“It is a live radio station of what is going on at the Games,” said Brian O’Connor, equine announcer and co-director of World Equestrian Radio. O’Connor, who announced at the 2008 Olympics and other equine events across the country, partnered with Jamie Till, of Flightline Radio, to create World Equestrian Radio. O’Connor said their service benefits both those who are knowledgeable about equestrian sports and those who are uneducated.
The 2010 Games will have radio commentators for dressage, driving, eventing, para-dressage, reining and vaulting. There will not be a commentator for jumping, and O’Connor said it is nearly impossible to have a commentator for endurance because of the long course.
Commentators were selected specifically based on their expertise in each sport. O’Connor said they will provide listeners with background information on the riders, a play-by-play of the competition and information about the particular discipline.
“What we are creating is like a private lesson,” O’Connor said. “The commentators talk about what is going on, what they see and what kind of scores they would give (if they were judges).”
In addition to event commentary, there will also be a channel on the radio with general information about the Park and news coverage of the Games. Listeners will also hear about trade show vendors and sponsors located on the grounds.
World Equestrian Radio will be the first equestrian radio service to cover this many disciplines at one time. In addition to the Games, World Equestrian Radio has covered the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day-Event for several years.
“It is a very popular service,” O’Connor said about the radio service at Rolex. “The sales keep increasing every year, so the feedback is very good.”
At the 2010 Games, the radio receivers are available for $45, which includes the service, the credit-card-sized radio receiver and ear buds. O’Connor is confident that the purchase will amplify spectators’ experience at the Games.
“It is going to increase the enjoyment of their participation as a spectator,” O’Connor said. “For $45 you are getting a lot of value and expertise, and it will be a fun little memento as well.”
So, don’t be the one left in the stands without your own radio receiver. Get yours now.
Commentators for the 2010 Games are:
• Dressage: Kathy Connelly, noted trainer and commentator
• Driving: Sem Groenewoud, Gold-medal winner for the Dutch team in 1982
• Eventing: Jean Scott Mitchell, retired FEI eventing judge and Betsy Steiner, world championship dressage rider
• Para-Dressage: Jennifer Nell, former program director of one of the largest therapeutic riding centers in the country
• Vaulting: Nancy Stevens-Brown, trainer, coach, commentator
For more information about the commentators or about World Equestrian Radio, visit www.worldequestrianradio.com.