2014 North American Sheep Shearing Challenge
Open Class Grand Champion – Mike Pora, New South Wales, Australia
Open Class Reserve Champion – Braden Anderson, Invercargill, New Zealand
Intermediate Champion – Tracy Jarratt, Irricana, Alberta
Intermediate Reserve Champion – John Beasley, Youngstown, Alberta
International Team Champion – Team New Zealand
International Team Reserve Champion – Team Canada/Australia
Andrew Nibourg Memorial Sportsmanship Award – John Beasley, Youngstown, Alberta
Calgary – The final showdown of the North American Sheep Shearing Challenge came down to a tight battle between representatives from the two biggest sheep shearing nations. In the end, it was Mike Pora of New South Wales, Austrialia taking the title of Grand Champion. Pora topped a field of eight entrants in the Open class who were battling for the win and a purse of over $11,000
After over a decade of trying, Pora can finally call himself a Calgary Stampede Grand Champion. “It’s absolutely awesome,” he said after the win, “I’ve thought about it for a long time. World champions, world record-holders – there’s a lot of great names on that trophy. To be next to them is a great feeling.”
The victory is especially sweet for Pora because he doesn’t compete very much anymore. “I’m pretty well retired,” he says. “I was shearing for the better part of 20 years. I’ve been training shearers for the last eight years.” His main involvement in competitions these days, he says, is as a judge.
About the Calgary Stampede
The Calgary Stampede celebrates the people, the animals, the land, the traditions and the values that make up the unique spirit of the west. The Calgary Stampede contributes to the quality of life in Calgary and southern Alberta through our world-renowned 10-day Stampede, year-round facilities, western events and several youth and agriculture programs. Exemplifying the theme We’re Greatest Together, we are a volunteer-supported, not-for-profit community organization that preserves and celebrates our western heritage, cultures and community spirit. All revenue is reinvested into Calgary Stampede programs and facilities.
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For more information, please contact:
Nicole Henson Lori Wheeler
Agriculture Media Committee Chair Agriculture Program Coordinator
Mobile: (403) 875-9808 Office: (403) 261-0309
agmedia@calgarystampede.com lwheeler@calgarystampede.com
