FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: ZARA BUREN MEMORIAL AWARD RECIPIENT
February 16, 2022 –
The Ontario Eventing Association, in partnership with the Zara Buren Memorial Foundation, is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2022 Zara Buren Memorial Award.
The Zara Buren Memorial Award was created in honour of Zara Buren, a remarkable young rider known for her kindness, drive for excellence, passionate love of animals and dedication to her horse and the sport of Eventing. A talented rider with a commitment to training and learning, Zara always put her horse’s needs first. The Zara Buren Memorial Foundation was established in 2020 with the focus on helping youth with the desire, talent and work ethic to pursue their passion. The Foundation supports the Zara Buren Memorial Award, given annually through the Ontario Eventing Association to an exceptional junior rider who exhibits a passion for Eventing, sportsmanship and a commitment to their horse.
This year, a total of 17 junior riders applied for this award. The selection committee was comprised of members of the Ontario Eventing Association Board of Directors, as well as Zara’s family.
Said Robert Buren: “Sabrina, Chloe and I were touched by the number of applicants and impressed by the strength of each submission. It is heartening that Zara’s legacy continues to inspire riders of all ages across the province, setting the bar for excellence, sportsmanship and horsemanship. Once again, in addition to the primary award and in response to the number of strong candidates, the Zara Buren Memorial Foundation is proud to support four additional athletes with Grants of Distinction. We hope that the traits that this award recognizes will continue to grow amongst all riders, and the memories of Zara will carry on for everyone who was lucky enough to know her, and those who continue to #rideforzara.”
The Ontario Eventing Association is pleased to announce Olivia MacLeod, as the recipient of this year’s award, a $6,000 dollar grant as well as a horse cooler and bonnet in burgundy, Zara’s show colour.
The 4 Grants of Distinction recipients are, whom each will receive a grant of $1,000 dollars, in alphabetical order:
- Georgia Leah Bunting
- Addison Howarth
- Alexa Maclaren
- Trinity Sachau-Sherman
Congratulations once again to this year’s applicants and to our grant recipients.
Ontario Eventing Association:
The Ontario Eventing Association is committed to the promotion and development of the sport of Eventing in Ontario. Our goal is to encourage participation in Eventing through sanctioned competitions and educational activities. We seek to promote and create a love of the sport, as well as a true appreciation and understanding of the horse. The OEA is a not-for-profit organization, established for its educational and promotional endeavors.
Zara Buren Memorial Foundation:
The Zara Buren Memorial Foundation was created with the purpose of helping youth with the desire, talent and work ethic to pursue their passion. Zara Mathilde Buren, age 14, died on September 21, 2020 saving her beloved horse and will be forever remembered as an extraordinary child and exceptional athlete who
gave love and kindness to every human and animal she encountered. She is missed beyond measure.
For Media Inquiries, please contact:
For the Zara Buren Memorial Foundation:
Sabrina Haque
haque@hotmail.ca
Zara Buren Memorial Foundation – Oakville Community Foundation (theocf.org)
For the Ontario Eventing Association
Ann Neal
President@ontarioeventing.ca
www.ontarioeventing.com
Attachment: permissions granted for editorial use
Photo of Olivia MacLeod courtesy of Teresa Mae Finnerty Photography
