The annual Special Angels Rodeo will be held Nov. 8 at the T2 Arena and Event Center in Orange. Volunteers are needed to help with the event.
The Special Angels Rodeo began in 2014 to give special needs individuals an opportunity to participate in rodeo events.
“We’re hoping to empower individuals with special needs through the world of rodeo,” Kaylea Daigle, treasurer and media chair, said. “Our primary mission is to create an environment where these individuals can actively participate in a range of activities, build their self-confidence and enjoy the thrill of a rodeo, but in a safe and supportive and adaptive environment.”
Volunteers are able to assist by being “buddies” and are responsible for helping participants get around and enjoy the event.
“You get paired up with a special needs person and you walk them through all the carnival games,” Daigle said. “Some of them want to carry their own backpacks and goodies, and some of them can’t handle that, so you carry it for them. You become their friend for the day, and you just spend time with them.”
Sydney Vo, Beaumont senior, has participated in the rodeo last year and said she hopes students will reach out to participate.
“It’s a really great event that needs more volunteers and more people involved,” she said. “I just don’t think many people know about it.”
As well as “buddies,” there are a range of other volunteer options, Daigle said.
“We do ask for volunteer photographers,” she said. “So, if you want to come out and you don’t think that you have the social skills, or you don’t think that you’re confident enough to be paired with a special needs person, then you can take pictures for us. You can also help with setup or tear down crew, you can help with registration, and you can help serve in the food tent.”
Vo, who is a marketing major with emphasis on social media, photographed last year’s rodeo.
“I made sure to take photos of the volunteers and the people that came as Special Angels,” she said. “There’s stickers that say if it’s OK to take their photo or if it’s not OK on their backpack.”
The rodeo includes roping, a dunking booth, life-sized Jenga and barrel racing. There are even spaces that provide hippotherapy, which uses horses to help with balance, coordination and posture.
“While the participants are being led on the horse, they go through a barrel pattern and get to feel like they are actually doing the race,” Daigle said. “We actually have a trailer that they have outfitted to hold wheelchairs so that they can run a barrel pattern.”
Admission to the Special Angels Rodeo is free. Vo said a lot of work that goes into the event and Lamar students are able to get volunteer hours and give back to the community.
“This event is catered to giving parents or caretakers a break,” Vo said. “That’s what the buddies are for, so they can go and play with them.”
Volunteer opportunities are available before the event, but students may also show up on the day, Daigle said.
For more, visit specialangels rodeo.org, or text 409-988-9478.
