Children of all ages with special needs had their own special day June 28 at the Stampede Grounds during the Rodeo Challenge.
The event was an opportunity to give 25 children a chance at some modified rodeo activities with the help of World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) drivers and outriders.
Kids were able to rope, ride pretend bulls, and even get a ride on a small chuckwagon while volunteers pulled them along.
Co-organizer Ken Krossa says the WPCA has always been a big supporter of the event and children could be seen dragging their charges such as WPCA drivers Jason Glass and Rick Fraser, to each of the different events. Parents were given the opportunity to watch from the grandstands while their children took part in the fun day.
“I don’t know a lot of kids that would get the opportunity to do this,” said Krossa. “It’s kind of their day. They’re the hero for the day.”
For Carmen Bexson, seeing her daughter Taryn in the grounds taking part in the events is a proud moment.
This is the third time her daughter has been to the challenge.
“It just gets them out experiencing things they don’t ever get to do,” said Bexson.
Another positive part of the day is being with families who are having similar challenges. It becomes a day of support for those involved.
“She (Taryn) gets to see other kids like her,” said Bexson.
“This morning she was pretty excited to come,” she added.
Bev Lummis brought her daughter Hailey to the event and was pleased to see her happy and excited to be there.
“She is loving it,” stated Lummis.
The Rodeo Challenge is held rain or shine and is also organized by Marjorie Krossa and Lynden and Diane Vold. The rodeo challenge concluded with trophies and the kids were able to speak to the crowd about the excitement of the day.