Congratulating Big Sky Rodeo

Floor Speech

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Mr. ZINKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Big Sky PBR and Outlaw Partners for their remarkable achievement, winning the national Professional Bull Riders' ``Event of the Year'' award for the 10th consecutive year. I salute America and Montana's leadership in rodeo and those that carry that great legacy forward.

The traditions of rodeo run deep. The prayer and the pledge still observed before each event shows respect to both the rider and the bull. It takes a lot of courage, skill, and grit to ride a bull, and a little luck to ride it for the full eight seconds.

Many rodeo athletes who cut their teeth in small town arenas go on to do great things in the sport on a national level. A great deal of that success comes from the community that is built up under the Big Sky. That community is epitomized by Big Sky's annual event, with the best arena, best landscape, best bulls, and of course, the best crowds. Former professional bull rider Cord McCoy said it best himself: ``I have been around the world three times and Big Sky is my favorite PBR stop.''

Big Sky PBR brings fans from all over the world to Montana. It increases tourism, supports local businesses, and allows people to see the beauty of the Rocky Mountains.

I also cannot neglect to mention the huge amount of charity work that is done at each year's event. Organizers are committed to giving back to the local community that hosts them and a portion of the proceeds from a number of the events go to local nonprofits. They understand that Montana is one small town with one long road, and if you want to be a part of that town, you help your neighbors.

We have a lot to celebrate in Montana. We have deep traditions that go back generations. We also have growth that sometimes conflicts with our heritage. I am happy to be able to celebrate an event that brings Montana tradition to all of us--whether we're fifth generation Montanans or first. It is organizations like Big Sky PBR and Outlaw Partners that foster the growth of America and Montanan's tradition of Bull Riding. They showcase the values that make America Great. Big Sky PBR is one of the prides of western Montana, and I am honored to be able to recognize them today. Bravo Zulu.

Mr. Speaker, my esteemed colleagues, I ask that you join me in congratulating Big Sky PBR and Outlaw Partners for their achievement.

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