Dear Sharon,
I have recently finished a teaching degree and have just returned to rodeo competition.
I am writing to you as I have great concerns about where the sport of rodeo is going in North Queensland. Here, rodeos are gradually dwindling away. I would like to improve the status and public interest of rodeo, however, I have no idea where to start or what to do. I was hoping you could help me in this area.
Do you have any ideas on how I could gain sponsorship for rodeo events? As a rodeo competitor, what can I do to gain the interest of sponsors towards our sport of rodeo?
I was thinking about getting the schools involved somehow, so if the older competitors are not interested in change, then I may have some promise with the younger competitors. What are your thoughts?
Dear Sue-Ellen,
Congratulations on achieving your teaching degree.
I believe your thought to focus on the next generation of rodeo competitors as a way to preserve the tradition and sport of rodeo is a good approach. High school and collegiate rodeos here in the USA are very successful. The opportunity to work with youth who have both competitive and educational goals is always delightful.
Sponsors for youth events do not have to be restricted to corporations related to the Western industry. Address sponsorship issues by identifying local, regional and national sponsors. Provide potential sponsors with a sponsorship packet that identifies who your group is, what the group goals are, and how the sponsor could assist you. Remember to plan for what your group will do for the sponsor.
Your teaching degree will be a valuable tool. I wish you success as you role model, inspire, educate, plan, implement, facilitate, coach, redirect, advocate and cheerlead for the youth of today and the rodeo competitors of tomorrow.
Warm regards,
Sharon