Rodeo has gained notoriety for its heart-thumping thrill of bull-riding and bronco-busting. This sport might not seem like a natural fit for individuals with exceptional needs. However, a remarkable event took place at the Amarillo National Center on the Tri-State Fairgrounds at 6:00 p.m. on a bright September evening.
This was no ordinary rodeo; it was an Exceptional Rodeo. It brought together kids and adults to experience the rodeo’s magic thoughtfully, leaving everyone spellbound. Just a few weeks prior, an NGO had organized a similar event for disabled individuals in the surfing world. Now, the rodeo authorities are following suit and spreading the wave of inclusivity!
Authorities and Board member’s words making waves!
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Amarillo rodeo wasn’t just about breaking barriers, it was about building bridges. According to News Channel 10, Channing, a passionate Rodeo Queen, and volunteer summed it up, “I think that’s one of the biggest and best things that we could possibly do. It’s probably one of the better things we do here at the Tri-State Fair and Rodeo”.
Samantha, another Rodeo Queen, echoed the sentiment. “Getting anybody and everybody involved and making sure that people feel safe in our environment, is what I think we definitely strive for”. Moreover, Georgia Benzer, a junior fair board member provided an in-depth look into the event. She added, So tonight we have a poll pattern set up as well as stick horse barrel racing a bucking horse as well as pony rides, and yes they all are going to win an award tonight”.
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“We are all about Community here and this event is definitely no different we are super excited to bring this to life the kids on the smile on their faces and the excitement in the air is just so much fun to be around so we’re super excited to be here yeah.” adds Segayle Foster, the partnership and marketing manager at the Amarillo National Center.
Apart from authorities, the delight of the parents of the participants warmed the hearts of the masses.
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Parents laud the inclusivity and positivity of the one-of-a-kind event
Parents of the participants expressed their delight after grasping their kids’ excitement and stunning performances. Melina Lucatero, a first-time parent at the event, conveyed her joy, saying, “It makes my heart so happy to see my daughter living her best life, you know, being able to share what she loves to do with the world.”
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For parents like Melina, events like these create unforgettable memories and provide a platform for their exceptional children to shine. The rodeo community has brought forth the extraordinary with this prestige event. The world of rodeo, which is typically known for its daring and sometimes daunting challenges, produced an Exceptional Rodeo event that proved that the genuine spirit of the Wild West lies in unity, inclusivity, and the joy of shared experiences. Though the event catered to the needs of kids, it equally brought happiness to parents’ faces. The world looks up to more such events in the future!
What do you make of this extraordinary event that rose above the rest to showcase inclusivity? Let us know in the comments section below.