FEI presidential candidate, John McEwen MBE, launches campaign Manifesto

John McEwen MBE, Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) 1st Vice-President, today published his campaign Manifesto for his bid to become the next FEI President at the FEI General Assembly in Baku, Azerbaijan, on 14th December 2014.

In his Manifesto, McEwen, who has also been a member of the FEI’s Executive Board since 2010, outlines his vision for Equestrian sport and his key pledges should he be elected as FEI President. A full copy of John McEwen’s Manifesto is attached to this press release for reference.

Speaking on the launch of his Manifesto, John McEwen MBE, said today:

"I am committed to the global growth and commercial success of Equestrian sport and I want to ensure the FEI operates with the highest standards of governance, transparency and integrity. My mission is therefore to continue and evolve the excellent work of our outgoing President, Princess Haya, and make a promise to the global FEI family to promote Equestrian’s cause far and wide, including across the Olympic Movement.

"I have served our sport for more than 40 years in a variety of leading roles that have helped to drive forward our sporting disciplines and ensured Equestrianism’s reputation is protected and enhanced.

"If elected as President, I would develop Equestrian sport in close collaboration with National Federations and athletes – respecting good governance and high ethical and welfare standards whilst always celebrating the horse and horsemanship."

John McEwen’s four key pledges are to:

§ Promote the global growth and expansion of Equestrian sport

§ Ensure the best standards of governance within the FEI

§ Build on the excellent work of the current President by developing a new strategic plan

§ Improve the image of Equestrian sport further and promote events more effectively

John has also today received the full backing of the British Equestrian Federation and the British Olympic Association.

Keith Taylor, Chairman of the British Equestrian Federation, said:

"John McEwen has been an outstanding leader for Equestrian sport in Great Britain and for the FEI, most recently as the First Vice-President. He is a man of integrity and humility. He has high ethical standards with a keen eye for the welfare of the horse. I am in no doubt that he has the passion and experience to serve as an outstanding global leader for our sport as the FEI’s next President."

Lord Sebastian Coe, Chairman of the British Olympic Association, said:

"John's experience, over the last 40 years, as a vet and in so many other areas of the sport, gives him the insights to stand for the Presidency of the FEI. I was grateful for his central role in the delivery of Equestrian sport at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and he has the full support of the National Olympic Committee for his campaign."

John McEwen, added:

"I am honoured to receive this support from my National Federation and National Olympic Committee. I have lived a life immersed in Equestrianism and had the privilege to serve the sport at national and international levels, delivering continuity and innovation. Through the pledges I have made in my Manifesto, I will endeavour to work in a true partnership with all Equestrian stakeholders to advance the sport we all love."

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