USDF Now Accepting Nominations for Volunteer of the Year

For Immediate Release
Thursday, March 24, 2005

USDF is pleased to announce that they are accepting nominations for the 2005 USDF Volunteer of the Year Award, presented by The Paddock Saddlery. This prestigious award honors one outstanding volunteer who has contributed on a national basis to USDF's mission: "dedicated to education, the recognition of achievement, and the promotion of the sport of dressage."

Nominees must have volunteered at least 25 hours during the current year on any USDF-related project at the local, regional, or national level. They should have demonstrated consistent and cumulative volunteer activities over the past five years at USDF-recognized events, and have been a USDF group, intercollegiate/interscholastic, or participating member for at least five years.

"Our volunteer system is the backbone of USDF. We would not be able to achieve our goals without the tireless efforts of thousands of volunteers. Winning the Volunteer of the Year award is a very special honor," said USDF President Sam Barish.

The inaugural award was presented to Patsy Albers in 2004. Patsy is well respected by her peers on the local, regional, and national level, and has been particularly involved in her region as the FEI Junior/Young Rider coordinator for ten years. More information about Patsy can be found at www.usdf.org.

The 2005 USDF Volunteer of the Year will be presented with a perpetual trophy at the USDF National Convention and Symposium, which will be held on November 30 - December 4, 2005 in Los Angeles, California. The award winner will also receive a "keeper" trophy and will be featured in USDF Connection.

Nominations may be made by any USDF member and are due August 31. Forms are available at www.usdf.org/Programs/awards/index.asp. Send nomination forms or questions to Cindy Vimont, 220 Lexington Green Circle, Suite 510, Lexington KY 40503; phone: (859) 271-7870; e-mail: cvimont@usdf.org.

Founded in 1973, the United States Dressage Federation is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to education, recognition of achievement, and promotion of dressage. For more information about USDF membership or programs, visit www.usdf.org, email usdressage@usdf.org, or call (859) 971-2277.