US Prisoners Compete In Unique Louisiana Rodeo
Umer Jamshaid Published April 25, 2023 | 11:30 AM
Angola, United States, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Apr, 2023 ) :At the sprawling Louisiana prison known as "Angola," inmates clad in black and white stripes go toe-to-toe with horses and bulls at a unique rodeo event now in its 57th year.
The rodeo, described on its website as the "wildest show in the south," features about a dozen events in which prisoners and professional cowboys compete under the watchful eyes of prison guards and the viewing public.
Like a typical fair, children in attendance can take a ride on a merry-go-round or trot around on a horse, but this outdoor area is surrounded by barb-wired fence and watchtowers.
In the dirt-floored arena, inmates in striped uniforms, helmets and cowboy hats walk around freely and prepare for their upcoming shows.
In addition to traditional rodeo fixtures such as bull riding, the Angola Rodeo also includes more daring challenges such as "Convict Poker" -- in which four inmates sit around a table with a wild bull set loose.
The last man remaining seated wins.
There's also "Guts & Glory," which is "perhaps the most exciting" event, according to the rodeo's website.
In the competition, several inmates attempt to be the first to grab a poker chip that's been tied to the "meanest, toughest Brahma bull available." Convicts have taken part in the rodeo since 1965 at the prison, which is formally known as the Louisiana State Penitentiary.
The facility, the largest maximum security prison in the United States, sits on the site of a former slave plantation, and was previously known for its horrific violence and harsh living conditions.
The rodeos have become increasingly popular, attracting several tens of thousands of people each year. An admission fee goes to funding for inmate support programs.
These competitions allow them to earn money by participating in the events or by selling to the public handicrafts -- wooden sculptures, paintings or even models -- made by their own hands behind bars.
Recent Stories
HEC reviews curricula for environmental sciences degree programme
ICC Asia looking forward to an action-packed Asia Cricket Week
Yuvraj Singh named ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Ambassador
Greece hands Olympic flame to 2024 Paris Games hosts
Two Kyiv hospitals evacuating over feared Russian strikes
World must act on neurotech revolution, say experts
Charles & Catherine's cancer diagnoses
Champions Alcaraz and Sabalenka through in Madrid Open
King Charles to resume some public duties during cancer treatment: palace
US defense chief announces $6 bn in security aid for Ukraine
Heavy rains cause damage to Spezand-Taftan railway track
Woman stabbed in Israel, attacker killed: police
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Modern Education Techniques: A pathway to achieve economic development
13 hours ago -
Kite Flying: From cultural festival to deadly sport
13 hours ago -
PDMA predicts gusty wind, rain with thunder, hails
3 days ago -
Iranian president Raisi given guard of honour at PM House
4 days ago -
Intellectuals, writers accolades Naseer Mirza on his literary contribution
5 days ago -
Bahawalpur Adabi Sangat hosts memorable mushaira
5 days ago
-
Cattle farming vital to alleviate poverty in rural areas
5 days ago -
Pakistan: A land of tourism, archeological wonders
6 days ago -
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
8 days ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
11 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
12 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
12 days ago