Published: September 21, 2006 09:02 am         

'Pink' junior bull riding planned at LG

Are you tough enough to wear pink? That is the question that Wrangler and the local Junior Bull Riders Association (JBR) are asking the residents of Locust Grove.

On Sunday, Sept. 24, the JBR will host “Pink” night at the Locust Grove rodeo arena. The event will begin at 5 p.m. and feature riders from age 7 to 21. The JBR invites all competitors and spectators to wear pink in support of breast cancer awareness.

Admission for 11 years and up is $6 per person; 10 and under is $4 and 3 and under is free.

The “Pink” night is a first for the Locust Grove arena.

“We wanted to do this because it is a good cause. It is good for the boys to get involved and give something back,” said Denise Schiller, JBR secretary. “We have several bull riders who have had family members that have battled breast cancer.”

The color pink has come to symbolize courage, strength and determination, linking together and solidifying those who are joined in the fight against breast cancer.

Although pink is not a color that is usually associated with the rugged cowboy, the connection of grit is easily made.

The Wrangler “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” campaign began in 2005, as a way for the western wear label to recognize the women and men who are facing the disease, as well as their families who are facing it with them.

Wrangler offers a specially designed pink shirt that may be purchased at any store that carries the Wrangler brand. A portion of the sale goes to breast cancer research.

The JBR encourages everyone to wear pink to the rodeo in support of the cause. The JBR, now in its third year, is an association of 40 young members from all over northeastern Oklahoma.

“We are an organization of bull and bronc riders, boys and girls 21 and under,” said Schiller.

Jerry Atwood, Bryan Schiller and Rick VanKelsbek formed the organization in 2004 to meet the need for year round competition.

“There was no place for them to ride in the winter time. The season ended in October and did not open until May. Now they can rodeo year round,” said Schiller.

The winter series, which gives the competitors the opportunity to practice and ride, has been successful.

“We have had a bunch of the senior riders go on to the PBR, PRCA and the IPRA,” said Schiller.

     

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.