Argentinean rugby star supports horseback fundraiser for NCBI
Release Date: Jun 1st, 2006
Leinster and Argentinean rugby star Felipe Contepomi lent his support this week to a fundraising equestrian challenge for the National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI). The busy young sports star turned up at the headquarters of the NCBI with his equine friend, Monty, to help publicise the ride, which takes place this November in Argentina.
The “Gaucho Gold Run Challenge” will see 40 keen charity riders, led by FEI (Federation Equestre Internationale) coach and judge Susanne Macken, spend six days in the saddle crossing the Sierras Chicas mountain range in the foothills of the Andes on horseback, to raise funds for NCBI.
“I am so pleased that NCBI is going to Argentina on its first ever horseback challenge,” said Felipe, who is doing his medical finals at the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin this week. “Argentina, and particularly Cordoba, has the most spectacular terrain for equine trekking and there is nobody like the Gauchos for their knowledge on horses”.
2006 is NCBI’s 75th anniversary, having been established in 1931 to promote the physical, economic and social independence of people with vision impairments. Today, the organisation provides a range of services to almost 10,000 people experiencing difficulty with their eyesight in Ireland, 82% of whom have some usable residual vision. Services include the provision of mobility training, information and counselling, as well as employment and adaptive technology services to support independent living.
NCBI’s Blazing Saddles have cycled all over the world for NCBI, while the Terracotta Ramblers have climbed and walked their way around the globe, raising funds for NCBI but this is the first equestrian challenge to take place. The group will travel to Argentina from November 12th to 22nd for the Gaucho Gold Run Challenge, with each rider raising €4,800 to take part in the challenge. There are still a few places left for anyone over 18 with some experience in the saddle.
For further information on the Gaucho Gold Run Challenge contact Eleanor Kirwan at NCBI, Whitworth Road, Drumcondra, Dublin 9, phone 01 8307033 or email Eleanor.kirwan@ncbi.ie.