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July 18th, 2010

“Handing over the reins at the right time“
Carl Meulenbergh takes over the Presidency of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein from Klaus Pavel after 17 years

It was an emotional and a moving evening at the Soers in Aachen: After 17 years Klaus Pavel announced that he is stepping down as the President of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein (ALRV). “A good President knows when it is the right time to pass on the responsibility,” was how Pavel substantiated his decision.

Many friends, colleagues and acquaintances bid an emotional farewell to Klaus Pavel on Sunday evening. The German Foreign Minister, Dr. Guido Westerwelle, paid tribute to the outgoing President. Pavel was driven into the main stadium in a carriage just before the traditional “Farewell to the Nations” ceremony – accompanied by his wife Gudrun and the President of the FEI, Princess Haya of Jordan.

When Klaus Pavel took over the office of President of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein in 1993, the association was currently going through turbulent times. Pavel prudently and quickly brought stability into the association. The successful bid for the FEI World Equestrian Games 2006 occurred during his term of office. The traditional showground at the Aachen Soers has developed into the most modern equestrian site in the world during his presidency and the showground’s capacities have been continually expanded.

He will remain actively involved within the association. “I have taken the liberty of proposing Klaus Pavel as Honorary President,” stated Vice President, Carl Meulenbergh, “and am delighted that the Supervisory Board has announced that they will accept this proposal at the next board meeting on Tuesday. This then has to be confirmed by the members of the ALRV at the next General Meeting. Pavel’s successor is going to be Carl Meulenbergh, the current Vice President. “I am very pleased, that on my proposal Carl Meulenbergh has agreed to take over the office of President of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein,” commented Klaus Pavel. The Supervisory Board has agreed with this recommendation.

Quotes about Klaus Pavel

Nadine Capellmann, dressage rider:
“I already visited the CHIO as a child. It is fantastic to experience how the show lives, how it develops. Klaus Pavel has played an incredible role in this development. I am convinced that my father would have been proud of him.”

Princess Haya of Jordan, President of the FEI:
“It takes grandeur to step down at the right moment. Klaus Pavel has this grandeur, we are all very proud of him. Thank you for 17 years of presidency.”

Frank Kemperman, Chairman of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein:
As a citizen of the world Klaus Pavel is perfectly suited to the World Equestrian Festival. Innovation, professionalization and modernisation are typical Pavel terms, with which the equestrian event has been constantly further developed.”

Dr. Angela Merkel, Federal Chancellor:
“Klaus Pavel has done an incredible amount for the CHIO, for Aachen, for the horses and for the people who love horses. My sincere thanks – he has done so much for Germany.”

Carl Meulenbergh, Vice President of the ALRV:
“It is a great honour for me to take over the office after such a successful presidency. I have taken the liberty of proposing Klaus Pavel as Honorary President of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein.”

Michael Mronz, General Manager of the Aachener Reitturnier GmbH:
“With his fantasy and vision, Klaus Pavel has made the equestrian event fit for the future also regarding the marketing. During his office the decision was taken to retain our own responsibility for the marketing rights – contrary to the credo valid at the time. Today the equestrian event profits from this wise decision.”

Dr. Guido Westerwelle, German Foreign Minister:
“Klaus Pavel will remain an international messenger of the equestrian sport. What he has achieved for the equestrian sport, for Aachen, but also for German, will always remain omnipresent and not only equestrian friends should respect and pay tribute to him for this.”

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