For the first time since COVID-19, the Jacksonville Equestrian center is hosting Special Olympics

JACKSONVILLE, Fla — The Jacksonville Equestrian Center (JEC), a multi-purpose facility managed by Northeast Florida Equestrian Society (NFES)/ H.O.R.S.E. Therapies, Inc., a non-profit organization offering adaptive equine therapy programs with therapy horses, is hosting Special Olympics Florida for Equestrian Sports on March 5, 2023 for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. The qualifier will include equitation, working rail, pole bending and barrel racing events.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

The Special Olympics Florida’s mission is to provide year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for people with intellectual disabilities who wish to participate, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.

“We are thrilled to welcome back Special Olympics Florida in 2023. This year, we’re able to align their mission with NFES/H.O.R.S.E. Therapies, Inc., which works to provide adaptable riding programs and equine therapy to the Jacksonville area,” said Sam Sykes, equestrian special olympic coach and program director for the NFES/H.O.R.S.E. Therapies, Inc. “We hosted this event in 2018 and 2019 and are excited to once again provide a state-of-the-art facility for the athletes to compete and share their talents with the community.”

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

NFES/H.O.R.S.E. Therapies, Inc. stands for helping others rehabilitate through the service of equines. The not-for-profit organization is creating a therapeutic haven where people facing physical, cognitive and emotional challenges can experience the healing power of the horse.

By welcoming the Special Olympics Florida to JEC, the two organizations are combining their similar missions to support the athletes as they showcase their abilities and demonstrate the importance of equine therapy.

[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]

The JEC is part of a 2,000 acre tract of land conveyed to the City of Jacksonville for recreational purposes. NFES/H.O.R.S.E. Therapies, Inc.’s primary goal is operating JEC at the highest professional standard possible and to continue the growth of the facility in order to attract quality events, provide family entertainment and contribute to the economic impact of the local community.

Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.