Calgary – The Calgary Stampede’s Monster Energy Compound is excited to welcome newcomers Kassie Boone and Genki “Wanky” Watanabe to this year’s adrenaline filled show! Riders will showcase extreme skills—high-flying flips, tricks and jaw dropping stunts—with daily Freestyle Motocross shows. Don’t miss the evening encore performances at 10:40 p.m., illuminated by the Stampede fireworks.
“Kassie is not only new to the team this year, she will also be the first female FMX rider to perform in the Monster Energy Compound!”says Naomi Lawson-Baird, Entertainment Coordinator at the Calgary Stampede. “In addition to Kassie, ‘Wanky’ is the first international FMX rider to join the Monster Energy Compound team, all the way from Japan! The action and variety that the team will bring this year is sure to excite and awe the audience for 10 days of unforgettable shows.”
Boone, from Belmont, Ontario, has been riding since the age of five. At 16, she raced professionally and hit her first 65 foot ramp by the time she was 23. That jump sparked her passion for ramps and she fully dedicated her talents to freestyle motocross. There is not a moment spared that Kassie doesn’t use to hone in her skills and push her limits.
Hailing from Osaka, Japan, Watanabe is the first international rider at the Monster Energy Compound. Inspired by Taka Higashino, a well-known Japanese FMX competitor, Watanabe hopes to continue showcasing his unique riding style in the FMX world, while proudly representing Japan in competition.
Fellow riders joining Boone and Watanabe on the compound will be Jeremy “Twitch” Stenberg, Keith Sayers, James Carter, Brody Wilson, Billy Kohut, Chad Bauman and Nick Dunne.
For more information on the Monster Energy Compound, schedule and riders, visit calgarystampede.com/monster-energy-compound.
Visitors can watch the motocross shows free with Stampede admission. Don’t miss the action with the Stampede SuperPass, available until July 1, 2019! For only $39 plus GST, it’s unlimited adrenaline for all 10 days of the Stampede.
About the Calgary Stampede
The Calgary Stampede celebrates the people, the animals, the land, the traditions and the values that make up the unique spirit of the west. The Calgary Stampede contributes to the quality of life in Calgary and southern Alberta through our world-renowned Stampede, year-round facilities, western events and several youth and agriculture programs. Exemplifying the theme We’re Greatest Together, we are a volunteer-supported, not-for-profit community organization that preserves and celebrates our western heritage, cultures and community spirit. All revenue is reinvested into Calgary Stampede programs and facilities.
For more information, please contact:
Lahia Girbik
Media Relations Coordinator
Calgary Stampede
T 403.261.9114
C 403.681.1992
