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World-renowned bull riders descend on N.B.

Jul 29, 2016 | 12:00 PM

Champion bull riders from all over the world came to the Battlefords to entertain spectators with their death-defying brand of athletics.

The third annual Professional Bullriders Association (PBR) Classic returned to North Battleford’s Civic Centre on Thursday, July 28. More than 30 riders competed, including bull riders and junior steer riders.

Corey Chmelnyk, who organized the event, said this is a great opportunity to bring a professional sport to the Battlefords. He said the riders and bulls are world-class, many of which just competed in the Calgary Stampede.

Proceeds from the event went towards the construction of a new Battlefords Trade and Education Centre building.

“They’re a really good group, excellent people, and we just think they really need the money right now for this building and I think it’s going to help them out every little bit,” Chmelnyk said.

Most riders competing were from Alberta and Saskatchewan, but a few came all the way from the U.S., Australia and Paraguay.

Josh Birks is from Australia and has been riding professionally in North America for five years. He came to the Battlefords following the Calgary Stampede, where he placed second in his pool.

“I always wanted to be there and it was a dream come true to be able to ride there and do it successfully,” he said.

Birks said he’s been riding his whole life. He travels across North America in the summer, then goes to Australia in the winter so he can compete all-year round.

“It’s something I always wanted to do and I guess the thrill that I get out of it keeps me coming back for more,” he said.

 

Sarah Rae is battlefordsNOW’s court and crime reporter. She can be reached at Sarah.Rae@jpbg.ca or tweet her @sarahjeanrae.