LEXINGTON, KY—The World Games 2010 Foundation today announced a partnership with the University of Kentucky and UK HealthCare for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

“The University of Kentucky is pleased to partner with the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games,” said President Lee T. Todd, Jr. “As the Commonwealth’s flagship university, we share in the state’s commitment to make the Games the world’s premier sporting event in 2010. This international competition places Kentucky on the world stage, and we are ready to help showcase our state.”

The university’s sponsorship includes a broad range of partnerships across UK’s departments and organizations.  In addition, UK HealthCare will be the “Official Medical Provider” of the 2010 Games, and will provide first aid and medical services for spectators, fans, and participants during the Games including personnel and equipment.  UK will donate more than 7,000 hours in medical personnel time during the Games.

Dr. Mike Karpf, UK executive vice president of health affairs, said, “UK HealthCare is excited to play a significant role in the operations of the 2010 Games. As we welcome thousands of guests to our community, I can assure you that UK HealthCare is fully prepared to provide the medical and emergency care for our visitors.”

UK’s College of Agriculture will also be the “Official Equine Initiative” of the 2010 Games, partnering with the Games and others in the equine industry to discover, share, and apply new knowledge to enhance the health, performance, and management of horses.  UK’s Office of Commercialization and Economic Development will also work with the 2010 Games to provide access to the Coldstream Research Campus as needed.

Other UK Colleges, departments and campus units, including Foreign Language, Arts and Sciences, Fine Arts, Design, as well as the Career Services Department, will provide assistance and support for the 2010 Games when appropriate.

“We are very grateful to the University of Kentucky for this significant pledge of support to the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games,” said Jamie Link, CEO of the World Games 2010 Foundation.  “We are confident this partnership will help the university expand its programs, enhance learning opportunities, and garner recognition as the first-class university it is.”

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), and are held every four years.  The Games have never before been held outside of Europe; nor have all eight disciplines competed at a single site—both firsts that will be achieved at the Kentucky Horse Park. 

The Games will be broadcast on NBC Sports, which has marked the largest commitment to network coverage of equestrian sport in U.S. television history.  The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million, and other current sponsors include Alltech, Rolex, John Deere and Ariat International, Inc. For more information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, please visit www.feigames2010.org.

Contact: Amy Walker, 859-255-2010; Jimmy Stanton, 859-257-6605