freestyle CDI5*.

“I feel so much joy and have happy tears,” Schut-Kery said after her back-to-back successes. “It’s very emotional. To ride the test, you are focused in the ring, of course, but it’s also joyful. It’s an amazing feeling to have an animal like that respond to you with such small aids and cues. That amazing feeling is still there for me after 30-plus years, how we can communicate with an animal like that.”

Fans of the Palm Beach Dressage Derby, where riders pilot unfamiliar horses in a knockout competition, will be pleased to know it is returning again during Week Eight. Germany’s Christoph Koschel once again proved that he is the “king of the derby” in 2021 after notching his fifth win in a row, having won derbies in Hamburg, Munich and Palm Beach.

If doors are opened to spectators, the best time to visit is during Friday Night Stars, which is a select set of Friday evenings when some of the best dressage combinations in the world will complete tests to music choreographed especially for them and their horses. Spectators will hear everything from classic orchestral pieces to the latest pop hits.

“The 2021 season was a challenge due to necessary COVID-19 protocols in place, but all of us at the AGDF hope that we are able to reopen the facility to spectators this upcoming winter. We love having the public join us to experience the beauty and elegance of dressage,” Baur said. “It truly is a special experience, and there is not a bad seat in the house. We love having dressage experts, as well as people who have never seen the sport before.”

Some of dressage’s best up-and-coming riders will be put to the test in a series of Under 25 classes, which will showcase the next generation of talent. On the equine side of things, the Lövsta Future Challenge/Young Horse Grand Prix Series and Future Challenge/Young Horse Prix St. George Series will help horses aged eight to 10 years old develop their skills. In addition to top-level sport, the AGDF will have an entire range of classes available for pony, junior and amateur dressage riders in USEF-rated national events throughout the circuit.

For more information about the 2022 Adequan Global Dressage Festival, visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

A Movement Of Community Resilience At The 2022 Great Charity Challenge, Presented By Fidelity Investments

By Anne Caroline Valtin

What have we learned from living through a pandemic? For the 2021 Great Charity Challenge, presented by Fidelity Investments, an event founded by the father/daughter team of Mark and Paige Bellissimo in 2009, COVID-19 highlighted that nonprofit organizations stood at the core of our community’s resilience.

“We simply can’t imagine what our world would have looked like without charities stepping up to ensure that our most vulnerable neighbors were fed, had a roof over their heads and had access to the most basic services during the pandemic,” GCC Executive Director Anne Caroline Valtin said.

The GCC is an exciting show jumping event that combines equestrian sports and philanthropy, bringing hope to Palm Beach County charities every year. Teams of professional and amateur riders are paired with randomly selected Palm Beach County charities, which they represent during the costumed relay-style race against the clock over colorful jumps in the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. The event will return for its 13th year on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022, at PBIEC, home of the Winter Equestrian Festival, with the goal to distribute an additional $1 million-plus purse to local charities.

In the GCC’s first year, the event generated more than $400,000, benefiting 24 local charities. The 2021 edition distributed $1.1 million to 49 organizations, thanks to the generous support from 69 sponsors and partners. Through the support of the equestrian industry and the community at large, the GCC has acted as a catalyst for charitable giving over the last 12 years, distributing a total of $15.9 million to 276 Palm Beach County nonprofit organizations.

Even through the uncertainty of this past year, the GCC and its management team stood by its vision and found creative ways to push the event forward in February 2021. As a growing organization and movement, the event was able to quickly respond to the devastating effects of COVID-19 by shifting a majority of its funding priorities toward local nonprofits who were directly supporting and assisting the most vulnerable and affected populations in Palm Beach County.

In addition to fund disbursements, the GCC’s strategy involves capacity building, enabling invaluable partnerships, as well as concentrating on amplifying the event’s impact. By guaranteeing that the event will not only support those who provide immediate needs in the community, but also those who work toward long-term, sustainable change, the upcoming 2022 edition will once again highlight innovation on behalf of its team and supporters.

If you know of a deserving Palm Beach County-based charity, invite them to visit www.greatcharitychallenge.com for additional information regarding application requirements and the event’s unique selection process.

The application process for the 2021 GCC opened Monday, Oct. 25, and will remain active through 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 15. At stake is a chance to win up to $100,000!

For additional event information, including information about the application process and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.greatcharitychallenge.com. Follow the GCC on social media at @greatcharitychallenge on Facebook and @great_charity_challenge on Instagram.

Exciting 2022 Season Planned At The Grand Champions Polo Club

The 2022 winter/spring season at the Grand Champions Polo Club will include some of the most exciting polo matches available in Wellington.

Just when you think that they couldn’t possibly recreate the exciting experiences from the previous season, Melissa Ganzi and her team at Grand Champions have plans to surpass all expectations.

