April 17, 2014, SUI ~ For the first time in the 93-year history of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the athletes themselves have the opportunity to vote for their FEI Athlete Representatives.

A total of 26 candidates from 10 nations are standing for election as FEI Athlete Representatives on the FEI Technical Committees for Jumping, Dressage, Para-Equestrian, Eventing, Driving, Endurance, Vaulting and Reining.

 “Our athlete representatives play a vital role in the governance of equestrian sport, acting as a voice for all our athletes and actively shaping the FEI’s global development, so it is only right that the athletes themselves should decide who will represent them”, explained Ingmar De Vos, FEI Secretary General. “We are encouraging all our athletes to take this opportunity to cast their vote on these key ambassadors for equestrian sport.”

The election will take place via a secure online voting platform here, where the curriculum vitaes of all athlete candidates will be available for review. Voting opened today (15 April), and will remain open until 1 June (23.59 CEST).

The appointed FEI Athlete Representatives in each discipline will also form the FEI Athletes’ Committee when the FEI’s Technical Committees require feedback and proactive input on areas relevant to all FEI athletes.

FEI registered athletes, aged 18 years and over, and who are included on their respective Ranking Lists from 31 December 2013, will be eligible to vote for their Athlete Representative.

For further information on the FEI Athlete Elections 2014: www.fei.org/hub/athletes/athlete-elections-2014

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