ProRodeo Sports News - May 29, 2020

Pandemic forces cancellation of the ‘Daddy of ’em All’ Cheyenne Canceled SHORT ROUND

O n May 27, Cheyenne Frontier Days announced that public health and safety concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic have forced the cancellation of the July 17-26, 2020, event. The decision was made in conjunction with the other major summertime events in Wyoming and is in accordance with Gov. Mark Gordon’s direction and state and local health orders. This is the first time in the 124- year history of the iconic celebration of Western culture that Cheyenne Frontier Days will not be held. Commonly referred to as the “Daddy of ’em All,” Cheyenne is the world’s largest outdoor rodeo and Western celebration. Rodeo contestants rely on the Cheyenne event to be one of the largest payouts on the annual PRCA rodeo circuit. It also features some of country music’s biggest stars performing before sold-out crowds at the Frontier Nights concerts. “This has been an incredibly difficult decision, but ... it was the only choice,” said Tom Hirsig, Cheyenne Frontier Days CEO. “The PRCA understands that the health and safety of the fans, members, contestants and countless volunteers at Cheyenne

come first,” PRCA CEO George Taylor said. “The Daddy of ’em All will come back bigger and stronger next year.” Hirsig said the rodeo knows how devastating this decision will be for many fans who return year after year, as well as first- timers planning to come because “the Daddy” is on their bucket list. The cancellation will also have a severe economic impact in the community. Hundreds of thousands of people attend CFD concerts, rodeo performances and the related Western events each year, contributing millions of dollars to the local economy. Fans who have already purchased rodeo or concert tickets can visit the CFD website for information about account credit rollovers or refunds at www.cfdrodeo.com.

The Rodeo Stronger initiative of the St. Paul (Ore.) Rodeo Foundation is announcing the first round of grants for $30,000. These grants will assist stock contractors with the care and feeding of their livestock through the COVID-19 crisis. As of now, 10 stock contractors from seven states, collectively feeding more than 3,000 head of rodeo livestock, have applied for financial assistance. “There are no unemployment funds, PPP loans or stimulus checks available to stock contractors to feed the thousands of head of rodeo livestock which are out of work due to the cancellation of rodeo events nationwide,” said Doug Corey, DVM, who serves on the Rodeo Stronger Advisory Committee. The initiative, launched May 8, is giving 100% of the donations to assist in caring for rodeo livestock. Donations are being accepted online and multiple fundraisers are being discussed for this vital cause. For more information or to donate, go to www.rodeostronger.com. St. Paul Rodeo program helping stock contractors

Wright has plates, screws removed Although 2019 All-Around World Champion

Stetson Wright wanted to be rodeoing, the break in action due to the COVID-19 pandemic allowed his body to heal. During the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo,

the Milford, Utah, cowboy was banged up during a Feb. 19 ride aboard 4L & Diamond S Rodeo’s Relentless after the bull stepped on the right side of his pelvis. A day later, Wright drew Powder River Rodeo’s SweetPro’s Bruiser. During the ride, Bruiser pulled Wright down and tore the medial collateral ligament in his right knee. Fast-forward to May 15, when Wright had surgery in St. George, Utah, to take plates out of his face that were put in after he broke his jaw following a ride at the Dodge City (Kan.) Roundup Rodeo, July 31. “I had five plates and a bunch of screws from my chin down the right side of my face, and I had all the plates and screws taken out,” Wright said. “It was bothering me really bad. When I walked out of surgery, I immediately felt better. The pain had dropped. I could have left the plates in, but my body was rejecting them, and they were infected. I can deal with the pain in my body, but not my face. The pain was unbearable. I feel so much better.” Wright

ProRodeo Sports News 5/29/2020

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