Rockin Rio’ Will Provide Crucial Support For The United States Equestrian Team
By Rebecca Walton
This summer, the United States will send four teams of athletes to the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in hopes of reaching the top of the podium. To achieve this goal, the athletes, horses and support teams must not only train and prepare, but also be away from home for three weeks in a foreign country. With no government support, this goal is made possible only by the help and support of the United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation.
On Friday, Jan. 22, supporters of the team will gather in Wellington for “Rockin’ Rio,” an Olympic and Paralympic Games benefit event led by Honorary Chairs Patti Scialfa and Bruce Springsteen. Hosted by the USET Foundation, this fundraising event will be one of the main sources of financing for the trip to Rio de Janeiro.
Serving as the benefit chairs for each discipline are: Dressage Chair Elizabeth Juliano and Vice Chairs Akiko Yamazaki and Kimberly Boyer; Eventing Chair Jacqueline B. Mars and Vice Chair Gloria Callen; Para-Dressage Chair Margaret Duprey and Vice Chair Rebecca Reno; and Jumping Chair Elizabeth Johnson and Vice Chairs Robin Parsky and Jeannie Tisbo.
Scialfa, a USET Foundation trustee, and her husband, legendary musician Bruce Springsteen, are the parents of Jessica Springsteen, who has successfully competed at the highest levels of show jumping and represented the United States on winning Nations Cup teams internationally. The family believes strongly in supporting United States athletes in their goal to bring home medals.
“We are proud and excited to help bring awareness and much-needed funds for our team in this Olympic and Paralympic year,” Scialfa said. “We all know how hard our riders train and the many years of experience it takes to reach this pinnacle. ‘Rockin’ Rio’ will be a fabulous and fun party and a wonderful opportunity to honor and celebrate the United States Equestrian Team with an unprecedented night of support.”
In addition to cocktails, dinner and dancing, guests will participate in an exciting live auction. A few of the auction items will include a VIP experience at the Kentucky Derby, a custom animal portrait by Sharon Lynn Campbell and a week on Martha’s Vineyard in Edgartown at one of the island’s most coveted summer homes.
There are enormous costs associated with the 2016 Rio Olympics and Paralympics for American equestrians, including hotels and transportation for the athletes and horses. The budget for the 2016 games is $1.8 million. The money raised during the Jan. 22 event in Wellington will be crucial to the teams’ success in Rio.
The USET delegation traveling to Rio for the United States will include 19 athletes, 19 horses, four veterinarians, two farriers, four physiotherapists, 19 grooms, four coaches and five team managers.
“When you’re heading into an Olympic Games, it’s so important to have a united front not only from your fellow countrymen and other athletes, but also from your federation,” Paralympian Rebecca Hart said. “Having that support and backing and also having the financial support allows us as athletes to focus on our job, which is doing the best ride possible and hopefully bringing home a medal. With the support of the USET Foundation, I think it allows athletes to feel that solidarity going into a major competition.”
Equestrian sport at the global level is becoming more and more competitive, and without the financial support of the USET Foundation and its contributors, the United States could not match up. Having the financial resources allows the sport in the U.S. to remain competitive by increasing the number and intensity of the programs that are necessary to make standing on the podium a reality.
“Events like ‘Rockin’ Rio’ are very important and a key to our success, not only as fundraisers, but to raise interest and enthusiasm, which helps the team bring back medals,” three-time Olympian McLain Ward said.
USET Foundation Executive Director Bonnie Jenkins expects an amazing evening.
“It’s going to be an incredible evening, and we are definitely expecting a sellout. The night will feature a fabulous live auction, a phenomenal band and, of course, Patti and Bruce as our honorary chairs want to help make this event a record-setting fundraiser for our teams.”
Make sure to mark your calendars for this event, which will start at 6 p.m. at Louisburg Farm in Wellington. Guests are invited to wear Brazilian festive attire. For more information, contact Nancy Little at (908) 234-1251 or nlittle@uset.org.
The United States Equestrian Team Foundation is the nonprofit organization that supports the competition, training, coaching, travel and educational needs of America’s elite and developing international, high-performance horses and athletes in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation. Learn more at www.uset.org.
