Clive, IA (Iowa Pork) – Special Olympic athletes from across Iowa will showcase their skills at the Iowa State Fair’s Bacon Buddies® pig show on Saturday, August 10. Under the guidance of Iowa FFA and 4-H mentors, 16 Special Olympic athletes will proudly present their pigs in the Swine Barn.
The Bacon Buddies® show, now in its fifth year, is a collaborative effort between the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) and Special Olympics Iowa (SOI). This unique event unites Iowans with intellectual or developmental disabilities with 4-H and FFA youth, fostering a shared experience of showing pigs on one of the biggest stages of all, the Iowa State Fair.
“This is one of our favorite events of the year,” said IPPA President Matt Gent, a pig farmer from Wellman. “One of our core principles is caring for the community, and this is a great event that brings multiple communities together: pork producers, 4-H and FFA youth, and Iowans with developmental disabilities. Everyone who attends this show leaves with a smile on their face. It’s a fantastic event.”
Each Special Olympic athlete is paired with two 4-H/FFA mentors, who will provide guidance on animal agriculture, pig showing techniques, and interacting with judges in front of a live audience.
“We are very excited to have the opportunity to continue our partnerships with Iowa FFA, 4-H, the Iowa Pork Producers and the Iowa State Fair by having our athletes participate in Bacon Buddies again this year,” said John Kliegl, president and CEO of Special Olympics Iowa. “Bacon Buddies gives our athletes the chance to compete against their peers through another outlet beyond sports and teaches them the importance of socialization as well as agriculture. Participation in programs such as Bacon Buddies helps our athletes and Iowa communities see the importance of equality and Inclusion. We are grateful for the growth and awareness that brings to the potential of individuals with intellectual disabilities.”
Bacon Buddies® has not only become a staple at the Iowa State Fair but has also expanded significantly to county fairs across the state. This year, more than 30 counties held similar events, with the assistance of IPPA in providing organizational and promotional resources.
Matt and Heidi Rohrig, pork producers from Adair County, will serve as the judges for the event at the State Fair.
“It’s so important to us to be inclusive and give everyone that opportunity,” Heidi Rohrig said. “It also gives the 4-H and FFA kids the chance to show their passion and share what they absolutely love doing. It’s a great program that builds relationships, and it helps the mentors and the buddies.”
The Bacon Buddies show will commence at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 10, in the Swine Barn at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. The event is open to the public.
For more information about the Bacon Buddies® program, visit iowapork.org.
