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The 2018 Cinch Handicapable Rodeo took place at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center and hosted around 400 student-contestants. Archive
Hay, horseback rides to be offered
Ridin’ and Ropin’
With last year’s participants numbering roughly 400, the 2019 United Professional Rodeo Association Handicapable Rodeo is looking to brighten these children’s days this Friday at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center.
“It’s something we’re very proud of,” Hopkins County Rodeo Committee President Oscar Aguilar said. “It’s something that the UPRA is proud of doing every year. The UPRA contestants look forward to being here and helping out.”
Aguilar expects 425 contestants (what the students are called) to be in attendance this year from local and area schools such as Mount Pleasant, Cooper, Greenville and Paris. The event is open to all grades, and members of the Sulphur Springs Key Club will be chaperones to contestants.
“It keeps growing,” Aguilar said. “I first started this for Hopkins County kids and schools, and then we extended our invitation farther out because there are so many children in this type of situation. We’re always ready to help out.”
Activities at the rodeo will include mechanical bull riding, hay rides and horseback riding among others, and Aguilar said it’s a chance for some kids to have new experiences.
“There’s a lot of children that aren’t able to go to some places and don’t have access to a farm like some other kids,” Aguilar said. “This is something they look forward to every year to come to.”
In the 30 years Aguilar has overseen the event, he said he has seen kids grow up alongside the rodeo, and some former contestants have even come back to volunteer.
“It’s a valuable experience for the high school students also to be able to take care of a young child like this,” Aguilar said. “Sometimes, it’s not easy. They need a little guidance.”
According to Aguilar, the rodeo is a community effort between local businesses, organizations and people who donate their time and money to the event.
“Big shoutout to them. There’s so many to name,” Aguilar said. “They provide food, provide T-shirts for the children and things of that nature.”
The 2019 UPRA Handicapable Rodeo begins 9 a.m. Friday, Nov. 22. The Hopkins County Regional Civic Center is at 1200 Houston St. in Sulphur Springs.