A bid to have rodeo declared Alberta’s provincial sport was given a pass by the government.
During the Canadian Finals Rodeo, retiring provincial Liberal leader Kevin Taft donned a cowboy hat and declared Alberta should embrace rodeo as its official sport. In early photographs and provincial archives, it’s not hockey or soccer that’s featured in the province’s birth, but rodeo.
“No other sport carries such a deep connection to our province,” said Taft.
While Taft received majority support for his motion in the legislature, it’s unlikely it will become official.
Alberta culture minister Lindsay Blackett said other sports were just as deserving and rodeo shouldn’t be given special status.
“Does the province need a provincial sport? I frankly don’t think so,” Blackett told reporters Nov. 24.
