Pippa Funnell on Billy Shannon
The London 2012 Olympic Organising Committee (LOCOG) host the first of two major test events at Greenwich Park as part of its London Prepares series. The Greenwich Park Eventing Invitational is the equestrian test event which followed by the Modern Pentathlon UIPM World Cup Final. These events will focus on testing the sporting field of play, results, time and scoring systems, and how teams work together prior to the Olympic Games next year. Seb Coe, LOCOG Chair, commented: “Greenwich Park is a fantastic venue, and it is very exciting to be hosting world class sport here in the lead up to the Games. This will give us a chance to test our plans and operational readiness. It also gives the residents and school children of Greenwich, plus the equestrian and modern pentathlon communities, a chance to witness world class sport at this historic venue. “We have worked hard on the detail of our plans, and we will treat the Park with respect and care. We have held the event outside school holidays to minimise disruption and many parts of the Park remain open, including the whole of the west side. It has been impressive and exciting to see everything take place. Now it is time to put it all into action.” Within Greenwich Park, a temporary equestrian arena has been erected to host the Dressage, Jumping and Laser Shooting (for Modern Pentathlon). The arena platform has been designed to minimise impact as it is quick to install, lightweight, reusable and has been fitted using adjustable legs which means that no holes have had to be dug in the ground. The arena will seat 2,000 spectators, and is on a smaller scale than for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. A cross country course has also been installed, consisting of 26 jumps in the east side of the Park. Over 40 riders from 23 countries competed at the Equestrian event this included three riders from Great Britain –including Olympians Pippa Funnell and William Fox-Pitt. Top athletes from around the world includin
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