For the third time in history, PBR Canada will buck into Grande Prairie bringing its elite Cup Series to Bonnetts Energy Centre this Friday and Saturday.
Fort St. John bull rider Jake Gardner will compete as the 15th ranked in Canada looking for crucial points as he chases his first national title. Despite the risk of injury in the sport, Gardner says none of the riders have fear on their minds, just the competition.
“You’ve got the best bull riders in the world coming to this event and some of the best bulls in the world coming to this event. A lot of us have worked our whole lives to get to these events, so we don’t think any of that negative stuff; we’re just thinking about winning. That’s about all that’s going to happen.”
Gardner won the 2021 event in Grande Prairie, going a perfect 3-for-3 to win his career-first elite Cup Series event title. He says he’s looking forward to defending that title.
“I’ve got some family around that’s going to be there and I’ve got a lot of friends around that are going to come watch, so it’s going to be good. I’m excited to see all those people.”
The event runs at 7 p.m. each night with tickets available online. A Truth & Reconciliation Day ceremony will be held Friday night in partnership with the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre, including a grand entry.
“The Grande Prairie Friendship Centre is excited for the opportunity to partner and highlight the Indigenous Culture through an Indigenous lens,” says Friendship Centre Executive Director Miranda Laroche. “We are fortunate to have rich culture in this area and wonderful collaborating opportunities.”
People attending are encouraged to wear an orange shirt in recognition of Truth and Reconciliation and Every Child Matters.
