From World Cup to World Games
I am not quite sure how many of you noticed that there was no May issue of this newsletter. We just did not get around to it. But news keeps being published on our web, of course, including the special WEG newsletter that comes out early each month. So please check the National web on a regular basis or, better still, make it your home page. The FIFA World Cup has almost completed the "Round of 16". To many people's (and peoples') surprise, the Socceroos advanced to this round with excellent results and then faced a knock-out challenge with the Italian team. They did well. We are all proud of their achievement. It was a pity, though, that the game against Italy was decided the way it was. To me (and probably most people around the world), the penalty just second before the finish was not justified, but we don't know from what angle the referee saw the incident. These officials need to make a decision rather promptly and without video replays. In the end, it is what they see, that counts. Anyway, well-done, Socceroos! We hope that our riders, drivers and vaulters will be even more successful at the FEI World Equestrian Games starting in about six weeks in Aachen, Germany. 2006 WEGPlanning and preparation for this mammoth event continue at a furious pace. As I mentioned earlier, you can find a monthly WEG-specific newsletter on our web. For reasons that many in the international equestrian community find hard to understand, the FEI has changed the name of future World Equestrian Games to "FEI World Games". There was a lot of talk about this change among delegates at the FEI General Assembly, who all doubted that the "man in the street" would know what it meant. We were unable to find support for this marking exercise except among (some) FEI staff. The FEI Commercial Director assured the Assembly that the re-"branding" will be suppported with by-lines that explain to the general public that the FEI Games are about Equestrian sport. Aachen AccommodationWe have booked a number of rooms at a Golf Resort located just 15 minutes from the WEG venue in Aachen. Some or these rooms can now be offered to any spectators or supporters visiting WEG and still seeking accommodation. These rooms are available from 19 August through to 03 September in a variety of configurations. As you will see from the prices below, the rates are very good in comparison to what you would expect to pay in Aachen (presuming you can find any). Costs for the rooms are:-
Bookings will be on a first-in first-served basis and will be open until 15 July at which time any additional rooms will be handed back to the Resort. For bookings please contact High Performance Manager Brett Mace at the EFA brett@efanational.com with number and dates of nights and type of accommodation required(eg. single/double/twin/triple, breakfast, etc.). FEIThe change of presidency seems to have had a domino effect in a few areas at the top. Some key people have resigned, interim appointments are in place and vacancies are being advertised. If you are interested in applying, chack the FEI web. Lausanne is a beautiful place to work in .... On-line RenewalsMembers in a number of Branches will have noticed that a new on-line membership renewal system is being introduced. The advantage of the new system is that renewals actually go straight into our National Database, and members with passwords can also update their contact details via the web. Since we are still using local databases in the various offices, updates get through with the next synchronisation (usually the following day). Once we go to a totally web-based system, everything will be "live", but before that happens, a few more things need to be sorted out. We should also mention that the recording of type and level of qualification for EFA/FEI Officials on our database is almost complete and will be available soon for searching via the web. Yes, all EFA and FEI Officials need to be members of the EFA. We appreciate their service to the sport Disciplinary By-LawsThe National Board has considered changes to some of the "strict liability" conditions contained in the these By-Laws. It seems that the frequency with which we find cases of competitors who have not complied with entry conditions is increasing. Competitors should know that they are liable to be diqualified from the event if their entry did not meet requirements. This applied to current membership, valid performance cards, qualification to enter (e.g. in Eventing) and other matters. Rules are there to help create a "level playing field". It is in the interests of all participants, including event organisers and officials, that rules are followed. National AwardsYou can now download nomination forms for National Awards from our web. Nominations for this year's awards close at the end of August 2006. Volunteer Small Equipment Grants (VSEG) - 2006On 9 June 2006, the Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Hon Mal Brough MP announced funding of $3 million for the 2006 Volunteer Small Equipment Grants (VSEG) to help Australia's volunteers support their vital work. This funding will provide grants of up to $3,000 (GST inclusive) for community organisations to help them purchase small equipment items that will make the work of their volunteers easier, safer and/or, more enjoyable. Volunteers make an immense contribution to our society by giving up their valuable time to help others and their own communities. Since 2001, the Australian Government has provided over $29 million in funding to assist more than 14,000 community organisations. These grants are an ongoing part of the Government's Stronger Families and Communities Strategy – Local Answers Initiative. Applications close at 5pm AEST on Friday 21 July 2006. More info aon the ASC web. Horse Deals EFA Newsletter CompetitionMost of you will have noticed the monthly EFA Newsletter that appears in the Horse Deals magazine. We are now asking for feedback and suggestions from readers. The winning entry will get a voucher for Horseland Australian Equestrian Team clothing. For details, please go our web. In any case, anyone can go to a Horseland store and buy these items, so why don't you? Equestrian EventsOn this occasion, please check the National and Branch web sites for events that are happening, or use the search facility on the "calendar" page. There is a lot on right now, and your attendace at events helps the sport. Supporters and SponsorsI cannot close without thanking our funding agencies, sponsors and supporters. Make it a good day! Franz Venhaus | ||
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