The second annual Tyler Willer Memorial ATV Derby took place on April 22 in Assiniboia. The event included a noon-time parade down main street to kick off the event as well as a ride extending for 67 kilometres.
The cool temperatures of the day didn’t deter the over 200 riders who came bundled up to ride in ATVs of all shapes and sizes. Many participants signed up from across the province as well as hundreds of locals.
The ride celebrates the life and memory of Tyler Willer who died in an accident. Cpl. Jason St. Pierre was inspired to organize the event after speaking with Willer’s family, Steve, Marnie, Brandi and Dayton, about keeping his memory alive in the community.
After giving it some thought, they decided to hold an annual ATV derby in his name.
St. Pierre teamed up with Trevor Van De Sype to put the event together. In the span of a few weeks, they assembled dozens of volunteers and signed up over 300 participants for the event. St. Pierre noted the incredible generosity and support for the event coming from Assiniboia and the surrounding community. Business owners, the farming community and public contributed countless hours to organizing the event. The organizers also received generous donations from the community for food and door prizes.
This year’s ride followed the format of the first event. The ride spanned roughly 60 miles starting in Assiniboia then goes to Congress, across to Limerick and back to Assiniboia. The organizers planned several stops including a few water holes and mud pits as well as a fuel stop and lunch break.
All proceeds raised from the event are directed to the Tyler Willer scholarship. At the end of each school year, a $1,000 scholarship is awarded in Willer’s name to a student going on to enter a trade.
