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Calgary Stampede invests in the future of rodeo

May 31, 2010

Calgary, AB --- The Calgary Stampede today announced new support for young rodeo athletes with the creation of a new novice rodeo tour on the Canadian professional rodeo circuit.

In creating the “Calgary Stampede Novice Tour,” the Stampede will cover the entry fees for all competing contestants and add prize money in the Novice Saddle Bronc, Novice Bareback and Steer Riding events at six Alberta rodeos:

• Handhills Lake Stampede, June 5 and 6

• Lea Park Rodeo, June 11 -13

• Daines Ranch Pro Rodeo, June 16 – 20

• Ponoka Stampede, June 28 - July 4

• Calgary Stampede, July 9 -18

• Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede, July 29 – August 2

Contestants will earn points at each event with the champion receiving a bronze and buckle at the conclusion of the Strathmore event. Novice bareback and saddlebronc competitors are aged 21 years and younger. Boys steer riders are between ages 11 to 14.

Recognizing the top novice contestants from this tour have a strong possibility of qualifying for the Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR), the Calgary Stampede will also sponsor the CFR’s Novice Saddle Bronc, Novice Bareback and Steer Riding events each November.

“We want to encourage more participation by these young athletes trying to break into rodeo,” says Paul Rosenberg, vice-president, Stampede Programming. “Some of these kids face a choice between a more typical career path or competing in rodeo – we want to give these young cowboys the chance to pursue their rodeo dream.”

The Stampede and the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA) are also teaming up to cover the costs of rodeo permit dues for the top two high school association athletes from the four western provinces in each of the seven major rodeo events plus the Canadian High School Rodeo champions, providing support for a total of 80 young athletes, Rosenberg added. “By helping remove some of the financial barriers and improve prize money, more contestants will be able to compete to gain important experience and skill development.”

One of the largest paydays on the circuit for novice competitors remains at the annual Calgary Stampede where novice cowboys can earn up to $2,500. Of course, the real prize is earning some experience that may lead to competing in the major events at the world’s richest outdoor rodeo. At this year’s Stampede Rodeo, July 9-18, the greatest ever gathering of rodeo champions, including 64 current and past champions, will compete for $2 million in prize money.

Rosenberg noted that another important rodeo development initiative is the Stampede’s decision to support Armstrong, B.C. as the new host for the annual Canadian Rodeo Tour Finals by continuing to offer invitational spots to the Stampede Rodeo for the top two contestants from the Tour Finals’ major events. “We are continuing to look for new ways to ensure rodeo remains a vital part of the sporting and cultural fabric of Canada.”

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