Canadian actor, musician, recording artist, author and horse-lover William Shatner, is supporting the HSBC Rising Star category of the FEI Awards, the scheme organised annually by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the governing body of horse sport, to celebrate equestrian heroes.
Shatner’s role as Captain James T. Kirk in the science fiction TV series Star Trek, which was first broadcast in 1966, made him a cultural icon and earned him worldwide fame. His more recent role as Denny Crane in The Practice and Boston Legal earned him two Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award.
The actor breeds and shows American Saddlebreds and Quarter Horses and spearheads the Hollywood Charity Horse Show, which brings together world-class Reining horses and riders to raise money for a therapeutic riding organisation that works with severely disabled children.
Speaking of the HSBC Rising Star category of the FEI Awards, which is open to equestrian athletes aged 14 to 21 who demonstrate outstanding sporting talent and commitment, Shatner commented:
“I was fortunate to recognise my love for horses earlier in life. I am very passionate about the growth of equestrian sport and I believe very strongly in supporting young emerging talents as they come to realise their dreams. I am proud of the International Equestrian Federation for championing young riders and for realising the importance of driving equestrian sport into the future. I encourage you to make your nominations for the HSBC Rising Star Award and in doing so, ask you to join me in celebrating these young riders for their tremendous talent, dedication and passion.”
The winners of the FEI Awards will receive their awards in November at a gala evening at the Copacabana Palace Hotel in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Nominations are open until July 31st at http://www.feiawards.org/.
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