Probably the most uplifting traditions on the Iowa State Honest is again for its sixth yr. On Saturday, August 9, the Bacon Buddies® pig present will deliver collectively 16 Particular Olympics Iowa athletes and 4‑H/FFA youth within the Swine Barn for an unforgettable night of connection, neighborhood, and inclusion.
A partnership between the Iowa Pork Producers Affiliation (IPPA) and Particular Olympics Iowa, the Bacon Buddies® occasion pairs people with mental and developmental disabilities with youth mentors from 4‑H and FFA. Collectively, they expertise the enjoyment and duty of exhibiting pigs on one of many state’s greatest agricultural levels.
“That is actually considered one of our favourite occasions of the yr,” stated Linda Schroeder, IPPA board member and pig farmer from Remsen. “The power within the present ring is unimaginable, and you may’t assist however depart with a smile.”
Every athlete is partnered with two youth mentors who assist information them by the method of pig dealing with, showmanship, and choose interplay — providing beneficial classes in teamwork and management alongside the way in which.
John Kliegl, president and CEO of Particular Olympics Iowa, sees Bacon Buddies® as greater than a present.
“This program teaches our athletes duty, friendship, and social inclusion past the taking part in subject,” Kliegl stated. “We’re grateful to Iowa Pork, FFA, and the State Honest for persevering with to assist this highly effective expertise.”
The motion has grown far past Des Moines. This summer time, 41 county festivals throughout Iowa hosted their very own Bacon Buddies-style occasions, increasing the attain and affect of this initiative statewide.
The 2025 Bacon Buddies® occasion takes place Saturday, August 9 at 6:30 p.m. within the Swine Barn on the Iowa State Fairgrounds. All are welcome to attend and assist these inspiring individuals — a lot of whom can be exhibiting pigs for the very first time.
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For particulars in regards to the Bacon Buddies® program, go to www.iowapork.org.
