Two decades of gymkhana celebrated

Horses and Harleys may seem like an unlikely combination but for organizers of Sundown Gymkhana and Guardians of the Children, it’s a perfect match.

This year as they celebrated 20 years, Sundown Gymkhana partnered with the biker organization dedicated to protecting the victims of child abuse.

Gymkhana organizer Wayne Fuchs said they connected with the Steinbach-Winnipeg chapter for this year’s event after meeting the group earlier this year.

“We sort of just had the same ideas,” he said. “We all love children, and they should all be safe.”

Geezer, vice-president of the chapter, only goes by his biker name during interviews and public appearances. He said that’s done to protect the kids they work with, preventing predators from tracking the kids through the people who are helping keep them safe.

He said while the Guardians of the Children were established in San Antonio in 2006, the Steinbach chapter, which has since become the Steinbach-Winnipeg chapter has only existed for a year and a half.

Their mission is to recognize and react to child abuse and educate the public to do the same, to serve as advocates to provide strength and stability to families in crisis and be an answer to the prayer of an abused child or teen for courage, support and protection.

They partner with children advocacy agencies, victim assistance groups and others to raise awareness of the prevalence of child abuse.

“Our members share a common goal in that we enjoy the open road on our iron horses and are here to convey an important message; ‘We stand as one prepared to protect this priceless resource’,” their website states.

Geezer said this event marked the first opportunity to work with another local group.

“When they told us they like to get little kids involved and it gives the kids something to look forward to, it just seemed like a great fit,” he said.

The Sundown Gymkhana event ran over two days from Aug. 24 to 25 and in addition to gymkhana activities included a special supper, live band, pancake breakfast and cowboy church.

Fuchs said it began small, as a dream for the landowners Abe and Wendy Rempel, who cleared out part of their bush to make room for the corral. That first year only a little money was raised, but the tradition of having it go to a good cause began.

“He took money raised to help a neighbourhood family,” Fuchs said.

As the event began attracting more entrants, travelling from across western Canada and parts of the U.S. their giving power began to increase.

“We were able to help more and more people throughout the years,” he said. “We don’t keep anything for ourselves other than start-up for the following year. We donate everything.”

Gymkhana is defined as “games on horses” and Fuchs said they have all kinds of activities such as the licorice race, potato race and even a diaper race to ensure both participants and the audience is entertained.

“We’ve made it fun and that’s what gymkhana is all about,” he said.

And word continues to spread.

Fuchs said this year he received a call from a couple in Port Coquitlam who had heard of their connection to Guardians of the Children and wanted to make a donation.

“This has really gone way further than we thought,” he admitted, explaining many repeat riders come because they consider it one of the best gymkhana events with good payouts and an overall fun atmosphere.

Travis Lage is one of those who has been attending for many years.

A former rodeo participant, he said his family enjoys this annual tradition.

“When we rodeoed full-time, we used to go to gymkhanas to give our horses a break and get them to do something different and have fun,” he said. “I love being here. I love that my kids are interested in this. It gives them a place to start, to get interested and have fun.”

Motorcycles not horses are the mode of transportation preferred by Guardians of the Children members. Geezer said that’s what opens doors and often makes kids feel safe.

“They ask us to come visit them on bikes,” he said. “Their eyes light up. It helps us connect with the kids and it helps them feel safe.”

In his signature vest, the well-over 6 ft. tall Geezer stands out in any crowd, and he said his vest which includes the Guardians of the Children patch is a great way to meet people.

“It starts conversations with people (and) then we get to educate the public,” he said.

More information can be found at guardiansofthechildren.com.