THE Cambodian Country Club and Hagar Catering and Facilities Management jointly celebrated the national equestrian team last week which returned with a clutch of ribbons from the Christmas Jumping Competition in Thailand.

A gathering of media personnel, sponsors of the Cambodian Equestrian Federation and some staunch supporters hailed the performances of the three-member team as a great leap for the sport in the Kingdom.

“This was our way of expressing our joy over the achievements of our national team and also to thank our sponsors like Hagar, Horse Ware, Comin Khmer and Property Care Services for their unwavering support,” said Federation Technical Director Soraya Ourrais.

“We were quite honoured to have members of the media alongside our sponsors and our team members. It was a memorable occasion for the CEF.”

The CEF Secretary General Phillip Garcia emphasised the historical significance of the team’s Thailand visit.

“This is the first time since the 1956 Melbourne Olympics that a Cambodian equestrian team had taken part in an international event,” he said.

“Our success in Thailand and the aptitude of the team members will certainly lead us to a reintegration with the international community.

“This year’s SEA Games in Indonesia is well within our sights,” he added.