Ontario, CA – The Professional Bull Riders, Inc. (PBR) Built Ford Tough Series Tour hit the Citizens Business Bank Arena on their 28th stop this year for the Dickies Invitational this past weekend September 26-27, 2009. Fans poured in from around the Southern California region for an exciting weekend of shows, autograph signings, fan mixers and much more.
Along with their inaugural trip to the Citizens Business Bank Arena, the PBR held a special outreach event on Sunday, September 27, 2009 to three Southern California children’s organizations. As part of the outreach event, the PBR invited the children out to the arena for an Autograph Signing and a Behind the Scenes Tour. The three organizations included The Challenged Children’s Rodeo, Pacific Coast Junior Bull Riders and kids from Hillview Acres Children’s Home.
The Challenged Children’s Rodeo Organization (CCR) based in Southern California, allows children who live their lives with mental or physical challenges to participate in “special” rodeos throughout the region. “We have our own special rodeos, but to have the kids be able to meet the bull riders they see on TV is unbelievable!” said Collen Jenkins, Contestant Coordinator for the CCR. “The smiles on their little faces said it all and not to mention the VIP treatment we got from the PBR, wow, we got to meet the guys and see the bulls close up, what a day!” exclaimed Jenkins.
Between television interviews and photographs, Pacific Coast Junior Bull Rider Anthony Hopen said it was unreal to meet his heroes in real life. “I see these guys on TV, and they are giving me their autograph in person, I can’t believe it!” said Hopen. Pee Wee Bull Rider Leighton Silva was all smiles, who incidentally placed 7th in the world finals last year for junior bull riding, “these guys are my heroes” said Silva.
Hillview Acres Children’s Home, a local foster home in Chino, California brought some of the kids over for a fun filled day. “This is something really special for the kids to learn more about this extreme sport, it is such a special treat for them, they are having the time of their life!” said Shelley Ryan, Public Relations Coordinator for Hillview.
Brandon Clark, professional bull rider from Australia also known by fans as the “Australian Sensation” met with each of the kids and gave them a personal tour of the injury room, chutes and press rooms. The kids had many questions for him and he took the time to answer each and every one of them.
After the tour and autographs, the kids, chaperones and parents were escorted to their seats in the VIP section. “I can’t believe we are this close!” said Haley Wasmerk of the Challenged Children’s Rodeo.
The kids enjoyed rodeo clown Flint Rasmussen while he entertained the crowd with his dance moves, although some of the kids said they had better moves than him!
Once again the PBR put on an exciting show for Southern California fans and several children walked away with memories they will never forget.
For all the latest standings on the Professional Bull Riders Built Ford Tough Series Tour, visit www.pbrnow.com.
To learn more about the organizations in this article visit them at:
The Challenged Children’s Rodeo Organization
www.challengedchildrensrodeo.com
Pacific Coast Junior Bull Riders
www.pcjbr.org
Hillview Acres Children’s Home
www.hillview.org
Photos by Andrea Kaus
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