FROM THE IGRA PRESIDENT

FROM THE IRGA PRESIDENT WELCOME to the 502 IN THE 505! Unbelievable that just a few weeks ago IGRA celebrated the 500th Gay Rodeo that the world has ever known in picturesque Duncan Mills, California, and now we’re gathered for our 31st World Gay Rodeo Finals Presented by Corona Extra in The Duke City – Albuquerque. With its melding of multiple cultures, where Spanish influence meets American West, it's an ideal host location for this weekend’s culmination of our Rodeo and Royalty year.

We’re glad you’ve joined us, whether you’re a casual first-time rodeo watcher or a dyed-in-the-wool longtime fan. Throughout the weekend you’ll experience some of the local flavor of the rich Albuquerque community, top cowboys and cowgirls vying for championship titles and maybe even go home with a uniquely beautiful souvenir buckle.

We’re deeply grateful to our local partners at EXPO New Mexico, Sheraton Airport, and Sidewinders for their cooperation in hosting our events. The New Mexico Gay Rodeo Association, led by President Rich Taylor, has pitched in all year to build excitement, paving the way for our return to the Land of Enchantment.

And of course, the hard working WGRF Committee led by Rodeo Director Lisa Smith and her team of Assistant Rodeo Directors has truly worked year round to bring this event to life. They’ll be supported in the arena, behind the chutes, even up to the crow’s nest by a first rate army of arena crew, chute crew, timers and rodeo officials, each of whom donates his or her time, all for the love of the sport and a desire to serve the communities in which each is involved.

IGRA and its Member Associations have compiled a startling record, returning over $4,000,000 to charities operating in their local communities and throughout the country. This year we’re proud to add Joshua Tree, StupidCancer and Equest to our family. Part of that is possible thanks to Sponsorship partners, selfless volunteers, Royalty who’ll think of anything to get your last dollar bill for charity and a host of guests, donors and spectators who’ll willingly play along … and pay along.

Sit back, relax, enjoy the show, have some fun and spend a little time with our family. It doesn’t matter if you’re a rodeo virgin or veteran, man or woman, young or old, gay, straight or anything in between, a city slicker or a country bumpkin – come as you are! You’ll find a place here. And you just might decide to throw on some sneakers and chase a goat next time!

Bruce Gros IGRA President

WORLD GAY RODEO FINALS RETURNS to HISTORIC ROOTS

After a year of competing at various state and regional rodeos, this is the time when the point leaders come to IGRA’s annual World Gay Rodeo Finals (WGRF) to compete for titles and those amazing buckles. Being held this year in Albuquerque’s impressive EXPO New Mexico, the 31st WGRF has really come back to rodeo's historic roots.

Thanks to the Spanish conquistadors who introduced horses to the American West and the Spanish-Mexican settlers who raised them along with cattle, the Southwest became the birthplace of the rodeo. While many places lay claim to holding the first American rodeo, the oldest is Santa Fe’s claim of 1847. Santa Fe isn’t exactly Albuquerque but it’s within spitting distance, as the saying goes.

So savor the diversity Albuquerque offers while you’re soaking up the wonderful diversity always found at an IGRA rodeo, knowing that you’re keeping part of the Western heritage alive and well! Connie Wardman, M.A., SDL Editor-in-Chief connie@competenetwork.com @CompeteConnie

COMPETE MAGAZINE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Connie Wardman

connie@competenetwork.com

PUBLISHER

Eric Carlyle

eric@competenetwork.com This special issue of Compete was created in partnership with IGRA for its World Gay Rodeo Finals. If your organization produces or hosts a run, tournament, sports festival, awards ceremony or other type of event, please contact Compete today to find out how we can partner to produce a high-quality issue unique to your organization and its special events. Send us an email at publications@competenetwork.com

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