Debbie McDonald and Mason Phelps Return to the Ring in a Dressage Pas de Deux for Challenge of the Americas
Wellington, FL-January 24, 2013-Olympians Debbie McDonald and Mason Phelps are teaming together in a dressage pas de deux exhibition at The Challenge of the Americas March 9 to help raise funds for breast cancer research.
Both Olympians came out of retirement to plan the ride. “It was a collaborative effort to challenge each other to get back in front of the public and it is all for a good cause,” Phelps said. “Debbie and I are thrilled to be helping raise money for breast cancer and we couldn’t have done it in such a big way without the help of so many generous sponsors and helpers.”
Top names are behind the duo, including Carl Hester, who is helping choreograph the freestyle, Terry Ciotto Gallo, who is donating the musical compilation for the disco-themed ride, Samshield, who donated top-of-line helmets for the pair, and Stoddard Oliver, who is tailoring the costumes.
The blinged-out duo will sport white tailcoats with red satin lining and collar and red buttons, blue bowties and cummerbunds and blue breeches along with their Samshield custom helmets.
“After losing my mother and sister to breast cancer, the cause is near and dear to me,” McDonald said. “If we can entertain and sell a few more seats, it is all for a good cause.”
Challenge of the Americas is celebrating its 11th year raising money for breast cancer research. Teams will compete in a night of dressage quadrilles with participating riders among the “Who’s Who” of top equestrian competitors in the United States, Canada, Latin America and Europe.
Proceeds benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation through Play For P.I.N.K. After the competition, riders and spectators alike will celebrate at the Challenge Gala.
“It’s great to have a venue for Mason and Debbie to make their return to the ring,” said Mary Ross, Challenge of the Americas organizer for the event. “With Debbie’s Olympic dressage experience and Mason’s Olympic three-day eventing experience, this should be a night to remember.”
The Challenge of The Americas Fast Facts
What:
The Challenge of The Americas (COTA), known throughout the equestrian world for its spectacular performances on horseback, returns for its 11th anniversary to continue its fight against breast cancer. This annual fundraiser is a one-of-a-kind affair that highlights the equestrian sport of dressage. Competing riders include the “Who’s Who” of top equestrian competitors in the United States, Canada, Latin America and Europe.
There are few, if any, places throughout the world where an audience can delight in the performances of such a large and distinguished group of riders and their magnificent equine partners. The Challenge of The Americas’ teams of international riders compete in quadrilles to world-class music and choreography in an effort to raise funds to help find a cure for breast cancer. Proceeds benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation through Play For P.I.N.K. After the competition, riders, spectators and supporters will celebrate at the Challenge Gala.
When: 6 p.m., Saturday, March 9, 2013
Where: Jim Brandon Equestrian Center West Palm Beach, Florida
Sponsors:
Back on Track Products
Cunningham & Cunningham Livestock, Inc.
International Polo Club Palm Beach
MatchnRide.com
Merrill Lynch, The Seley Parker Group
Purina Mills
Red Barn Feed & Supply
Samshield
SSG Gloves
Steed Training
United States Dressage Federation
Wellington Classic Dressage
Program Coordinator:
Mary Ross 8067 Montserrat Place
Wellington, FL 33414 (561) 433-0988 (561) 251-7945
News and Information:
Phelps Media Group
Sue Weakley
(561) 753-3389
12012 South Shore Blvd., Suite 105
Wellington, FL 33414
www.challengeoftheamericas.com
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/ChallengeOfTheAmericas?fref=ts
The Challenge of The Americas Beneficiaries:
Play for P.I.N.K.
Play for P.I.N.K (Prevention, Immediate diagnosis, New technology, Knowledge) is a grassroots organization dedicated to raising funds to fight breast cancer by creating and promoting awareness of breast cancer through sporting and lifestyle events including men’s and women’s golf tournaments, tennis, swimming, card games, equestrian events, shopping benefits, spa days and wine tastings. Play for P.I.N.K. is committed to contribute 100 percent of all funds raised to partner, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Since 1996, Play for P.I.N.K has donated $18,750,000 to BCRF. Play for P.I.N.K. and The Breast Cancer Research Foundation are proud to share the same vision: Find prevention and a cure in our lifetime.
Website: www.playforpink.org/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/playforpink?fref=ts
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation
Since its inception in 1993, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) has raised over $270,000 million to support the most advanced and promising breast cancer research that will help lead to prevention and a cure in our lifetime. If not for BCRF, many facts about the genetic basis of breast cancer wouldn’t be known, breast cancer stem cells would still be a mystery, and personalized, targeted therapies wouldn’t currently be available. At least 85 cents of every dollar raised for BCRF supports breast cancer research and awareness programs, and for the eighth consecutive year, BCRF received Charity Navigator’s highest rating, four stars, thus outperforming over 99.8 percent of the evaluated charities, while the American Institute of Philanthropy has awarded the Foundation its highest possible rating of A+. BCRF is the only breast cancer organization in the U.S. to receive these accolades.
Website: www.bcrfcure.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheBreastCancerResearchFoundation?fref=ts
Log onto www.ChallengeoftheAmericas.com for more information.
