August 12, 2005 – Dinard, France – JustWorld International’s newest American Ambassador, Peter Leone, proved joining forces with the non-profit organization was a win-win situation by scoring victory at the CSI* Dinard Horse Show held August 5-7 in Dinard, France.

Leone, an Olympic Silver Medalist who operates Lionshare Farm, in Greenwich, CT, had only just become a JustWorld International Rider Representative before posting his first victory. In the Grand Derby of Dinard, Leone was the only rider to post a clear round over the course designed by Jean-Paul Le Petit. Fittingly, Leone was riding an Irish Sport Horse, known for their bravery and being adept at jumping the natural obstacles such as the banks, ditches and water obstacles featured on Derby courses. Leone was aboard Timbuktu, also known as ‘Timmy’, an 11-year-old bay gelding owned by Emily Zand that he has been riding for the past 18 months.

“It was a super competition, I managed to have the only clear round in the Derby while the next best score was eight faults,” said Leone who, in addition to his Derby victory, also enjoyed top finishes in several other classes to be named the Leading Rider of CSI* Dinard. “In a positive way, I would describe Timbuktu as a classic, old-fashioned Irish horse with a big heart who is great at jumping the natural obstacles.”

Leone made a significant monetary pledge to JustWorld International, a not-for-profit, humanitarian organization founded to work as a catalyst for positive change in the developing world by helping underprivileged children.

“Plain and simply, the action that JustWorld International is taking for children in need makes me want to bring attention to its cause,” asserted Leone of his involvement with the charitable organization. “I really respect and admire the cause, and that is why I have come on board. I am just thrilled to be able to help promote JustWorld’s cause in the show jumping world, and especially to help promote it to the junior and amateur competitors in my immediate equestrian community.”

For JustWorld International, having a high profile athlete of Leone’s caliber promoting the organization’s efforts attracts even more attention to its goals.

“Peter Leone is one of the most recognizable names in show jumping, both in the United States and around the world,” noted Jessica Newman, Executive Director of JustWorld International. “In addition to being an Olympic Medalist as well as a World Championship competitor and a five-time World Cup Finalist, Peter is also extremely well-respected and embodies the type of athlete we wish to have promoting our organization.”

JustWorld International Rider Representatives include Angela Covert-Lawrence of Canada, Kevin Babington of Ireland, Christophe Barbeau of Switzerland, James Benedetto of the United States, Federico Fernandez of Mexico, Marcus Fuchs of Switzerland, Herve Godignon of France, Imke Hofschroer of Germany, Eric Lamaze of Canada, Rutherford Latham of Spain, Olivier Guillon of France, Candice King of the United States, Peter Leone of the United States, Titi Mills of Honduras, Eric Navet of France, Ludo Philippaerts of Belgium, Philippe Rozier of France, Tim Stockdale of Great Britain, Ray Texel of the United States, Marilyn Vorpe of Switzerland and Gregory Wathelet of Belgium. Through various initiatives, including donating a portion of their prize money and giving clinics to benefit JustWorld International and encouraging their owners, sponsors and youth to follow their lead, riders are able to support the organization’s projects and programs.

Founded in 2002, JustWorld International offers volunteer opportunities for students from around the globe to learn leadership skills and acquire the tools necessary to make a positive difference in the world. Cooperating with local partners, JustWorld International implements sustainable, culturally sensitive projects that benefit underprivileged children. JustWorld International trains and empowers international and local university student volunteers to create and realize these projects, providing them with hands-on experience in promoting social justice. With three project sites located in Cambodia, Honduras and Senegal, as well as a new initiative being launched in Kenya, students are working for change in a wide variety of environments on behalf of JustWorld International. For more information on JustWorld International, please visit www.justworldinternational.org.