The Carolina Cup Racing Association (CCRA) is pleased to announce that the November 13th Colonial Cup will feature a special “Salute to the Military.”
The CCRA will host a Colonial Cup Preview Party on the evening of Thursday, September 2nd. At the event, the racing association will unveil the newly designed poster and merchandise that will be available for the 2010 Colonial Cup.
Colonial Cup Preview Party
The National Steeplechase Museum
Thursday, September 2 – 5:30pm
Springdale Race Course, Camden
As part of the the 41st running of the Colonial Cup at Camden’s Springdale Race Course on November 13th, the Association will provide 3,000 free tickets to military personnel. Additionally, troops and their families will enjoy infield entertainment such as the perennial favorites the Jack Russell Terrier Trials, wagon rides, and a carousel, and there will be displays of military equipment produced in South Carolina.
The Golden Knights parachute team has also been invited to “jump the flag” onto the course as a kickoff to the first race.
‘We’re honored at this opportunity to recognize everything our troops do for our communities, state, and nation,” said Teri Teed, Assistant Director of the CCRA. “This is a way for us to show our military and their families how much we appreciate their service and sacrifice, and to reaffirm real South Carolina values like loyalty and patriotism.”
Teed pointed out that while the nation’s armed forces are making important contributions to U.S. security worldwide, they are also supporting the state’s economic well-being, including:
· The U.S. military has an annual economic impact of $7.1 billion in South Carolina.
· When the 3rd Army command structure moves to Shaw Air Force Base, the transfer will include 1,475 soldiers, 200 civilians, and their families, and result in a yearly economic windfall of $1.27 billion.
· The area is a magnet for training, which brings professionals as well as participants to the region, delivering even more benefits to the community.
“Given the fact that the equine industry in South Carolina has its own annual impact of $330 million in South Carolina – and the Carolina and Colonial Cups have a $6.5 million annual impact on the region – we are bringing some important engines of regional prosperity together for a truly wonderful event,” said Rep. Laurie Funderburk.
Rep. Funderburk added that the time and place of the “Salute to the Military” is highly significant.
“It’s Veterans Day weekend,” Rep. Funderburk said, “and we’re in Camden, the site of a major Revolutionary War battle. What an ideal event and location to honor these genuine American heroes.”
About the Carolina Cup Racing Association
The Carolina Cup Racing Association relies on the Carolina Cup and the Colonial Cup races to fulfill its mission of operating Springdale Race Course as both an equestrian and tourism center. Springdale Race Course is a world-renowned, 600 acre European style Thoroughbred racehorse training center that operates year round and is home to Hall of Fame trainers Jonathan Sheppard and Janet Elliot. Famous equine residents have included Flat Top, Storm Cat, Forever Together, Zacchio and Ruffian. Learn more at www.carolina-cup.org.
