Super Series seeks sponsorship

Times Reporter   

 

Crystal Stevens is organizing the third annual Super Series event at the Strathmore Ag Grounds for July 5-6, a youth-based rodeo for kids ages five to 16. Last year, Stevens had over 420 entries.

“We’re hoping for that again. That usually works out to about 100-120 kids. That’s pretty exciting,” Stevens said, who organizes with her husband Jim, along with Christa and Gerald Aleman. “They compete in all events.”

There are 20 different categories including team roping, breakaway, barrels, pole bending, goat tying, steer daubing (junior steer wrestling, wild pony racing, and sheep riding.

“Steer daubing, wild pony racing, and the sheep riding are definitely orientated towards the little people,” Stevens said. She’s had entries from as far as the U.S. border and as far north as Fort Saskatchewan; there’s no limit as to how many events each child can do.

The average winners from the two days will go home with jackets, while buckles will be awarded to the highest point totals. Kids can also compete on July 5 with a fundraiser parent-child team-roping event.

Stevens is currently looking for sponsorship to put on the event.

“That’s the only way we can make it work. The Ag Grounds are donated to us, but everything else is sponsored,” Stevens said, noting that Agrium and other local businesses are assisting with donations for prizes, food, renting stock and other needs. Anyone can volunteer their time as well.

Stevens’ goal is keep kids in rodeo and keep that passion alive at a young age.

“I believe we’re making a difference,” she said. “I think the population of kids in rodeo has increased in the last eight or nine years. There’s more awareness. There’s communities like Claresholm and Nanton that are doing a lot more youth events. We’ve just followed suit.”

Rather than other sports, rodeo builds a bond with animals and creates a sense of community, too.

“It’s a big family sport, we’re always together,” Stevens said. “It teaches the responsibility of looking after an animal. It gives them that competitive edge too; it’s good to win, it’s good to lose. It teaches them sportsmanship.”

For more information, email Crystal Stevens at twinkheron@me.com.