05/05/2008

LEXINGTON, KY – The World Games 2010 Foundation today announced an official community partnership with United Way of the Bluegrass for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

As an official community partner, United Way of the Bluegrass will showcase Central Kentucky’s sense of community to thousands of visitors attending the 2010 Games by incorporating the wide scope of services into the Games’ needs, particularly in volunteer coordination and visitor needs.

“United Way’s international recognition and broad community involvement will help make those attending the Games feel welcome in the Bluegrass region,” said Cathy Rutter, Director of Community and Volunteer Relations for the World Games 2010 Foundation. “We are confident that United Way of the Bluegrass, with their broad range of programs and services, will assist us in meeting needs of our international visitors in 2010.”

“We are very excited about this partnership,” said Kathy Plomin, president of United Way of the Bluegrass. “It provides a platform to show the world what a great and caring community we live in here in Central Kentucky, and in a way that benefits both organizations.”

As a community partner of the 2010 Games, United Way of the Bluegrass will be given opportunities to educate those in the equine industry and the general public about the LIVE UNITED movement. From literacy programs and Imagination Library books for the children of groomsmen to improved healthcare for horsemen, United Way partners with thousands of businesses, agencies, organizations and individuals to provide resources for those who need them.

The partnership will also incorporate many aspects of United Way’s work in the community. United Way 2-1-1, a free and confidential telephone line that connects callers with the help they need, will be a helpful conduit for Games visitors. United Way will also provide materials and information to workers in the equine industry about services available to them, and additional educational components will be established to further promote the general welfare of equine industry employees, as well as the general public, through education, financial stability and health opportunities.

“We could not be more proud to partner with such an amazing organization,” said Plomin. “The Games will shine a spotlight on Central Kentucky, we are pleased to partner with them to highlight the wonderful work our friends and neighbors make possible every day.”

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, to be held at the Kentucky Horse Park September 25-October 10, 2010, are the world championships of the 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 ever previously been held together at a single site— both firsts that will be achieved at the Kentucky Horse Park. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million, and current sponsors include the Rolex Company and an unprecedented $10 million title sponsor, Alltech. It is anticipated that more than 600,000 spectators will attend the 16-day competition.

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Media Contacts:
Amy Walker
Office 859-255-2010 ext. 235
awalker@feigames2010.org
For more information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games visit www.feigames2010.org

About United Way of the Bluegrass
United Way is working to advance the common good by focusing on education, income and health. These are the building blocks of for a good life – a quality education that leads to a stable job, enough income to support a family through retirement, and good health. Our goal is to create long-lasting changes that prevent problems from happening in the first place. We invite you to be a part of the change. Together, united, we can inspire hope and create opportunities for a better tomorrow. That’s what it means to LIVE UNITED. For more information, visit www.uwbg.org or call 859.233.4460.

For more information, contact:
Kathy Plomin
President
United Way of the Bluegrass
859-233-4461, ext. 211
kathy.plomin@uwbg.org