You have probably heard a lot about the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games coming to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington in 2010, but perhaps that is the extent of your knowledge about this exciting event.

The World Equestrian Games, (WEG), is the largest sporting event ever to be held in the United States having only been held in European cities like Rome, Stockholm and Jerez, Italy.  More than 60 nations will spend 16 days in Kentucky competing in eight world championships when the games come to Lexington from September 25th through October 10th.  Just as countries compete to hold the Olympics in their cities, so do cities compete for the WEG. 

So how did Kentucky snag this prestigious honor?

The Kentucky Horse Park was created 40 years ago and over the last decade people in the equestrian field, government officials and Horse Park leadership began to dream about hosting the WEG.  Throughout those years, Kentucky gained a reputation for being able to host international events like The Ryder Cup and of course, the Kentucky Derby, so we put a presentation together and gave it a shot. 

Eighty million dollars of public money and $27 million in private funds have been used to create the kind of venue that put us in the competition.  And on our first try – Kentucky was chosen.  Once the judges saw what a premier equine facility we planned to build, and listened to the enthusiastic commitment from Kentuckians, the decision was made that the first WEG outside of Europe would be held in Kentucky.

Who will be coming to the WEG?  It is predicted that 500,000 people – including dignitaries and international royalty – will attend and participate in the games.  In addition, 2000 journalists from 32 countries are expected to cover the events and NBC will broadcast six and a half hours on three consecutive Sundays.

We expect revenues from the games to reach $150 million, but we’re already seeing a return on our investment with the booking of 27 equestrian events after the WEG takes place.

What does this mean to you?  Every Kentucky County will be represented, either through participation in the events, volunteering, or by showcasing local products in the Kentucky Village.  Guests will be encouraged to visit other counties and be exposed to Kentucky Proud Products, horse farms, stone cliffs and arches, the Bourbon Trail, and Kentucky music.  Of course, they will want to experience our beautiful mountains and serene lakes, and perhaps participate in some adventure tourism opportunities.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to showcase Kentucky to a global audience, and every one of our counties must take advantage.  The World Equestrian Games is an event that we should all embrace and opportunities to do that will be forthcoming.

In future articles, I will be writing about the WEG - explaining the events, talking about sponsorships, sharing information about volunteer possibilities – but in the meantime, if you have questions about the Games please call the WEG office at their toll free number - 1-888-WEG-2010.

I look forward to experiencing this world class event with you!