“Spectators at the Grand Champions Polo Club in Wellington can look forward to truly being entertained and impressed by the majestic equine athletes,” Ganzi said. “2022 will be filled with excitement, surprises and unforgettable polo.”

Grand Champions will host a full season of exhilarating polo matches, fabulous cuisine, entertainment, and “Worth Avenue West,” a shopping village featuring exquisite shops from the famed Worth Avenue in Palm Beach.

If you have yet to visit, the Grand Champions Polo Club features the only 26-goal polo matches in Wellington, which is the highest level of the sport played outside of Argentina. It showcases the world’s best equine athletes in a sport where 80 percent of the game is based on the horses. To play the highest level of polo, the players need the most exceptional equine partners.

The club will offer polo at a wide array of levels in 2022.

26 Goal World Polo League — The All-Star Challenge runs from Feb. 4 through Feb. 20; the Tommy Hitchcock Legacy Memorial runs from Feb. 16 through Feb. 27; the Founders Cup runs from Feb. 23 through March 13; the Palm Beach Open runs from March 9 through March 27; the Triple Crown of Polo runs from March 23 through April 16; and the Beach Polo World Cup Miami Beach will be held April 22 through April 24.

High Goal — The Sterling Cup runs from Jan. 18 through Jan. 30; the $100,000 World Cup will be held Jan. 28 through Feb. 12; and the Santa Rita Abierto is set for March 1 through March 13.

16 Goal — The Grand Champions Cup runs from Feb. 14 through March 5; the Power Horse Invitational is set for March 8 to March 26; and the Pedro Morrison Memorial will be held March 29 through April 16.

12 Goal — The Limited Edition 12 Goal Series runs from Jan. 25 through Feb. 12. It will be followed by the Sieber Memorial Trophy from Feb. 15 through March 5; the $50,000 National 12 Goal from Feb. 16 through Feb. 27; and the Top Pony 12 Goal from March 8 through March 26.

8 Goal — The Aspen Valley Cup runs from Jan. 14 through Jan. 30; the Top Pony 8 Goal will be held Feb. 15 through March 5; and the Limited Edition 8 Goal is set for March 8 through March 26.

6 Goal — The Metropolitan Cup runs from Jan. 25 through Feb. 12; the Halo Polo Trophy will follow from Feb. 15 through March 5; and the Madelon Bourdieu Memorial will be held March 8 through March 26.

Also at Grand Champions, the Polo School Women’s League is held every Wednesday from Jan. 12 through April 13, and the WCT Finals run March 30 through April 3.

In addition to the scheduled season matches, Grand Champions will host spectacular special events, including “Chukkers and Cocktails at Sunset,” a series created for all levels of polo enthusiasts.

If you would like to become a virtual spectator, all matches can be viewed online through ChukkerTV, the premier source to watch polo live and on demand. Since 2014, ChukkerTV has made history in the polo and technology worlds with live streaming, instant replay, team challenges and team reviews to help improve the game and officiating while bringing the sport to the masses.

The 2022 season follows on the heels of an exciting conclusion to the 2021 spring season at Grand Champions.

The spring season closed on a high note, introducing “World Polo Pride” to Wellington. This event kickstarted pride month, which is traditionally held during the month of June, by hosting a spectacular dinner and polo match to promote the values of equality and diversity, and to celebrate the LGBTQ community.

The pride events began Friday evening with a dinner staged at the Santa Rita Polo Farm. Following delicacies including a crispy skin duck breast, yellowfin tuna tart and Colorado lamb chops, each paired with a carefully curated wine selection, guests enjoyed a panel discussion on “Inclusion and Healing” moderated by ESPN West Palm broadcaster and personality Josh Cohen.

Panel participants included Violet Camacho, author and communications director for Mr. Hospitality; Dani Campbell, a firefighter/paramedic for BSO Fire Rescue and a reality TV personality; Marc Ganzi, CEO of Digital Colony, president and CEO of Colony Capital and co-founder of the World Polo League; Omar Hernandez, founder of Omar’s La Boite, Omar’s at Vauvluse and the Saxony at Faena Miami Beach; and Sidra Smith, producer and founder of Gate Pass Entertainment.

On Saturday afternoon, teams from Grand Champions and Seminole Casino Coconut Creek met for a spirited polo match. Actress Rebel Wilson, a close friend of player/actor Sterling Jones and Melissa Ganzi, was on hand to award the prizes to the winner and runner-up.

The Grand Champions Polo Club is located at 13444 Southfields Road in Wellington and includes a polo school, world-class umpires, 12 championship fields, livestreamed games and polo on demand. For more information about the upcoming season, visit www.gcpolo.com.