NORTHWEST YOUTH RODEO ASSOCIATION
We are happy to host NWYRA at the Sisters Rodeo arena July 28th-30th, 2023
WHO ARE THEY?
The Northwest Youth Rodeo Association (“NWYRA”) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1974.
NWYRA is one of the largest youth rodeo associations in the Pacific Northwest.
NWYRA is a rodeo training ground for kids, laying a solid foundation for future rodeo champions.
They are a family-oriented, all-volunteer association providing the opportunity for cowboys and cowgirls to compete in the great American Sport of Rodeo.
Over the past 3 years, NWYRA has experienced the largest increase in membership in their 50-year history.
In 2022, NWYRA’s membership closed out with 269 kids from all over the State of Oregon, and the general attendance at their weekend rodeos will bring in more than 750+ people to watch.
The NWYRA Rodeo season runs during the summer months (June through August) hosting 5 weekend rodeos (9 rodeos).
Each rodeo (Philomath is a single rodeo “Finals”) is a double header for year-end points that earns one Cowboy and Cowgirl from each division the coveted All-Around Champion Saddle in addition to many other awards.
2022 NWYRA Locations were:
St. Paul
Cottage Grove
Canyonville
Canby
Philomath
Contestant’s ages are 4-18 and the association breaks that up into 4 divisions.
Seniors (age 14-18)
Juniors (age 11-13)
PeeWees (age 7-10)
Pre PeeWees (age 4-6)
Every December, NWYRA consistently sends qualified contestants to Las Vegas to compete at the Jr. World Finals (formally the Jr. NFR) and Vegas Tuffest World Championship. In 2021 one of their saddle bronc riders earned the title of Jr. World Champion!
In addition, NWYRA has many contestants who also compete in Jr. High School Rodeo and High School Rodeo.
NWYRA’s MISSION STATEMENT
Promote the sport of rodeo;
Uphold, promote and maintain the Western Heritage lifestyle;
Support exemplary sportsmanship, conduct, attitude, respect and responsibility/accountability;
Encourage family-orientated relationships and values;
Teach, demonstrate and practice the excellent care, proper treatment and safeguards for handling livestock;
To lay a solid foundation of rodeo knowledge and skills to continue onto High School and College Rodeo;
To fund student scholarships and support continued education.