Charles Sturt University (CSU) is celebrating after being announced as an official supplier to the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games in an agreement signed today (Saturday 28 November) at the National Modern Pentathlon Championships at Wagga Wagga.

The ceremony marks the culmination of months of negotiations which will see the University’s Equine Centre acting as the national centre for the equestrian component of the Modern Pentathlon for the 2000 Olympic Games.

The University will accommodate and manage the horses and showjumping event for the sport of Modern Pentathlon.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (SOCOG), Mr Sandy Hollway, and the University’s Chancellor, Mr David Asimus, AO, signed the agreement at 2.00pm at the Equine Centre.

The University’s Lecturer in Equine Science, Mr Hunter Doughty, has been seconded to SOCOG until December 2000 as the manager for the riding event.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to manage horses at an elite level and to have the unique experience of helping to organise an Olympic Games event,” Professor Jim Pratley, Dean of the Faculty of Science & Agriculture, said today.

He added the agreement recognises the contribution the University has made to the equine industry over many years and the quality of infrastructure in place at CSU which will ensure the highest standard for the Olympic Games.

The signing ceremony was also addressed by Mr John Pennell, Vice-President Oceania Region for the Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne (UIPM) and Mr Alex Watson , Marketing Director for Modern Pentathlon Australia (MPA).

Professor Pratley said the University has earned a high profile with its success in hosting major equestrian events, such as Eastern Conference University Games, the NSW Horse Trials Championships and the NSW Pony Club State One Day Event Championships.

He said the University is excited at the prospect of an ongoing relationship with the Modern Pentathlon and other equestrian sports after the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.