One highlight after another
During the recent 75th CHIO Rotterdam, Carolien Lavooij officially took over the chairmanship of CHIO Rotterdam from Theo de Rooij. We look back with the newly appointed president.
"It was a fantastic event in every way. First and foremost, because of the great sport. The competitions brought everything that makes equestrian sports so special: emotion, excitement, and not least, the results you hope for. Two Dutch winners (in dressage and show jumping) in front of a sold-out crowd.
Longines League of Nations™️ was exceptional
It certainly wasn't our first time hosting a Nations Cup at CHIO, but the Longines League of Nations felt different from other Nations Cups. When you see the absolute world top in the arena with a truly high class course, it really does something to you. Moreover, the competition was broadcasted in 30 countries via TV or livestream. It represented quality in every way. And that is what we want too. We want to make another step in quality with our event. In terms of sport, but also in other respects.
I believe we are taking steps in the right direction. As soons as you entered the venue, it looked cozy. Immediately at the entrance area in the Dura Vermeer arena, there was plenty to experience and there were nice stands. I've already heard good reports from the exhibitors, they also had a great CHIO. The same goes for the sponsors; they have been supporting CHIO for so many years.
There was a good atmosphere in the hospitality area, a warm meeting point where there was plenty of networking. On the first evening, there was a gathering with guests from the municipality of Rotterdam and the province of South Holland. There I realized that we were saying goodbye to some people who have been involved with CHIO Rotterdam for so long. For Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb and King's Commissioner Jaap Smit, it was their last CHIO in office. I hope, of course, that they keep coming ... we have invited both of them for the coming years.
75 years, the icing on the cake
The fact that we celebrated a special anniversary was actually the icing on the cake. Even before the 75th CHIO, you could feel that something special was coming. With the reunion of the volunteers, flags in the city, the documentary, the walk of fame, and all the media attention given to CHIO. And also during CHIO itself, with the hunting pack with horses, the performance of the Royal Stables Department, the music of Classic Young Masters, and the entertainment in Stroodorp. Perhaps people didn't realize that Frans Bauer's performance was something from the past... but it was once again traditionally great!
Quality requires ongoing investments
The event was fantastic and everyone I speak to is enthusiastic. Of course, it remains an exciting challenge to maintain this level and continue striving for the best quality. An event with this international allure brings many benefits to the city of Rotterdam, the province, and the Netherlands as a sports country. It positively puts the sport, the city, and the sponsors on the map. But this does not happen automatically. We need more partners who, like our current sponsors, want to be part of this success. People might think 'Oh, it will be fine in Rotterdam,' but to maintain and increase this level, ongoing investments are necessary. "
