The CKYRA was formed to promote the sport of rodeo through the participation in junior rodeo and to develop a spirit of fair competition and appreciation of good sportsmanship. The board of directors is dedicated to the sport of junior rodeo, youth and families, and just plain good-old All-American fun through the spirit of friendly competition.
The association is geared for kindergartners through the twelfth grade, but we do accept younger aged participants. Our rodeo season consists of 6 rodeos, or 3 weekends with each day counting as a rodeo. To qualify for our finals, you must attend 6 rodeos, compete in the finals both days, and meet all the obligations. Our events are held at the Tom Miller Arena in Canton, KS. Stalls and Hook-ups are available.
In the 2013 rodeo season, we were known as Heartland Youth Rodeo (HYRA). Since HYRA decided not to continue the summer series a new organization has been formed now CKYRA. Our first season we had 48 members with an average of 150 + entries a day. In 2014 we had 57 members & an average of 212 + entries a day. Our organization, led by our board of directors, continues to improve the status of our association by acquiring new events, activities and adding to our awards given at the finals. In 2014 we added “Breakaway Steer Roping” for the 2-4 grades and “Ribbon Roping” for the 5-8 grades. We also added “Ribbon Roping” for the 9-12 grades. In 2015 we added 9-12 grades “Bull Riding”, in 2016 we added “Bareback riding & Saddle Bronco on steers for 5-8 grades.” All other events will remain the same.
Our first rodeo is May 11 & 12 and entries must be postmarked by Saturday, April 27th. The rodeos begin at 9:00 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday. Cowboy Church starts at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings! Forms are available on our website at ckyra.com and LIKE us on Facebook under “Central Kansas Youth Rodeo Association” for updates further information.
Our association helps to build skills that our children can use in junior high/high school rodeo and beyond. We stress responsibility, cooperation and good conduct in our participants. We see this as a way to help our youth to develop into outgoing and productive individual in their communities. We strive to encourage the members to perform to his/ her highest potential and to realize their dreams.
CKYRA will help to grow All Around Champions, State Champions, National Qualifiers and National Champions in both Jr. High & High School Rodeo as well as other Associations. We are very proud of our kids and their accomplishments.
Should you have additional questions, please feel free to contact Jen Graber at 316-215-1853 Rodeo Secretary or any CKYRA Board of Director. Information is listed here: “Board of Directors”. Looking forward to another great Summer! Welcome Aboard!