Lexington, KY (October 26, 2017) - The United States Dressage Federation™ (USDF) is pleased to announce that Debbie DelGiorno, of Camden Wyoming, DE, has been named the 2017 USDF Volunteer of the Year. Members recognized with this honor have demonstrated exceptional commitment towards carrying out USDF's mission, through consistent and cumulative volunteer activities. As the winner, Debbie will be presented with a perpetual trophy, established by Lisa Gorretta, which is on permanent display in the Roemer Foundation/USDF Hall of Fame. She will also receive a “keeper” trophy and be featured in the yearbook issue of USDF Connection.

Debbie DelGiorno is an institution for youth education in Region 1. Debbie first served as a rally coordinator and joint District Commissioner for the Shore Riders Pony Club, before she moved on to serving on the Eastern States Dressage and Combined Training Association (ESDCTA) Youth Committee, as well as in the roles of secretary and vice president. She has also served as the Adequan® FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC) Region 1 Chef d'Equipe, since 2013. In 2014, Debbie was the recipient of the Albers Award for her service and dedication in this role. Currently, Debbie serves on the USDF FEI Jr/YR Committee as the Region 1 Coordinator, making herself available as the first line of communication for riders and parents, handling all entries and assisting in the logistics for the members of her team.

In addition, Debbie has organized multiple USDF Jr/YR clinics, served as a USDF Region 1 Participating Member Delegate for the past eight years, and is a former member of the USDF Youth Programs Committee. Debbie has also been a dedicated volunteer for the Dressage4Kids Youth Dressage Festival.

USDF President George Williams commented, “The USDF is pleased to be able to recognize Debbie DelGiorno with this award. Volunteers, such as her, are essential to the success of our programs. Debbie exemplifies the parent who becomes involved because of their child, then stays involved because of others' children. She has dedicated herself not only to the youth of Region 1, but also to young dressage enthusiasts across the country.”

For more information about the USDF Volunteer of the Year Award, visit the USDF website at www.usdf.org, or contact the USDF office at [email protected]. 

Founded in 1973, the United States Dressage Federation is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to education, recognition of achievement, and promotion of dressage. For more information about USDF membership or programs, visit www.usdf.org, email [email protected], or call (859) 971-2277.