It is with a feeling of great sadness that the organisation of Jumping Amsterdam had to make the decision to cancel the 2021 event, which was to take place from 28 – 31 January. Due to the current corona related measures and the uncertainty that presently prevails in the Netherlands, it is considered irresponsible to proceed with the event, both in terms of health of all parties involved as well as financially.
“This was a very tough decision to take,” says Paul Riemens, CEO of RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre and Chairman of the Board of Jumping Amsterdam. “We will definitely miss the team spirit, the get-together with all the people involved, the audience, the participants, partners, volunteers and exhibitors a great deal. However, we do not want to take any risks whatsoever when it comes to people’s health. Moreover, from a financial viewpoint, it is not justifiable to incur expenses at a time when uncertainty rules and measures are continuously adjusted. In order to safeguard the continuity of Jumping Amsterdam in the long term, it is therefore more sensible to miss one year and to focus on the 2022 edition.
Alternative activities
That does not mean, however, that nothing will happen this year. “We will use the time to optimize processes which will allow us to make a strong comeback in 2022. This edition, which is set on the calendar from 27 – 30 January 2022, has the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup already programmed, for that matter. So this event will be a celebration of top sport! And we are giving serious consideration to alternative activities to offer our audience this year as a substitute,” says Irene Verheul, Director of Sport with final responsibility for the event. “In what form this will take place, has not yet been decided. But we won’t twiddle our thumbs!”
Marc Houtzager: “A great loss”
Marc Houtzager, winner of the Longines FEI Jumping World CupTM qualifier, reacts with sadness but understanding to the news that the 2021 Jumping Amsterdam show will be cancelled. “These are uncertain times, especially for organisers of events. I understand very well that Jumping Amsterdam does not wish to take any risks. I cannot imagine that there will be anyone who will not understand this. We riders are of course extremely disappointed, but it is even worse for the organisation.”
The rider, who is a regular participant in Jumping Amsterdam, will definitely miss the show. “Jumping Amsterdam is one of the best, if not the best indoor show. It is a fantastic event with three days of top sport, an incredible atmosphere and for us on home ground. Yes, it is most certainly a great loss.”
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Source: Jumping Amsterdam
Photo: Digishots
