Canadian Paralympian Lauren Barwick of Aldergrove, BC, has been chosen as the flag bearer for the for the Canadian Equestrian Team at the Opening Ceremonies for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG), which are being held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, September 25—October 10, 2010.
“I was pleasantly surprised with this nomination. I am glad I will be at WEG during the opening ceremonies to fulfil the top honour of carrying our nation’s flag,” said Barwick.
The Opening Ceremonies, which will be broadcast live on USEF TV online at http://www.usefnetwork.com/, begins at 7 p.m. and will feature nearly 1500 people joining almost 200 horses from around the world for a celebration of dreams that will play tribute to the Games’ American debut.
“We have many accomplished athletes on our Canadian Equestrian Team competing here at the 2010 World Equestrian Games and were certainly spoiled for choice when it came to identifying a flag bearer,” said the Chef d’équipe of the Canadian Equestrian Team, Kerri McGregor. “Lauren’s competitive achievements and sportsmanship both on and off the field make her a wonderful ambassador for the Canadian Equestrian Team.”
Barwick, riding her horse Maile, a 16-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare, won the individual gold and individual silver medal at the 2008 Paralympic Games in para-dressage. A two-time Paralympian, Barwick was also named as the 2004 Equine Canada Equestrian of the Year based on her outstanding accomplishments at the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens, GRE.
The 2010 edition of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games will be the first Games where the discipline of para-dressage will be featured.
More from Horse Sport:
