As one of the nation’s leading and most innovative healthcare organizations, providing a full spectrum of healthcare and wellness programs throughout the Southeast region, Atrium Health and St. Luke’s Hospital will provide first aid stations at TIEC with bug spray, sunscreen, band aids, as well as hand sanitizing stations. With St. Luke’s Hospital located less than 20 minutes from TIEC in Columbus, N.C., combined with the regional reach and resources of Atrium Health’s extensive regional network, the partnership with both organizations ensures that the equestrian center is equipped with first-class medical care both on and offsite.

Atrium Health and St. Luke’s Hospital will kick off their long-term partnership with TIEC by presenting the $72,000 St. Luke’s Hospital Grand Prix CSI 2* on Saturday, May 4, 2019, which coincides with the equestrian center’s launch of its weekly “Saturday Night Lights” event series that runs through October 2019. The organizations will also host free quarterly health screenings for the public at “Saturday Night Lights” events.

“We are honored to welcome Atrium Health and St. Luke’s Hospital as our ‘Official Health Care Provider’ and are grateful for the contribution they make to ensuring the health and safety of our athletes and visitors to Tryon International Equestrian Center,” said Sharon Decker, chief operating officer of Tryon Equestrian Partners.

“St. Luke’s Hospital is pleased to be the community hospital for beautiful Polk County and to serve as TIEC’s official healthcare provider,” Michelle Fortune, St. Luke’s chief executive officer, said. “Our proximity, our wide array of services, 24/7 Emergency Department and of course, stellar orthopedic care, ensure that competitors and visitors to TIEC have immediate access medical care.

“St. Luke’s and Atrium Health look forward to a great partnership with TIEC. With visitors coming to the Carolina Foothills from across the country and beyond, St. Luke’s is ready to provide excellent quality, stellar service and personal attention that has helped St. Luke’s Hospital reach the top 10 percent in the nation for exceptional customer service.”

The 2019 TIEC competition calendar features 33 weeks of equestrian sport, plus a year-round calendar of events and activities. TIEC’s signature “Saturday Night Lights” event series is returning every Saturday in May through October, offering free family fun including pony and carousel rides, face painting, live music, entertainers and world-class equestrian sport. New themes are in store for 2019 for extra fun activities, special events, contests and more. General admission and parking to TIEC and Tryon Resort is free and open to the public. Onsite restaurants, shopping and lodging are also available. Additional information can be found at www.tryon.com.