One of the most heartwarming traditions at the Iowa State Fair returns for its sixth year on Saturday, August 9. Sixteen Special Olympics Iowa athletes will take center stage in the Swine Barn for the Bacon Buddies® pig show, proudly showcasing their skills alongside Iowa’s 4‑H and FFA youth.
The Bacon Buddies® show is a partnership between the Iowa Pork Producers Association and Special Olympics Iowa. The event pairs Iowans with intellectual and developmental disabilities with 4‑H and FFA mentors, creating a shared experience of showing pigs on one of the state’s biggest stages.
“This is truly one of our favorite events of the year,” said IPPA board member Linda Schroeder, a pig farmer from Remsen. “Caring for our communities is at the heart of what we do, and this event brings pork producers, 4‑H and FFA youth, and Iowans with developmental disabilities together for a wonderful event. The energy in the show ring is incredible, and you can’t help but leave with a smile. It’s a day that reminds us why we do what we do.”
Each Special Olympics athlete is paired with two 4‑H/FFA mentors who guide them through pig handling, showmanship, and interacting with judges in front of a live audience.
“Special Olympics began as a sports organization and over the years has grown to offer many other inclusive programs outside of just sports. Bacon Buddies is the perfect example of one of those programs, teaching Special Olympics Iowa athletes responsibility, leadership, friendship and, above all else, social inclusion beyond the playing field,” said John Kliegl, president and CEO of Special Olympics Iowa. “We are grateful to the Iowa Pork Producers, Iowa FFA, and the Iowa State Fair for their continued support and partnership of this program year after year.”
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