Rodeo Lifelines: How the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund Saves Lives and Careers
The Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund (JCCF) is a beacon of home for professional rodeo athletes facing the daunting challenge of recovery from injuries sustained in the rodeo arena.
Founded in a partnership between the Justin Boot Company, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), and the Women's Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) in 1989, the JCCF has become a crucial support system within the rodeo community.
Its mission is simple, with an immeasurable impact: to provide need-based financial assistance to injured rodeo professionals, ensuring that the athletes and their families can navigate difficult times without the added burden of financial strain.
Rodeo, by nature, is a high-risk sport, with athletes often facing danger in events that test their skills, agility, and courage. The JCCF steps in when these risks turn into realities, providing much-needed financial assistance to those who find themselves injured and unable to compete and earn a livelihood due to injury.
Rodeo is one of the few professional sports with no guaranteed salary for an injured athlete. The PRCA and Justin underwrite all of the operational expenses of the JCCF, which allows for 100% of the donations to go directly to the injured athletes. Since its founding, the JCCF has awarded nearly $9.5 million in assistance.
On the front lines, the Justin Sports Medicine Team provides preventative care and immediate treatment. This group of dedicated professionals, including doctors, physical therapists, and sports medicine specialists, travels to rodeos across the country, offering their expertise directly to the athletes, free of charge.
The JSMT's presence at these events is a game-changer for the athletes, providing them with access to top-tier medical care and support that can help prevent injuries and assist in the quick recovery of those who are injured. The team's work is pivotal in managing injuries, enhancing performance, and extending careers.
Both the JCCF and JSMT embody what's best about the rodeo community: looking out for each other. They ensure that the sport's thrills and spills don't come at an unbearable cost to the athletes. It's about ensuring everyone who rides into the arena knows they're not doing it alone.
Through their efforts, rodeo athletes can pursue their passion with the assurance that they are not alone, backed by a community that values their health, safety, and financial stability as much as their achievements in the arena.
The JCCF is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. If you would like to contribute, 100% of your donation will support injured rodeo athletes and their families. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
You can find more information about the JCCF by visiting their website, justincowboycrisisfund.org.
