The Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport) officially opened the 2015 Equine Canada (EC) Annual Convention, presented by the Members First Program, on March 26 at the Crowne Plaza Gatineau-Ottawa in Gatineau, Que.
The convention, which runs straight through to March 30, is set to be one for the books, and will celebrate the theme of Canada’s proclaimed Year of Sport in 2015.
“I applaud the equestrian community for its ongoing dedication to developing and promoting equine sport in Canada,” said Minister Gosal during his opening address at the Emond Harnden Welcome Address Luncheon. “Your support helps our tremendous athletes excel at the highest level of competition. We look forward to cheering them on this summer during the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games-a marquee event during the Year of Sport celebration.”
As a perfect example of the equestrian excellence referred to by Minister Gosal, his opening address was followed by an exclusive screening of the award-winning documentary film, Power of 2 on the Road to Gold, which tells the behind-the-scenes story of Canada’s silver-medal dressage team on their journey to the 2011 Pan American Games.
“I would like to thank Minister Gosal for taking the time to get the EC Annual Convention started in a big way,” said EC President, Al Patterson. “This is an exciting time of growth and forward progress for EC, and the convention is the ideal setting to strengthen relationships and join together in the shared goal of building a world-class Canadian equestrian industry.”
A variety of high quality clinics, speaker panel presentations, and collaborative meetings are set to take place throughout the remainder of the convention-not to mention exciting social events.
Highlights of the 2015 EC Annual Convention include:
Excellence in Sport Panel Luncheon
On March 27 an esteemed lineup of experts will be on-hand to speak to the theme of Changing the Game in Canadian Sport during an open luncheon for all delegates. Leading the panel discussion will be:
• Waneek Horn-Miller – Assistant Chef de Mission, 2015 Toronto Pan American Games
• Anne Merklinger – CEO, Own the Podium
• David Patterson – Manager of National Sport Federation Services – Canadian Olympic Committee (COC)
2015 Equine Canada Annual General Meeting
All EC members in good standing are invited and encouraged to attend the 2015 EC Annual General Meeting on March 27 from 8-10 a.m. in the Salon des Nations. The agenda will include the in-person vote on EC’s Special Resolution regarding the proposed By-laws and Articles of Continuance. In addition, the EC executive leadership, including CEO, Eva Havaris and President, Al Patterson will present reports and confirm the 2015 EC Board of Directors.
Registration for the EC AGM will take place in the Terrasse des Nations on March 26 from 4-6 p.m. and March 27 from 7-8 a.m.
Pre-AGM documents, including the full agenda are available for review online.
Social Night @ Mill Street Brew Pub
When: March 26 – 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Where: Mill Street Brew Pub, 555 Wellington St., Downtown Ottawa
What: EC invites all convention delegates, as well as the general public, to a fun-filled evening of delicious eats, locally-brewed beer and great company. Come relax, network with EC’s CEO, President and Board of Directors, and enjoy tapas and two free drinks included with your ticket.
Tickets are $25 and can be purchased throughout the week at the EC Convention Registration Booth, or at the door onsite at the Mill Street Brew Pub (cash only).
Equine Canada Annual Awards Gala
The prestigious EC Annual Awards Gala is taking place March 27 from 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. in the Salon des Nations. EC invites all delegates and the general public to come enjoy an elegant night out, complete with a gourmet meal as we celebrate outstanding achievements and honour the EC national award recipients. A professional DJ will also be onsite to spin your favourite tunes at the completion of the award ceremony.
Come early and join us for the Gala Reception presented by Boehringer Ingelheim in the Terrasse des Nations from 5-7 p.m. for canapés and two free drinks. And be sure to check out the Silent Auction in support of the Canadian Equestrian Team (CET) to bid on fabulous items, including a ticket and accommodations package for the 2015 Toronto Pan American Games and Horseware Ireland blankets signed by CET members!
For further information the 2015 EC Annual Convention, visit www.equinecanada.ca/ecconvention.
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