Sixteen Special Olympics athletes had the chance to show pigs at this year’s Bacon Buddies Show at the Iowa State Fair. A collaboration between the Iowa Pork Producers Association and Special Olympics Iowa, the show seeks to provide Special Olympians with a unique opportunity. John Kliegl, CEO of Special Olympics Iowa, said people were out in full force to watch the show and support the athletes and exhibitors.
Kliegl said the Special Olympics athletes get just as excited for the show as any other swine exhibitors.
With 16 athletes showing, they technically only need 32 mentors. However, Kliegl said they have no shortage of interested swine exhibitors- in fact, they had almost 70 kids apply for it this year.
On top of that, Kliegl said shows like this are spreading across the state and the country.
For more information, visit soiowa.org.
