In the heart of the Bay Area, a remarkable event is giving children with developmental challenges a taste of the cowboy life at the Little‘Pardners’Rodeo. Hosted by Donnie Perry, this annual day camp transforms the dreams of 40 kids aged 4 to 17 into reality, allowing them to ride ponies, practice their lassoing skills, and embrace the joy of being a cowboy or cowgirl. Perry, who has a son with Down Syndrome, passionately creates a safe and inclusive space where laughter and fun reign supreme.
With each happy scream and colorful cowboy hat, the backdrop of the rodeo fosters a sense of belonging that’s often hard to find. Perry, who has been running this event long before his son was born, feels a deep commitment to every child that joins him for this special day. To him, these kids may be his honored guests, but for a day, they are like family.
The magic doesn’t just lie in the activities, but in the heartwarming connections forming as kids encourage one another, free from judgment. It’s a reminder of how important it is for everyone to feel seen and appreciated, no matter their challenges. So, grab your boots and hold on tight because this is where cowboys and cowgirls shine bright, even when the sun sets on the rodeo. Will you believe how much joy a day in the saddle can bring?
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Andrew Johnson
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