Four Natchitoches Parish teens are headed to Las Vegas to showcase their rodeo talent at the Junior World Finals Rodeo and Vegas Tuffest Junior World Championship.
Adrian Nelson, Addison Rains, Tatum Roberts, and Ava Grace Townsend have competed all year to earn their rank as qualifiers in their respective events.
Held in conjunction with the National Finals Rodeo, the Junior World Finals hosts more than 800 contestants within the Wrangler Rodeo Arena over 10 days in December. Located in the heart of Las Vegas, each contestant competes at the Las Vegas Convention Center. These young athletes will compete for more than $1 million in combined cash and prize payout on their quest to claim a coveted Montana Silversmiths championship buckle.
At the same time, the Vegas Tuffest Junior World Championships are held at the Expo at the World Market in downtown Las Vegas. Cowboys and cowgirls ages 7-19 will vie for over $1.5 million in cash and prizes.
Adrian, is a two-time qualifier for Vegas Tuffest and will compete in goat tying and breakaway roping. She is a junior at Magnolia Bend Academy.
Addison, who is a freshman at Magnolia Bend Academy, qualified in breakaway roping and goat tying. She is a two-time qualifier for Vegas Tuffest.
A senior at Magnolia Bend Academy, Tatum is a two-time qualifier in the Ote Berry Junior Steer Wrestling World Championship at the Junior World Finals.
Ava-Grace will be competing at Vegas Tuffest in goat tying and barrel racing for the second year. She is a 7th grader at Magnolia Bend Academy.
