2018 EC Convention Kicked Off with Executive Update, Concussion Panel, #RideToTryon Campaign Launch & Much More!
Equestrian Canada – Ottawa, ON, April 6, 2018 – The 2018 Equestrian Canada (EC) Convention kicked off on Friday, April 6 at the Brookstreet Hotel in Ottawa, ON with a full day of interactive learning opportunities, exceptional speakers and exciting social events.
EC Leadership Speaks to the Future
The day began with the Rise & Shine Welcome Breakfast, where delegates were invited to enjoy a meal with the EC Senior Leadership while gaining an inside look at what EC has achieved to date during the first six months of the current Board of Directors’ term (Phase I), and what they plan to achieve moving forward (Phase II).
EC President, Meg Krueger led the session and was joined by presenters, Vice President, Rupert May and Governance Chair, Charles Cue. In addition, Krueger introduced newly appointed EC CEO, Richard Mongeau, who provided a welcome address to delegates.
Krueger opened by speaking to the current state of EC and the Canadian equestrian industry, and the vital need to encourage youth to engage at the governance level.
“We all recognize that there is a great opportunity for growth in our sport and industry. Many sports and pastimes are facing similar challenges to us with a lack of increase, or in many cases, decline,” said Krueger, who went on to outline a few contributing factors, including competition with other sports and hobbies, a decline of overall physical activity, the aftermath of an economic recession, and an aging demographic. “Youth act, think, socialize and are influenced differently than my generation and the generations before me. It is critical that we are centred on welcoming and encouraging youth to be part of our boards, committees and associations, because we need that new perspective and new insight on how the world is changing and how social influence is changing.”
Krueger continued, “Without the entry of youth and a focus on innovation, we won’t evolve. But, we have a real opportunity, and the board looks at this every day. Our job and our duty is to see where the organization needs to go in the future. And there is an opportunity for everyone to be part of that journey.”
From there, Krueger, May and Cue moved on to highlight the achievements of the Board and EC team during Phase 1 (October 2017 to March 2018), which included:
- Stabilizing EC operations and hiring a Chief Executive Officer.
- Bringing financial reporting up to date and approving the 2018 budget.
- Increasing communication through 100+ meetings with a wide range of stakeholders, and consistent digital communications.
- Strengthening international relationships through EC Board representation at events, such as the FEI General Assembly, to promote and represent Canada in major discussions involving rule changes, disciplines, and more.
- Creating a Service Agreement Committee to strengthen collaboration and partnership with Provincial and Territorial Sport Organizations (PTSOs).
- Collaborating with PTSOs on a Coaching and Athlete Development Plan for a coaching and grassroots development pathway. EC committed to nearly $500,000 in funding through a multi-year plan, with $37,500 already in process and $175,000 approved in the 2018 budget.
The EC Senior Leadership also outlined the Phase 2 priorities, which include:
- CEO on-boarding support for a seamless and complete transition.
- An organizational efficiency review by the CEO.
- Request for Proposal process for an integrated membership, event sanctioning and national standings system.
- Final preparation for the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games.
The presentation was livestreamed on EC’s Facebook, and can be viewed in full here.
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