Virden welcomes young rodeo stars
Advertisement
Read this article for free:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
We need your support!
Local journalism needs your support!
As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed.
Now, more than ever, we need your support.
Starting at $15.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website.
Subscribe Nowor call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527.
Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community!
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Add Brandon Sun access to your Free Press subscription for only an additional
$1 for the first 4 weeks*
*Your next subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $20.00 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.00 plus GST every four weeks.
Read unlimited articles for free today:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 06/08/2010 (5734 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
VIRDEN — A sea of cowboy hats and larger-than-life belt buckles sparkled amid the dust and dirt that was kicked up during the first day of the Canadian High School Rodeo Finals in Virden yesterday.
The three-day event, which has drawn nearly 200 junior high- and high school-aged cowboys and cowgirls from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and B.C., is expected to be a boon for the sport locally and the community.
"Originally it was a toss-up between Virden or Brandon, but we’re more of a rodeo town … it’s more rodeo friendly in terms of getting around and setting up," event chairman and Virden resident Orville Brown said.
"It’s great for the community, too. The businesses downtown have been really supportive and they’re floored at how busy it has been already."
Bringing the event to Manitoba and adding the Canadian Junior High Finals component — each for the first time in the rodeo’s 13-year history — will play an important role in promoting the sport, Manitoba High School Rodeo Association president Kelly Lyng said.
"The Manitoba kids are walking a little taller today," he said. "They’re all so used to travelling everywhere, that it’s really great for them to be able to compete in their own backyard."
Attracting youth to the sport — and allowing them to compete — before they start their high school career will make for some stiff competition in the years to come, Brown added.
The top five cowboys and cowgirls in each event and from every province are vying for the top spot in saddle bronc, bareback, bull riding, steer wrestling, team roping, tie down roping, pole pending, barrel racing, goat tying, breakaway and cutting.
For 13-year-old junior bull rider Bailey Plaisier, attending rodeos is all about the way of life. His father’s tall tales of near-misses, victories and lasting friendships sparked his interest in bull riding four years ago.
Although the Oak Lake resident won’t be competing this weekend, he says every moment is a valuable learning experience, not to mention a great excuse to hang out with friends.
Arden resident Ty Collins agreed, adding that the sport runs thick in family blood.
"Once you’re in it, you stay in it," the 18-year-old bull rider said. "(The atmosphere of a rodeo) is a lot of fun. You’re with your friends all of the time, talking about your rides, watching your friends go … and just enjoying it."
Although at least one cowgirl was already walking with a limp yesterday afternoon, the rough-and-tumble thrills won’t wrap up until Sunday afternoon when the high school finalists give it their final go.