WATSONVILLE — A local team of student athletes at Monte Vista Christian School’s (MVCS) Equestrian Program is raising money for a new competition style arena. The larger arena will improve safety and allow the athletes to train in contest-quality conditions. So far, the team has raised $30,000 of the $50,000 needed for grading, footing, jumps and additional fencing. Groundbreaking and installation of footing began on August 28, 2013.
The team needs to raise another $20,000 for fencing and jumps before they can fully use the arena.
The MVCS Equestrian Program includes middle and high school competitive equestrian teams. The two teams compete in the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) Zone 10 Western Division. Led by their trainer Cassie Belmont, the high and middle school teams took first place overall in Zone 10 competitions last season. The high school team recently competed at the National Championships where they finished 3rd in the nation. Both teams are prepared to take it to the next level in the 2013-2014 season by winning at Zone Finals next spring and qualifying for another trip to Nationals.
The fundraising campaign kicked off on July 4, and the team’s goal is to complete the campaign by September 30. The team is offering different appreciation or sponsorship value to anyone who contributes. Since the donations are directly benefiting a school program, they are tax deductible.
“School equestrian team sports provide students with mentally and physically demanding athletic training and the valuable life lessons learned from team competition,” said Cassie Belmont, Equestrian Director at MVCS.
With the addition of the new arena, the team will host larger IEA events and showcase the unique setting of the MVCS campus. These facilities will also enhance the ability to attract promising talent, prepare the riders for achievement and serve as a foundation for success for years to come.
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To contribute to the campaign please visit: www.piggybackr.com/mvcsequestrian/new-equestrian-arena. Donations may be tax deductible.