Mark Your Calendar for the $40,000 Griffis Apartment Funds Grand Prix on July 16

A thrilling summer at The Colorado Horse Park (CHP) will be highlighted with nearly $1,000,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs during Summer Circuit, June 8-July 24, 2011.

Griffis Group, a Denver-based real estate investment group, joins CHP as title sponsor for the $40,000 Griffis Apartment Funds Grand Prix on July 16. This international show jumping event is expected to attract top equestrians from around North America, and is part of a six-week circuit that brings millions of dollars into the local economy in Parker and Douglas County.

“Grand Prix show jumping is an exciting sport that we feel has a lot of potential in this area,” explains Ian Griffis, managing director of Griffis Group. “With Colorado’s central location between the coasts, Mexico and Canada, we feel the location has the potential for strong growth as a major show venue in the future.”

In other areas of the country equestrian sports bring millions to local businesses. The largest international show and venue in the USA, located in Wellington, FL has an economic impact of $66 million each year, as reported by an analysis commissioned by the Wellington Equestrian Alliance in 2007.

The support from Griffis Group is an example of local business backing The Colorado Horse Park, which has offered top-level competitions that are also family-friendly spectator events for nearly 20 years.

This is not the first time that Griffis Group has supported equestrian endeavors. In 2009 and 2010 the company sponsored show jumping competitions at The Palmer Divide Ranch that raised funds for the Lewis Palmer Education Foundation and The Children’s Hospital.

“Judged on the speed of the horse and rider combination over a jump course set in a stadium, Grand Prix show jumping is action packed and exciting to watch,” Griffis explains. “Both the horses and the riders are incredible athletes.”

Show jumping is an international sport with riders competing all over the world under the umbrella of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI). Whether in the Olympics or at the local level, horses and riders compete over challenging jumps up to and over 1.50 meters high, with speed and accuracy being of premium importance.

Griffis continues, “For many spectators, this may be their first opportunity to watch show jumping. We are excited to be associated with this event locally and encourage other local businesses to get involved by supporting the Horse Park.”

In business locally since 1985, and today one of the largest owners of Class-A apartment communities in Colorado, Griffis Group also looks for unique ways to reduce the environmental impact of its business endeavors. Its support of renewable energy included last year’s purchase of 11,795,195 kWh of renewable energy credits (RECs), which reduces the carbon footprint of its Class-A luxury apartment communities by channeling its energy purchases to wind producers. The company has also begun installing solar panels at select communities.

Griffis Group communities, located in Colorado Springs, Denver, Aurora, Boulder, and Broomfield, Colorado, have incorporated eco-friendly practices into its luxury amenities which include resort-style pools, spas, and 24-hour fitness centers as well as state-of-the-art business centers. Green practices include on-site single stream recycling, energy-efficient lighting, high efficiency appliances, on-site recycling for CFLs, water conservation efforts in landscaping and use of green materials like Shaw Green Certified carpet, recycled glass backsplashes and non-VOC (volatile organic compound) paint in renovations.

“When we look for strategic partners, we look to individuals and business that are committed to making a difference in the community,” says Brian Curry, Vice President of The Colorado Horse Park. “Griffis Group does that.”

Mark Your Calendars

The $40,000 Griffis Apartment Funds Grand Prix July 16 4:00 p.m.

The Colorado Horse Park 7522 S. Pinery Drive Parker, CO 80134 303-841-5550 ext. 110 for more information

General admission and parking are free. For information on VIP seating, please call 303-841-5550 ext. 110.

To learn more visit www.coloradohorsepark.com and www.griffisgroup.com.

Susan Griffis

Show jumping showcases the athleticism of horse and rider, like Georgia Griffis riding “Welcome”. The $40,000 Griffis Apartment Funds Grand Prix is July 16 at The Colorado Horse Park