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Babington: Triumph, Tragedy, Inspiration — The Extraordinary Story of Irish Olympian Kevin Babington
New Book Celebrates a Journey of Courage, Resilience, and the Power to Keep Moving Forward
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wellington, FL – June 7, 2026
The Kevin Babington Foundation is proud to announce the release of Babington: Triumph, Tragedy, Inspiration, a powerful new book chronicling the extraordinary life and career of Irish Olympian Kevin Babington.
Click Here to Pre-Order Babington: Triumph, Tragedy, Inspiration
All proceeds go to the Kevin Babington Foundation
Written by Jeff Papows, PhD, and Michael Cruciotti, with a foreword by author, singer, entertainer, and motivational speaker Tom Sullivan, Babington tells the remarkable true story of a young Irish horseman who crossed the Atlantic with a dream and went on to reach the pinnacle of international show jumping.
From his early days in Ireland, to building a successful business in the United States, to representing Ireland at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens aboard the legendary Carling King, Kevin’s journey is one defined by determination, sacrifice, and an unwavering love for horses.
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But in August of 2019, everything changed.
A catastrophic fall left Kevin paralyzed and facing the greatest challenge of his life. What followed was not the end of his story, but the beginning of a new chapter — one built on courage, resilience, family, friendship, and the support of an entire equestrian community.
“There are people in all walks of life who are inspirational, but few if any have inspired the equestrian community the way Kevin Babington has,” said Michael Stone, CEO of Wellington International. “By force of character, he achieved greatness in the ring, but by the true courage he has kept reaching forward when life became most difficult.”
More Than a Story About Show Jumping
Babington: Triumph, Tragedy, Inspiration follows Kevin’s incredible journey through the people and horses that shaped his life — from childhood dreams, unforgettable partnerships, and Olympic achievement, to rebuilding purpose after unimaginable adversity.
Through deeply personal stories, humor, reflection, and unforgettable moments, the book captures not only Kevin’s accomplishments as an athlete, but the character of the man behind them.
His story serves as a reminder that greatness is not measured only by victories in the ring, but by the strength to continue forward when life presents its greatest obstacles.
A Story of Courage. A Legacy of Inspiration.
All proceeds from the sale of Babington: Triumph, Tragedy, Inspiration will benefit the Kevin Babington Foundation and its mission to support show jumping athletes who have suffered catastrophic spinal cord injuries.
Pre-orders are available now, with books expected to begin shipping in early July.
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About the Kevin Babington Foundation
The Kevin Babington Foundation is dedicated to providing critical support, resources, and financial assistance to show jumping athletes who have suffered spinal cord injuries. Through the generosity of the equestrian community, the Foundation continues to create meaningful pathways forward for injured riders while advocating for safety and recovery within the sport.
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Other Ways to Donate
Your support powers our mission to protect, uplift, and empower riders through recovery assistance, safety advocacy, and education. Here’s how you can help:
💻 Donate Online
Make a secure one-time or recurring donation via our website:
👉 https://kevinbabingtonfoundation.org/donations/
✉️ Mail a Check
Checks can be made payable to:
Kevin Babington Foundation
10 Edgewood Rd.,
Westwood, MA 02090-3136 USA
💼 Corporate or Matching Gifts
Many companies will match your donation. Ask your HR department if your employer participates—or contact us and we’ll help facilitate the process.
🏅 Sponsor an Event
Become a sponsor of one of our upcoming 2026 events (MIDA Farm Classic, Kevin’s Rockstars, or Live Oak International).
To learn more, email us at: contact@kevinbabingtonfoundation.org
Benefits of Giving Before December 31st
Giving before the end of the calendar year provides significant tax advantages and directly fuels our winter programming.
✅ Tax Deduction
The Kevin Babington Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 85-2059430). All contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
⏳ Timing Matters
Donations made on or before December 31st, 2026 may be claimed on your 2025 tax return—providing potential savings while supporting a great cause.
🔁 Recurring Gifts Multiply Impact
Consider making your donation a monthly recurring gift to sustain our mission year-round with less effort and greater long-term impact.
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Women’s: Don’t Stop Believin’ Next Level Tri-Blend T-shirt
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SAFEFIT Airbag Vest – Kevin Babington Foundation Edition
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About Kevin Babington Foundation:
In late August 2019, Kevin experienced a life-altering moment when he suffered a complete spinal cord injury following a fall during the 2019 Grand Prix at the Hampton Classic Horse Show in Bridgehampton, NY, United States. In early September, Kevin underwent a critical surgery to stabilize the vertebrae in his neck. By mid-October of that same year, he had made significant progress, transitioning from relying on a ventilator for breathing to facing the challenge of being paralyzed from the neck down. Remarkably, just two months later, Kevin began teaching from his wheelchair. Today, he remains on a determined journey, actively participating in experimental stem cell therapy, holding onto the hope of regaining movement below the neck.
This life-altering event marked the inception of the Kevin Babington Foundation, which was established in 2019. Kevin Babington Foundation (KBF) has been created to provide funding and support for Equestrian Show Jumping Athletes who sustain spinal injuries. In addition to providing financial assistance the foundation will also strive to educate riders, trainers and show organizers about the most current safety measures designed to reduce the risk of serious injuries which can occur while riding.
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