Laura Collett and London 52 - Beokelo 2019 Champions
What was to be the 50th anniversary of Military Boekelo - Enschede, to run from 1st – 4th October 2020, is the latest casualty of the Covid-19 pandemic
The event says that it has ‘made this decision after intensive consultation with representatives from the national and international equestrian sports world, its employees, founders and sponsors”
Although the possibility of running the event without spectators was considered, the organisers felt that the international level event, which normally incorporates the final leg of the CICO4* Nations Cup ‘requires a top sports facility and an infrastructure that cannot be compromised’.
“Without the public and other financial support, this is impossible to achieve. Moreover, the organisation and its partners believe that it is in line with their own responsibility to put the health of society first in these times”
“Since the start of the Corona crisis, we have always looked at the options that were possible to continue this top sport event. Everything has been reviewed” says Chairman Robert Zandstra.
“The Military is all about bringing horses and people together in an environment where top sport comes first. Getting society slowly started is now extremely important. That is why we are not going to muddle through, but are postponing it for one year. Then everyone knows where they stand”
The 50th anniversary will now be celebrated at next year’s event, to take place from October 7th – 11th 2021
"We now have some extra preparation time and hope to celebrate a big 50th birthday together with the participants, employees, landowners, sponsors and founders in good health" says Zandstra.
