October 4, 2004 – New York, New York – Eric Lamaze, a rider representative for the non-profit humanitarian organization, JustWorld International, scored two major Grand Prix victories at the CSI-W Tournament of Champions held September 23-26 in Palgrave, Canada.

Lamaze won Friday’s $50,000 World Cup Qualifier event and returned to the winner’s circle on ‘Grand Prix Sunday’ after winning the $50,000 Canada Cup. The victories were earned on two different horses, both new acquisitions for Lamaze.

In Friday’s World Cup Qualifier, Lamaze and 27 other challengers faced off over the technical track set by Olympic course designer Leopoldo Palacios of Venezuela who, coincidentally, is a member of the ‘Jump for a Just World’ Advisory Board. As one of five riders to pass the initial test and advance to the jump-off, Lamaze then put in a second clear round in a time of 40.34 seconds to narrowly edge eight-time Olympian Ian Millar who stopped the timers at 40.58 seconds. Lamaze was riding Ashland Stables Inc.’s Laurain Z, a nine-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare that was purchased for him this summer from Stephex Stables in Belgium. The win also gave Lamaze a substantial lead in the Canadian World Cup League, putting him on track for an invitation to the 2005 World Cup Final to be held in Las Vegas.

In Sunday’s $50,000 Canada Cup, the current Canadian Show Jumping Champion pulled a one-two punch, winning the event and also finishing second by recording the only two double-clear performances of the afternoon. With a time of 31.62 seconds in the four-horse jump-off, Lamaze scored victory aboard Stacy Krembil’s grey gelding, Pulque, while Tempete v/h Lindehof, an eight-year-old black Belgian Warmblood gelding, was considerably slower than his stable mate to clock in at 34.75 seconds.

A veteran of the last three consecutive World Equestrian Games, Lamaze, 36, became a Just World Rider Representative during the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL, choosing to make a significant annual donation to the non-profit organization. His friendship with Jessica Newman, the Executive Director of JustWorld International, was the main motivation behind his decision to get involved.

“We’re good friends, but I also believe that JustWorld International is a good cause,” noted Lamaze, who rode Newman’s former mount, Kahlua, to a team bronze medal at the 1999 Pan American Games. “I liked their idea for a fundraising event in Wellington, hosting a training show in January and also allowing people to train on their grand prix field all circuit long in exchange for a donation to JustWorld International. And, back in the 90’s, Jessica supported me with some good horses, so I am happy to return the favour and support her efforts now.”

When Newman gave up her own grand prix riding career in order to dedicate her life to humanitarian work following a life-altering experience working with street children in Honduras, she gave her string of horses to Lamaze.

“Earlier this year, I asked Eric to join the team of JustWorld riders,” recalls Newman, 29. “He is a very generous person with a big heart and when the chips are down, I know I can always count on him. I admire him for how far he has come, having started out with nothing and building one of the most successful horse businesses in North America. His drive, enthusiasm and charisma make him a great role model and inspiration for the underprivileged youth JustWorld International works with, demonstrating that with desire and motivation you can conquer any obstacle.”

Lamaze joins an ever-growing list of the top names in show jumping sport that have chosen to ‘Jump for a Just World’. Other Just World Rider Representatives include Kevin Babington of Ireland, Angela Covert of Canada, Herve Godignon of France, Imke Hofshroer of Germany, Rutherford Latham of Spain, Olivier Guillon of France, Candice King of the United States, Eric Navet of France and Ray Texel of the United States. Through various initiatives, including donating a portion of their prize money or giving clinics to benefit JustWorld International, riders are able to support the organization’s projects and programs.

Founded in 2002, JustWorld International offers fellowship programs for students from around the globe to learn leadership skills, the tools that they can use to make a positive difference in the world. With three project sites located in Cambodia, Honduras and Senegal, students are working for change in a wide variety of environments on behalf of JustWorld International.

For further information on JustWorld International, please visit www.justworldinternational.org.