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~ Fact Sheet
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WHAT: |
NDSA Equestrian provides national and international
competition opportunities and training for riders with physical disabilities
who wish to be competitive, regardless of their functional level or physical
disability. Riders are classified by an international system that evaluates
functional ability of the rider and allows them to be competitive against
those with similar disabilities. There are four classes or “grades” of
riders, ranging from those with disabilities that allow them to compete at
the walk only, to those who ride tests similar to USA Equestrian's third or
fourth level tests.
The primary goal of NDSA Equestrian is to ensure the
competitive success of riders with disabilities on a national and
international level by providing training, competition and advocacy.
Riders of all levels participate in NDSA sponsored training clinics and
symposiums, and are provided with competitive opportunities both in this
country and abroad. Training and certification is provided for coaches,
judges and other officials. NDSA also works closely with USA Equestrian, the
United States Equestrian Team and the United States Dressage Federation to
provide opportunities for riders with disabilities within the “able-bodied”
community. |
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NDSA: |
The National Disability Sports Alliance is the national
governing body for equestrian sport for riders with disabilities. In this
role, NDSA is responsible for the selection, training and administration of
teams for World Championships and Paralympic Games.
The National Disability Sports Alliance is a 501(c)3
nonprofit organization that offers sports and education to athletes with
physical disabilities in a variety of sports. A dedicated group of
volunteers donate their time and expertise at every level from the Board of
Directors to the local programming.
NDSA is a community based organization member of the
United States Olympic Committee. Dressage is a rapidly growing national and
international sport for riders with disabilities. Many positive steps are
happening, including a cooperative agreement between International
Paralympic Equestrian Committee (the international governing body of
equestrian sport for riders with disabilities) and International Equestrian
Federation., and development of a Dispensation Certificate program within
USA Equestrian that allows riders with disabilities to compete against their
able-bodied peers on a level playing field. |
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CONTACT: |
Denise Avolio, NDSA Equestrian Sports Manager,
(914) 949-8166 or via email at
equestrian@ndsaonline.org or
diavolio@ndsaonline.org.
More information, as well as the current calendar of
events and latest news, may be found on the NDSA Equestrian website at
www.ndsaequestrian.org. |
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