WEG Closing Ceremony: Governor and First Lady celebrate successful closing of World Equestrian Games Kentucky will benefit for years to come

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 10, 2010) – As the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games come to a close, Gov. Steve Beshear and First Lady Jane Beshear today expressed their appreciation to all those who helped make the games held at the Kentucky Horse Park an overwhelming success.


“I’m proud of the great job Kentucky did hosting this remarkable international event – the first time it’s been held in the United States,” Gov. Beshear said. “The Games brought visitors from around the world who enjoyed our hospitality and spent time and money at businesses across the state.  These businesses and our communities will see not only an immediate economic impact, but I believe the Games will bring dividends to Kentucky for years to come.  Although this was not a state-sponsored event, the entire Commonwealth will benefit from the positive way these Games presented Kentucky to the world.”

Governor and Mrs. Beshear participated in the closing ceremonies of the Games Sunday evening at the Kentucky Horse Park.  Gov. Beshear thanked the numerous organizations and people who helped make the Games a success. Those included the World Games 2010 Foundation, the Kentucky Horse Park, the local and state agencies that participated, the volunteers, the competitors, guests and all of the sponsors. He expressed his gratitude to Dr. Pearse Lyons, the founder of Alltech, the title sponsor of the Games.

Mrs. Beshear noted that guests and journalists from around the world visited not only Lexington, but many Kentucky communities, thanks to the Games.  “The Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet reported that they took journalists to Shelby County, Louisville, Richmond and Shaker Village near Harrodsburg,” the First Lady said. “Guests were also referred to places such as Harlan County for ATV riding and Mammoth Cave for tours. Many of these guests told us they planned to return to see more of our beautiful state.” 

Competitors from 58 countries took part in the event, which was broadcast by NBC to millions around the world.  During the games, The Kentucky Experience offered visitors a chance to learn about Kentucky art, culture, food, business and tourism across the state. The pavilion provided a venue for Kentucky artists and performers, a gift shop for Kentucky crafts and an area that helped promote travel in all regions across the state.  Total attendance for the 16 day event reached more than 500,000.