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News Release

2007 International Indian Rodeo Finals

December 27 – 30, 2007

Gila River Indian Community - Chandler Arizona

Contestants from the Central Navajo Rodeo Association, All Indian Rodeo Cowboys Association Navajo Prairie Indian Rodeo Association, Columbia River Indian Rodeo Cowboys Association and the Native Cowboys Rodeo Association rodeo champions have qualified for the 2007 International Indian Finals Rodeo 2007.

Since 2005 the IIFR has been hosted by Canadian rodeo association PIRA, WIREA, and NCRA; THE United States associations CNRA,  CRIRA and the AIRCA has enjoyed their northern hospitality. This year Honorable President Dr. Joe Shirley and Vice President Ben Shelly embraced a lofty goal to co-sponsoring the 2007 IIFR. Dr. Shirley and Vice President Shelly see a future where Navajo rodeo athletes are competitive at professional levels throughout the world. Rodeo has great mentors in our Navajo leaders who are actively bridging with other communities.

President Shirley and Vice President Shelly stated the IIFR is “an important tool for Navajo Youth to learn responsibility, horsemanship, sportsmanship, and leadership.” IIFR rodeos are family events and inclusive over a broad age range from Jr. Bull Riding and Jr. Barrel-racing to the regular Open events which feature current champions that make rodeo the “must-see” sport that it is; and Senior Break Away – always a true inspiration to stay active in the great rodeo sport.

The IIFR Board of Directors. We have contributed countless hours of hard work to bring the event to Arizona. The 2007 IIFR resulted in true international partnering – between the Navajo Nation, Gila River Nation and Canadian counterparts. Each rodeo association has pooled financial and human resources; working toward a common goal. The hard work and camaraderie sets high standards for the next generation to surpass. Let us look to the future with great expectations while we give thanks to the Almighty for the abundant blessings bestowed on our people.

The Rawhide - Explore the Wilder West – at the Rawhide an exciting trip back in time. Make your plans to attend the IIFR – the Rawhide facility is a vacation destination that your family will enjoy. Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass, renowned for their elaborate holiday celebrations, introduces "Cowboy Christmas" on Main Street bringing the western town to life with entertainment, and live music. You are invited to enjoy festive stage performances at the Six Gun theatre, marshmallow roasting and a visit to Santa's Stables to meet St. Nick and animals of the southwest in the pettin' zoo during the day. Rawhide's Cowboy Christmas begins on November 23rd and extends until December 31, 2007. Rawhide is open Monday through Thursday 5pm to 10pm and Friday through Sunday 11am to 10pm. Admission and parking at Rawhide is FREE.

Check-In - IIFR Contestants, Sponsors and Personnel

The IIFR Meet and Greet opens IIFR festivities. Contestants, Sponsors and Personnel are to check in on December 26^th from 5PM – 7PM at the Rawhide Steakhouse. Contestant numbers and group photos will be taken at that time. Contestants will meet the IIFR sponsors and hosts at the IIFR Meet and Greet!  Wild Horse Pass is just located off the I-10 freeway on Wild Horse Pass Blvd. (exit 162), this is Arizona's biggest, closest and best casino! Edison Bitsui invites everyone to the reception.

The Navajo Nation Sponsors the IIFR Awards Dinner at the Rawhide

The Navajo Nation as the official host for the 2007 IIFR is hosting the Sunday Awards Banquet and Presentation which will be held at the Rawhide Steakhouse. Contestants and a guest will receive complimentary dinners. Navajo Leaders will be on hand to present the World Championship awards.

IIFR Schedule

December 27-30, 2007

4 Performances

Thursday
Performance 6:00 PM
Slack to follow
Friday 
Performance 6:00 PM
Slack to follow
Saturday

Performance 1:00 PM

Slack to follow

Sunday

Slack 12:00 PM

Performance 1:00 PM

Rodeo Admission:  Adults $12.00, GRIC & Seniors (55+) $8.00, Students (7-12 years) $5.00, Children (6 & under) Free

Online ticket sales are available at www.ticketforce.com

Phone sales are also available at 1-866-726-3581

Tickets are now on sale!

Wild Horse Pass Casino

One mile south of Chandler Blvd. and I-10. We're one of the many choices you'll find at Wild Horse Pass. Over 167,000 sq. feet of gaming fun and home to 750 hot slots, live poker, blackjack and keno, a 1500 seat high-stakes bingo hall as well as a restaurant with buffet, two delis, and a gift shop.

Whirlwind Golf Club

The Gila River Indian Community has woven championship golf with its rich cultural heritage to create Whirlwind Golf Club. Whirlwind Golf Club offers  a 36-hole facility which is managed by Troon Golf.

More About the Wild Horse Pass

Wild Horse Pass is a unique destination, nestled between the Sierra Estrella and South Mountains, just south of Phoenix, Arizona, offering panoramic views of the mountains, river, desert and wild horses that roam the area. The designs showcase the rich cultural heritage, art and legends of the Pima and Maricopa Tribes. Wild Horse Pass offers the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort with 500 culturally themed rooms, over 100,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event and meeting space, and spectacular riverside pools with a waterslide; the 17,500 square-foot Native American Aji Spa; the 1,000-acre Koli Equestrian Center; a 2.5-mile replica of the Gila River meandering through the property with boat shuttles to the activities; and exciting gaming and entertainment at the Wild Horse Pass Casino. Food and beverage options include six restaurants, with fine dining at the Kai, featuring a native inspired menu designed by James Beard Award winner Janos Wilder.

Horse Stall Reservations
$20.00 per night. Deadline December 15, 2007.  Contact AnDee White at awhite@wildhorsepass.com.

Trade Show Booths
15 Booth limit. Deadline for Registration is December 1, 2007.  The cost $125.00 Per Day. Gila River Business Licence ($150) is required by December 1 please submit to Andee White at awhite@wildhorsepass.com. To download the following forms:

Saddle-Up folks see you at the IIFR.

Edison Bitsui