Ulf Helgstrand, president of the Danish Equestrian Federation (DRF) and father of Olympic medalist Andreas Helgstrand, has celebrated his 60th birthday in style. Guest from Denmark and abroad attended a special reception at the town hall in Brøndby, where the DRF is based.
"Several speakers praised Ulf for his dedication, his ardent enthusiasm and ability to "speak frankly" when needed," Danish magazine Ridehesten.com wrote about the festivity. "Helgstrand is known at the Danish Equestrian Federation as a sincere, passionate and energetic president," the DRF press officer added.
Esben Moller, Hanfried Haring, Susanne Baarup and Hanni Toosbuy Kasprzak were just a few of the many distinguished guests at this celebration.
Since 2003 Helgstrand has been spearheading the national federation. He comes from a horsey background as a former farmer in Amager. He studied medicin and is head of a vascular surgery department at the Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen. He is married to Ewa and has three sons.
In Ulf Helgstrand's presidential period, the Danish Equestrian Federation underwent a massive development with riders winning medals at the World Equestrian Games and Olympics as well as at European Youth Riders Championships. Especially the latter achievements are considered to be very important as the youth has the future.
For years Helgstrand has also played an important role on the international scene, as he was amongst the driving forces behind the foundation of the European Equestrian Federation (EEF), of which Helgstrand is vice president. He is also the Vice President of Regional Group II of the FEI.
Photo © Ridehesten.com
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