July 5, 2006 – Lummen, Belgium – Jean-Claude Van Geenberghe celebrated Grand Prix victory at the CSIO5* Lummen, BEL, held June 29 to July 2, 2006. Representing the Ukraine in competition, Van Geenberghe is also a prominent Rider Ambassador for JustWorld International, a not-for-profit organization working in impoverished countries for the benefit of underprivileged children.

It was a successful weekend for Van Geenberghe as, on Friday, he delivered two clear rounds in the €55,000 Nations' Cup competition, allowing the Ukraine to finish tied for third place. In Sunday's two-round Grand Prix, Van Geenberghe again produced double clear rounds, a feat no other competitor could match, to win the €40,000 Lummen Grand Prix without a jump-off. In both the Nations' Cup and the Grand Prix, Van Geenberghe rode Osta Rugs Tresor, a 10-year-old chestnut Belgian Warmblood stallion by Major de la Cour that is owned by Mr. De Brandere.

"It was a little bit of a test for this horse, he had only had one week off during the past month, and the weather was very hot at Lummen," explained Van Geenberghe. "In the Nations' Cup, he delivered two clear rounds, and then had one day off. In the Grand Prix, he jumped two clear rounds, and I was really pleased especially because I saw a lot of other horses struggling with the heat in the second round. To me, it proved that Osta Rugs Tresor is fit, in good shape, and strong enough to jump in Aachen."

In the weeks leading up to CSIO5* Lummen, Van Geenberghe had enjoyed several other victories. At CSI4* Cannes, he won the €25,000 1.50m Prix Leclerc riding Osta Rugs Tresor and also topped the €20,000 1.40m Team Relay riding Osta Rugs Coronation. At CSI5* Monte Carlo, MON, held the week before Lummen, Van Geenberghe and Osta Rugs Coronation took third place in the 1.50m 'Jump for a Just World' Grand Prix, presented by Chesapeake Petroleum.

"I think it is very important to do something to help others," said the 43-year-old regarding his decision to become a JustWorld Rider Ambassador. "I have known Jessica for a long time, and thought that JustWorld was a good cause to become involved in. And since I have started wearing the JustWorld jacket, I have had really good success, which means that I will be able to donate even more money!"

Jessica Newman, Executive Director of JustWorld International, was pleased to welcome Van Geenberghe as a Rider Ambassador, saying, "With Jean Claude’s recent streak of success on the Riviera tour in St. Tropez and Cannes, I knew he was due for a big win. He has been hot on the money, and does us proud by wearing his new JustWorld colors! He is a very elegant and efficient rider, and a great example of someone who is focused on moving to the top of the world rankings, yet also down to earth enough to genuinely want to contribute to making the world a better place."

Representing his native Belgium, Van Geenberghe competed at the 1988 Olympic Games, four World Cup Finals, and numerous European Championships before he began riding for the Ukraine earlier this year. Based at Zilveren Spoor in Moorsele, BEL, Van Geenberghe operates a coaching, training and sales business.

Over 40 professionals have become JustWorld Rider Ambassadors including such well-known names as Kevin Babington of Ireland, Markus Fuchs of Switzerland, Herve Godignon, Olivier Guillon and Eric Navet of France, Candice King, Peter Leone, and Michael Morrissey of the United States, Eric Lamaze of Canada, Robert Maguire and Tim Stockdale of Great Britain, Ludo Philippaerts of Belgium, and Piet Raijmakers, Jr., of the Netherlands. 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 raises awareness and funds in the equestrian community to support humanitarian projects that benefit impoverished communities and children in the developing world. Cooperating with local partners, JustWorld International implements sustainable, culturally sensitive education, health and vocational projects. For more information on JustWorld International, please visit www.justworldinternational.org.