Canadian Olympic champion Eric Lamaze will be the first guest on the newly launched NEE TV. The Olympic gold, silver, and bronze medalist will candidly answer questions, including those submitted by viewers, in a live broadcast from his home base in Brussels, Belgium, on Monday, April 20, beginning at 12 noon EST.
Having participated in similar – and wildly successful – fan interactions during the CSI4*-W Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, Canada, and the CSI5* Paris Masters in France last fall, Lamaze is eager to continue the conversation. The best part? No topic is off limits! With one of the most intriguing back stories of any athlete on the international show jumping circuit, Lamaze will address any and all inquiries into his personal and sporting life.
Eric Lamaze. Photo by Starting Gate Communications.
“I think it’s important for us riders to start interacting with our fans on a personal level,” said Lamaze, who is known for his gracious and generous nature when approached by his fans. “Sure, we can all talk about a particular horse or how we jumped a certain course, but I think it’s time we started going deeper than that. I want people to be able to connect with me personally. That’s what’s going to make our sport interesting to the average person; that they learn about us as fellow human beings and discover that they can relate to our life experiences.”
Lamaze’s life story reads like a best-selling novel. From humble beginnings and two missed Olympic appearances due to failed drug tests, Lamaze earned the ultimate redemption at the 2008 Olympic Games by winning the individual gold medal and leading Canada to the team silver with his beloved Hickstead. Losing his horse of a lifetime so publicly during competition a few years later came as a devastating blow that had Lamaze seriously considering retiring from the sport. Now, he is in the fight of his life as he battles a brain tumour, all while displaying a super-human ability to continue competing at the top level internationally.
Founded by Ali Nilforushan of Nilforushan Equisports Events, NEE TV will be bringing viewers a wide variety of video content. Moderated by Nilforushan, the interview with Lamaze will act as the first episode of the Unbridled series which provides an uncensored look at some of equestrian sport’s biggest names.
“It’s incredible that Ali is providing this innovative new platform for people to ask questions and, more importantly, for the riders to answer them candidly,” said Lamaze. “Everyone has a story to tell and we can inspire others by being honest about our journeys. NEE TV is giving us an outlet to showcase the wide range of personalities that make up our sport. I’m really looking forward to it.”
To watch, viewers can sign up here. Pricing for advance sign-up is $50 USD, or $75 USD on the day of the broadcast. Once registered, viewers can submit questions for Lamaze to answer. While not all questions can be included due to time constraints, Lamaze will do his best to address as many as possible during the interview, which is expected to last for approximately two hours.
Lamaze will be donating proceeds to his charity of choice, the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada. Lamaze has long supported the non-profit organization in his home country and has been involved with making wishes come true by presenting horses and ponies to children with life-threatening illnesses.
About Eric Lamaze
Eric Lamaze is an Olympic gold, silver, and bronze medalist who operates Torrey Pines Stable, a large training and sales business specializing in international sport horse sales with bases in Wellington, Florida, and Brussels, Belgium. For more information on Lamaze and Torrey Pines Stable, click here.