Dr. Heather Stone isn't a world-class athlete, but she's going to the Olympics all the same.
Dr. Heather Stone isn't a world-class athlete, but she's going to the Olympics all the same.
Stone, a native of Moundsville, has been selected as a quarantine veterinarian for the equine events at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
"Being part of the Olympic Games, especially as a veterinarian, has been a lifelong goal," she said. "Having the opportunity to spend time behind the scenes with the premier equine athletes of our time gives me good bumps. It's the same thing for me as meeting movie stars might be for most people."
A graduate of Bethany College, Stone owns and operates Shamrock Stables in Bethany. After a lengthy interview process that included two trips to San Francisco, she was one of two veterinarians chosen be part of an international team working in Hong Kong during the Olympic equestrian events.
The main Olympic games will be held in Beijing, but the equestrian portion will be held in Hong Kong, about 1,500 miles away. Stone will work in the Shatin Olympic Equestrian Venue.
She will deal with the import, export and quarantine of more than 200 horses from all participating countries. Her primary concern will be to monitor the horses for infections and disease, she said.
Stone will work and live in Hong Kong for three months, from July 1 through Oct. 1. The Olympic games begin Aug. 8. Her job will include a stipend, but her contract does not include airfare to and from China or the cost of lodging.
Stone said she has found a YWCA near a train station in Hong Kong and plans to live there during her time in China. She has been brushing up on the three main Chinese dialects spoken in the area, but she said she is hoping enough people speak English that she'll be able to get by.
Dr. Heather Stone isn't a world-class athlete, but she's going to the Olympics all the same.
Stone, a native of Moundsville, has been selected as a quarantine veterinarian for the equine events at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
"Being part of the Olympic Games, especially as a veterinarian, has been a lifelong goal," she said. "Having the opportunity to spend time behind the scenes with the premier equine athletes of our time gives me good bumps. It's the same thing for me as meeting movie stars might be for most people."
A graduate of Bethany College, Stone owns and operates Shamrock Stables in Bethany. After a lengthy interview process that included two trips to San Francisco, she was one of two veterinarians chosen be part of an international team working in Hong Kong during the Olympic equestrian events.
The main Olympic games will be held in Beijing, but the equestrian portion will be held in Hong Kong, about 1,500 miles away. Stone will work in the Shatin Olympic Equestrian Venue.
She will deal with the import, export and quarantine of more than 200 horses from all participating countries. Her primary concern will be to monitor the horses for infections and disease, she said.
Stone will work and live in Hong Kong for three months, from July 1 through Oct. 1. The Olympic games begin Aug. 8. Her job will include a stipend, but her contract does not include airfare to and from China or the cost of lodging.
Stone said she has found a YWCA near a train station in Hong Kong and plans to live there during her time in China. She has been brushing up on the three main Chinese dialects spoken in the area, but she said she is hoping enough people speak English that she'll be able to get by.
In all, she said it will cost her about $2,500 a month to live and work in China during the Olympic Games. In addition, her airfare cost was about $1,500, she said.
Stone said she is looking for sponsors to help ease some of the financial burden.
"Every little bit helps," she said.
Her position with the Olympic equestrian sports has been a goal Stone has worked toward almost her entire life, she said. Her choice in schools and the programs in which she has participated have all been geared toward one day going to the Olympics, she said.
"Being chosen as an Olympic veterinarian has given me a true sense of accomplishment," she said.
Stone's contract is with the Hong Kong Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation. She applied for the veterinary position in the summer of 2007. In September she flew to San Francisco for an interview at the Hong Kong Economic Trade Center. In October she flew to San Francisco again for a second interview.
For more information about Shamrock Stables or to make a donation to Stone for her trip, visit www.shamrockstable.com. For more information about the Olympic Equestrian Games, visit http://en.beijing2008.cn.
To contact staff writer Veronica Nett, use e-mail or call 348-5113.
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