Bull Riding fundraiser for MS set for Strandquist Arena on Friday

Bull riders from across the prairie provinces will be putting their skills to the test during a bull riding fund-raising event for Multiple Sclerosis on Friday.

The Caitlyn’s Crusaders Bull Riding fundraiser is set for 6 p.m. on September 10 at the Strandquist Arena just outside of Kyle. Event organizer Caitlyn Stenberg noted that there will be a pool for the experienced riders along with a second pool for more novice competitors to show off their talents. The top three or four riders from these pools will then compete head to head in the short go to vie for the top case prizes.

“There’s a lot of buzz around this event and people are excited to get out, not just to support me but everyone else that they know with MS. Saskatchewan has one of the highest rates of MS in Canada and the world, so it’s not hard to find somebody with MS,” Stenberg admitted during an interview to promote the event.

After being diagnosed with MS in 2018, she has been a strong fundraiser for the annual MS Walk. She raised just over $12,000 while fundraising for the annual walk in 2019, 2020 and 2021, and now she is aiming to raise $15,000 alone through her fundraising efforts this summer. Stenberg and CS Bucking Bulls combined efforts to raise just shy of $6,000 during a fundraiser in Pilot Butte back on August 27. Proceeds from the Pilot Butte and Kyle fundraisers will go to the 2022 Catilyn’s Crusaders MS Walk Team in support of the MS Society.

“I’ve been living with it for three years as of tomorrow actually. September the 4th was the day I was diagnosed. So I’ve been lucky that I have Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis and so I don’t have a lot of flair ups, but there are days that it gets a little bit tougher.”

Stenberg said teaming up with Cody, Brad and Kathy Strandquist, who are hosting the event, was a natural connection.

“Rodeo’s been part of my blood since 1999, that’s when our family started rodeoing.”

Stenberg was born in Swift Current and the majority of her family still lives in the Southwest, so the September 10 event is sure to draw a strong crowd.

“It’s a completely free, family-friendly event. And it’s all donation based, so whatever people want to give we will take.”

Volunteers will be walking around asking for donations along with selling tickets for a 50/50 draw which will be made that evening.

She noted that South West Smoke Shack will be selling smoked beef on a bun for those wanting to eat at the event, plus pre-packaged Smoke Shack smoked meat and cheeses will be offered for sale with a $5 donation from every sale going to the Caitlyn Crusaders.

Signs will be posted to guide people to the Strandquist Arena situated a mile east of Kyle, and spectators are asked to bring a lawn chair to enjoy the action from.