TIEA Award Winner Silva Serves With Dedication
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Photo: Courtesy of TIEA
Maria Cristina Silva at Belmont Park
Maria Cristina Silva first served the backstretch community as an interpreter at Belmont Park, but that role has expanded to include procurement of clothing, furniture, food, and other essential services for backstretch workers and their families, or putting together backpacks for children in need prior to school starting in September.
Silva, announced as the recipient of the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards' community award in August, will be honored at a virtual ceremony Nov. 5 at noon ET.
Presented by Godolphin, the awards recognize and reward the outstanding talent, diligence, and commitment of the farm and racing stable staff who are at the heart of the sport. The ceremony will be hosted by Jill Byrne and will be streamed live at BloodHorse.com. Finalists for six remaining categories will appear in BloodHorse Daily leading up to the event, during which the remaining winners will be announced.
Silva, the backstretch program coordinator for the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, is a native of Santiago, Chile.
"No one has served the employees on the backstretch with the dedication and love that Cristina demonstrates every day," said Joseph Brocklebank of NYTHA.
WATCH: TIEA Community Award Winner Maria Cristina Silva
Regarding the award, Silva said: "My grandchildren are so proud, but I didn't do this for the reward. I do this for the people because I know they need the help."