Donavon Henrion and Tanner Allemand have been friends for a pretty long time. “Best friends forever,” in Henrion’s words.
“He breeds and raises bucking bulls, and he’s a bull rider,” he continues. “And I have MS. We've always wanted to put on bull riding, so we kind of just put two and two together.”
The result is bull riding in support of Multiple Sclerosis research, scheduled for the evening of July 26 at Kinetic Exhibition Park in Swift Current. Styled “Bucking MS in Speedy Creek,” the Bull Riders Canada-sanctioned event will bring some of the top-ranked BRC bull riders into town, with all proceeds from gate admission, drinks and concessions being donated to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada.
“We’ll have 18-20 of the best young bull riders in Canada, and they’ll get on two bulls each,” explains Allemand, who’s been busy organizing the event alongside Henrion. “The champion will be the highest scorer on them two bulls.”
A number of different stock contractors will supply bulls for the first round of the competition, and the second round will feature bulls from Wilson Rodeo, DT Bucking Bulls and Legend Rodeo.
Allemand says that his aunt also has MS, and that she organized the MS Walk in East End for several years.
“It’s kind of the best of both worlds – to be able to fundraise while putting on a ride,” he says.
Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. on the 26th, with the first ride at 7:00 p.m. Additionally, two-year-old bucking bulls will be showcased in a free event at 10:00 a.m. Evening admission is $25 for adults, $15 for 12-18-year-olds and free to 11 and unders.
“This will support everyone with MS,” explains Henrion. “The money will be going towards helping find a cure for MS and funding treatments, different medications and studies.”
Both Henrion and Allemand also point out that they’ve received tremendous support from the community, including title sponsors SIGA and Living Sky Casino.
Tickets for Bucking MS in Speedy Creek are already available to purchase at Rocky Powersports & Marine and Lens Plumbing & Heating in Swift Current, and at Shaunavon Liquor in Shaunavon. Admission can also be paid for by contacting either Henrion or Allemand directly. All those interested are welcome to call (306) 297-8433 or email buckingms@gmail.com