The 2004 U.S. Olympic Equestrian Show Jumping Gold-medal team has been awarded the Sports Hall of Fame inuagural President's Award.

Donald P. Dufresne, President of the Palm Beach County Sports Commission and Institute, announced the award Thursday. The awards banquet will be held March 9 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center.

The four team members and the horses on which they won Gold are: Beezie Madden of Cazenovia, NY, on Authentic; McLain Ward of Brewster, NY, on Sapphire; Chris Kapler of Pittstown, NJ, on Royal Kaliber; and Peter Wylde of Maastricht, The Netherlands, on Fein Cera.

"This is truly something for all of equestrian sport in our country to celebrate," said United States Equestrian Federation President David O'Connor. "This is not merely a victory for the U.S. Show Jumping Team from Athens. This is a victory for each and every one of us who loves horse sport. These four athletes and their four equally incredible horses made us all proud at the 2004 Olympic Games. They represented our country well, and we're thrilled that they'll now have the opportunity to wear the Gold medals they've worked so hard for."

All four of the 2004 Gold-medal team members are at the CN Winter Equestrian Festival presented by Zimmerman Advertising at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center and are seeking a berth on this year's Olympic team.

The five team selection trials will be held at PBIEC in Wellington on Thursday, February 28 at 7 p.m.; Sunday, March 2, at 1 p.m.; Wednesday, March 5 at 7 p.m.; Thursday, March 6 at 7 p.m.; and Sunday March 9 at 1 p.m.