At the National Finals Rodeo, contestants or, Golden Cowboys and Cowgirls are each paired with a Champion at the annual banquet. At the banquet, the Champions are given the opportunity to be outfitted head-to-toe by our national sponsors including Resistol, Wrangler, Justin Boots, Boot Barn, and Montana Silversmiths. The Golden Cowboys and Cowgirls then take their Champions through a fun and interactive Rodeo Clinic and teach them the fundamentals of Rodeo through child-friendly versions of many events.
The bond that forms between these duos is incredible and lasts beyond the week of NFR. As these kids continue their fight against cancer, their Golden Cowboys and Cowgirls stay in close contact to continuously support their Champions. They encourage, they mourn, and they celebrate with their families.
Not only is the NFR a chance for skilled cowboys and cowgirls to gather and compete, but it is also a special time for them to connect with our Golden Champions.
“Seeing those kids and spending time with them changed my outlook and was a bright spot in my day…it reminded me that winning money here wasn’t that big of a deal. There are things a lot more important than money, and I just hope that we could help those kids and their families put their cares behind them for a bit and have some fun.” - Will Lummus, Steer Wrestler