COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) is encouraging the female youth of America to join the only all-women’s rodeo association, which gives women of all ages a chance to keep their Western heritage alive by competing on rodeo’s professional level.
In order to entice more youth to get or stay involved in rodeo, the WPRA Board of Directors is announcing that they will reward top high school rodeo contestants throughout the United States by awarding every National High School Rodeo Association state champion in the events of barrel racing, breakaway roping, team roping (header or heeler) and all-around if the champion is female a WPRA Permit for a year. In addition, the same rule will apply for the 2008 Collegiate National Champions who will receive a certificate good for a one-year membership.
“The youth are the future of our association and we felt that with the rising cost to compete, this decision might allow the next world champion a chance to get her foot in the door on the professional level and the opportunity to succeed,” said WPRA President Jymmy Kay Davis.
For champions under the age of 18, the certificate will be valid until that individual celebrates their 18th birthday. To be a permit or card member of the WPRA an individual has to be 18 years of age.
In addition to encouraging the youth to participate and join the WPRA, the WPRA Board approved additional money of $3,000 for the barrel racing event in each of the 12-circuits in light of the recent announcement by the PRCA, so that all events would remain equal. The WPRA will also pay the entry fee for all 24 barrel racers at the 2009 Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo in Pocatello, Idaho, on April 8-11.
“The circuit system is the backbone of our association and with the high fuel costs many of our members are not able to compete outside their circuit,” said Kathi Myers, First Frontier Circuit Director. “We felt the PRCA’s decision to enhance the circuit program was a positive step for our industry and as a board we felt it was a must to also commit this money to the circuit system to keep it an even playing field for everyone.”
Lisa Novak of Laona, Wis., won the DNCFR in 2006 and when asked her thoughts on the additional circuit money she responded by saying “I think it is great and wonderful, especially with the high price of fuel now, this can make a huge difference. We have always had a good circuit finals but this might be the added incentive to get more contestants to go to a circuit rodeo versus a jackpot. I am excited about this news.”
Women’s Professional Rodeo Association
The Women’s Professional Rodeo Association, which started in 1948 as a group of Texas ranch women who wanted to add a little color and femininity to the rough-and-tumble spot of rodeo, is now a computerized association with more than 2,000 members.
In 1948, the group organized and called itself the Girl’s Rodeo Association (GRA). It began with 74 original members with 60 approved contests with a total payout of $29,000. In 1981, the GRA changed its name to the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA). The WPRA provides opportunities for women across the United States and Canada a chance to compete in the timed events of barrel racing, team roping, breakaway roping, tie-down roping and the roughstock events of bareback and bull riding. For more information on the WPRA visit www.wpra.com.
