On BMO Kids’ Day, the focus is on what makes the Calgary Stampede fun for children and youth, and who better to tell that story than a pair of junior reporters.

This year’s reporters were Helen Ovat, 13, and Sidak Virk, 12, and were selected from a pool of 10 finalists from the annual BMO Jr. Reporter Contest.

For their winning stories about the Stampede, each was given a $2,500 Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) and $1,500 for their schools for school supplies.

Virk said that his story covered some of the most visited places at the Stampede in the format of a travel guide.

“There’s the grandstand show, there’s the Indigenous area like Elbow River Camp, there’s the night show, and all those things, and then, like the Midway food, the best foods,” Virk said.

Ovat said that her teacher announced the contest in class and she thought it would be fun to do, so she submitted her story about the colours and people on Stampede grounds.

“So I sent in my story, and here I am,” she said.

Both were allowed to speak on the GMC Stadium stage in front of thousands who took in the morning Stampede breakfast at the stadium.

As a surprise, former CBC Broadcaster Ken Lima-Coelho and CEO of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Calgary and Area, put the junior reporters on the spot with some questions of his own about how to enjoy the day.

“Don’t worry about anything,” said Ovat.

As for whether either Virk or Ovat were looking for a career in journalism, both said no, although the younger of the two said he might write news stories as a hobby.

Paul Seipp, Regional President for Bank of Montreal, Prairies, said that one of the reasons that the bank has continued to hold the contest is to find a way to get kids involved with the Calgary Stampede.

“We’ve collectively had a relationship with the stampede for over 140 years. We’re always looking to do something new, different, creative, to engage with members of the community at large. And for us, this is just one more way to make today special,” he said.

He said that the pancake breakfast and other kids’ day activities are in demand from BMO volunteers.

“We really do look forward to this day. We have staff sign up for this opportunity, a year in advance to serve the community again, where they live and work is such a key element for us, this is a point of pride,” he said.