IFSS Selects Ireland for 2010 General Assembly
Written by Sally O'Sullivan Bair   
Sunday, 31 January 2010

Monticello, Minnesota USA – “Cead Mile Failte” (Irish for a hundred thousand welcomes) sums up the excitement expressed by Mandy Hynes, president of Sled Dogs Ireland upon learning of her country’s selection to host the 2010 IFSS General Assembly. “We believe that the presence of the world’s governing body on sled dog sports in Ireland will be of huge benefit towards the development and recognition of sleddog sports here in Ireland. As hosts to the International Federation of Sleddog Sports, we aim to make their visit a memorable one, offering one and all a real Irish welcome. ‘Caed Mile Failte do IFSS!’ ”

IFSS President Bengt Pontén is equally excited to promote the sport in Ireland. “This is a wonderful opportunity for IFSS to meet with Sled Dogs Ireland and help increase awareness of our sport in the Emerald Isle, especially in the dryland discipline.”
On January 22, 2010, the Council of the International Federation of Sleddog Sports (IFSS) voted to hold its 2010 General Assembly in Ashford, County Wicklow, Ireland, from September 24-26, 2010. In Ashford, the Bel-Air Hotel and Equestrian Center will be the meeting site. It is set in the midst of 200 acres of farm and parkland with breathtaking views across the countryside out to the sea. The Victorian manor house offers old world charm and comfort, and the family has welcomed visitors to Bel-Air since 1937. Ashford, which is just off the main highway N11, is approximately 40 minutes south of Dublin City Centre and only one hour’s drive from the Dublin International airport.
Although the Bel-Air has only a minimum number of lodging rooms, Ashford has a number of other hotels and bed & breakfasts. Information will be forthcoming later this spring for those wishing to attend this important IFSS meeting. IFSS regularly holds its general assemblies in even-numbered years. Hot topics anticipated for 2010 include race rules, by-laws, anti-doping issues, and the 2011 Winter IFSS World Championships in Norway.
Last Updated ( Sunday, 31 January 2010 )