Tess Robinson of Casper gives "Bill" a pat during her ride at the Special Olympics Rodeo on June 17, at the Casper Events Center. (Dan Cepeda, Oil City)
About 50 Special Olympians from around the country participated in the annual Special Olympics Rodeo on Saturday morning at the Casper Events Center.
The event has been held in conjunction with the College National Finals Rodeo since its arrival in Casper.
Special Olympians are paired with CNFR contestants to participate in events such as horseback riding, roping, and simulated bareback rides. Â The athletes receive prizes and gifts for their participation.
Brady Cook, 12, takes bronc ride with help from CNFR contestants and his father Gary Cook, in back, during the Special Olympics Rodeo on Saturday, June 17, at the Casper Events Center. The event, which has taken place every year since the College National Finals Rodeo started in Casper, pairs Special Olympians with CNFR contestants to participate in several rodeo activities. “He’s got this time of year marked down”, says Brady’s father, Gary Cook. The family lives on a ranch in Bates Creek outside of Casper. (Dan Cepeda, Oil City)
Special Olympian Sammie Andrew throws her rope around a practice calf during the Special Olympics Rodeo on Saturday, June 17, at the Casper Events Center. Andrew, who has been participating in the rodeo for 8 years, nailed the calf on her first try. (Dan Cepeda, Oil City)
Allison Perry laughs with Sothern Idaho’s Shawn Mentaberry as the two work together on roping during the Special Olympics Rodeo on Saturday, June 17, at the Casper Events Center. (Dan Cepeda, Oil City)
