RODEO ROYALTY JETS INTO TOWN

 

2015 Rodeo Queen of Australia Miss Latoya Wards will be jetting into Dalby later today as part of a whirlwind tour of the region to help promote this weekends National Rodeo Finals to be held at the Dalby Showgrounds 30^th October – 1^st November.

As Rodeo Queen of Australia, Miss Wards plays a pivotal role in the promotion of rodeo and travels extensively throughout the country and abroad encouraging participation in the sport through a number of planned promotions and appearances.

While in Dalby, Latoya will be visiting local schools, nursing homes and shopping centres to help raise awareness about the event.

Latoya first became involved in the sport back in 2007 when her Dad introduced her to then Rodeo Queen of Australia, Miss Rochelle Harrison. She vividly recalls her conversation with Rochelle who told her she would make an amazing Queen and ever since that fateful meeting, she has always held the thought in the back of her mind.

It took until 2013 when Latoya met another Rodeo Queen of Australia Miss Danielle Quinsee (who also encouraged her to enter the competition) and she was sold, entering the quest soon after.

Miss Wards says, “I entered the Australian Rodeo Queen Quest because I wanted to become a public figure and be a role model for my sister, to show her that if you work hard you can be what ever you want to be especially when you have to start at the bottom.”

The Australian Rodeo Queen Quest helps empower rural women by encouraging them to get active in sport and in their community. It is designed to open new windows of opportunities by teaching women the importance of self-worth, confidence, deportment and how to represent themselves in a positive manner.

Latoya currently competes in the ladies barrel race event on her Quarter Horse ‘Cruisee’ and what she love’s most is that everyone shares the same passion for the sport and their horses. She also enjoys the adrenalin rush that comes with competing and the bond you forge with your horse.

This year will be the first time she has attended a National Rodeo Finals event and she is absolutely thrilled to be a part of the show by making her debut as Rodeo Queen of Australia while leading the grand entry carrying the Australian flag.

Aside from participating in the grand entry, her most important role is to be a positive role model for women in rodeos by inspiring them to believe that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.

Latoya’s next promotion will be at Rokewood rodeo in Victoria on the 21^st of November where she will be involved with the grand entry and the crowning of the Rokewood rodeo ‘Mr and Miss Rodeo’ competition in addition to the ‘Tiny Tots’ and ‘Princesses and Princes’ competition.

2015 Rodeo Queen of Australia Miss Latoya Wards will be available for photos and autograph signing at this weekends National Rodeo Finals event for both sessions; Friday and Saturday Night. Latoya says, “I'm so excited to meet everyone and show Australia why I'm proud to represent them as Australia's Rodeo Queen.” Don’t miss out!