Future Champions are Today's Change Makers
Hagen, Germany — The notion “children are our future” is one Future Champions at Hof Kasselmann holds close to its heart. Settled into the rolling green hills of the enchanting German countryside, the world class facility has invited the rising stars of dressage and show jumping to ride out their dreams in the distinguished Youth Nations Cup presented by PSI Events. Stronger together, their successes as a team mean all the more this week because Future Champions has once again partnered with JustWorld International (JWI) to host the life changing Adopt A Project initiative. With Adopt A Project, a win at Future Champions is a win for children around the world.
Generously sponsored by Delta Horse Power, podium finishing teams in each championship division are presented with a grant which is then donated in their honor to a JWI project of their choosing. After the thrill of the awards ceremony, teams gather in meaningful collaboration where they learn about the vital needs of children in developing communities and select which education, healthcare or nutrition program to support. Whether it be teachers and classroom materials in Cambodia, nutritious meals for students in Guatemala or a literacy program in Honduras, each victory lap is a life changing opportunity.
Adopt A Project has already begun inspiring riders in Hagen to make a difference. On Thursday, the dressage rings were alive with dance for the CDIOJ and CDIOY Nations Cup divisions. Skill, precision and perhaps the phenomenon of hometown advantage brought Germany twice atop the podium, but their win knew no boarders thanks to the force of Delta Horse Power. Holding the donated checks high above their heads, smiling ear to ear, they were eager to celebrate by sharing with children in need.
“We chose to give three months of fuel to power the ‘education on wheels’ program because we think that for many children it is difficult to get to a school to get education, and I think this program is really good to help these children and to give them the possibility to learn,” said CDIOY Nations Cup champion Jana Lang (GER).
“It is amazing. We are all still a young age and we can really understand this and it is so important to help these children and to also help them build their futures, because children are our future.”
Hof Kasselmann’s commitment to philanthropy can be seen and felt in every corner of the sprawling facility. Led banners circling the arena regularly flash to JWI and announcers enthusiastically share the mission over the loudspeakers. JWI was also offered the opportunity to speak about the projects in Cambodia, Guatemala and Honduras during the Chef de Equipe’s meetings, but perhaps the most moving moment yet was Thursday evening’s Welcome of the Nations.
Hundreds of riders filled the stadium donning their country’s colors, enshrouded in their flags or waving them with pride high above their heads. Leading the parade was JWI, representing the international coalition which unites riders from all nations with a simple, shared goal—to create a better world. JWI Founder Jessica Newman was invited onstage where she gave a heartfelt speech and call to action before the teams were guided along the arena to create a dove, a fitting symbol with represents peace and harmony.
FEATURED IMAGE: PSI Events/Foto HSR
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JustWorld International
Established in 2003, JustWorld was founded to provide equestrians with a way to support carefully vetted education programs for impoverished children around the world. Thousands of JustWorld Ambassadors from more than 40 countries have since committed to “ride for the cause” and assist JustWorld in accomplishing its mission to help build brighter futures for these children and their communities. Equestrian-based companies and events worldwide support JustWorld’s efforts, and the governing body of the global equestrian sport, the FEI, has endorsed JustWorld as its official charity partner. In 2022, JustWorld is helping improve the lives of nearly 10,000 impoverished children around the globe daily.
To donate, become an Ambassador, or learn more about JustWorld, please visit www.justworldinternational.org or @justworldinternational on Facebook and Instagram.
JustWorld International is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization in the United States and tax-deductible donations are accepted in the United States. JustWorld International has no political or religious affiliation.