Cape Town, South Africa’s oldest and second largest city, will host the FEI General Assembly at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 9 to 13 November 2022. The decision was taken by the FEI Board at its monthly teleconference on 22 March.
It is the first time that the FEI’s biggest annual meeting will travel to Southern Africa. The event has been held on the African continent only once before, in Morocco’s capital Rabat in 2002.
“We are delighted to be going to Africa for this year’s General Assembly,” FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez said. “The South African Equestrian Federation had generously invited us in 2020 but the event had to be cancelled twice due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Africa is a vibrant continent with a huge potential for equestrian sport. The countries of the region have been involved in many FEI Solidarity projects and it is a fantastic opportunity for our community to gather in South Africa and learn more of their progress over the years.
“The online and in-person hybrid General Assembly format we used last year in Antwerp (BEL) permitted wide participation, especially for the National Federation representatives who were unable to travel. It was a successful formula, which we will put in place again this year. I know South Africa will be an excellent host and we look forward to reuniting with the worldwide equestrian family in Cape Town in November.”
“We are very excited to play host to the FEI General Assembly 2022 and to showcase the achievements of our country and our continent,” Professor Ian Sanne, President of the South African Equestrian Federation said. “We have waited patiently for this opportunity, and we are determined to provide the very best backdrop for the important decisions that will be made. Cape Town is a vibrant city, and we are already working hard and are excitedly planning for a week of hard work and unforgettable African celebration.”