story by Laurie Dineen
The Colorado Junior Rodeo Association is excited kick off their 25th year of hosting youth rodeo’s around the great state of Colorado. It is from the support of our former members from the beginning (with many bringing in the 2nd generation) to our current membership and the many dedicated sponsors that CJRA can continue to provide quality rodeo experiences for youth ages 5 – 18 and for families across the Rocky Mountain region.
The Colorado Junior Rodeo Association was established in 1994. The goal of this organization is to provide a quality event allowing youth to advance their rodeo talent in the spirit of fair competition and the appreciation of good sportsmanship.
In our society today, we feel it is very crucial to guide our young people in a positive direction. The Colorado Junior Rodeo Association is dedicated to help and encourage our youth set goals and work to achieve them through a sport they truly enjoy.
Our memberships are open to all families interested in rodeo, regardless of their location. We currently have members from Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska and Kansas. It is so rewarding to see them working together to achieve their family member’s goals. The CJRA concentrates on timed events in Rodeo. All of our rodeos also have the parent/child team roping, an event that allows the parents to compete with their children in the arena.
As we look back over 25 years, it is so gratifying to see our members grow and achieve their own personal success in and out of the arena and to many who have continued to follow their dreams and succeed at the College and Pro Rodeo levels.
We have a very successful rodeo season ahead of us, and plan to give over $140,000 worth of cash, prizes and scholarships to approximately 200 members who qualify for our finals to be held in Lamar. Finals qualification is based on total money won at all our rodeos. We invite the top 15 finishers in each event to the Finals, where they compete for the Championship of each event. This year, to commemorate our 25 years we are planning an Alumni Reunion – keep posted for further information.
“Our committees, board members and office staff are working hard to provide our members with a summer full of great rodeos and fellowship. We look forward to seeing old friends and making new ones,” said CJRA President, Danielle Wollert.
CJRA Membership
Membership in the CJRA is open to all youth between the ages of 5 and 18 as of January 1st of the current year. Membership dues are $85 if there is one child, $135 for a family. Membership applications must be accompanied by a notarized release waiver, a copy of applicant’s birth certificate, membership payment, and a minimum of $150 in donations for year-end awards must be submitted before winnings will count for the year-end finals.
Free Membership To New Members For 2019
To commemorate our 25 years, we are offering first year memberships for free for the 2019 rodeo season, but new members must still secure a $150 donation.
Make sure to visit the CJRA web site for updated membership information and forms for this year’s rodeo season including the 2019 revised rule book and 2019 rodeo schedule at www.coloradojrrodeo.com.
Jace Honey Steer Wrestling School
Long time CJRA supporter Jace Honey will be hosting Steer Wrestling and Chute Dogging School on March 22-24 in La Junta, Colorado. For more information and/or to register, please see the flyer under the membership tab on the CJRA website or call 719-332-3512.
