An inclusive event at the Ohio State Fair offers participants between the ages of 9 and 22 with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities the opportunity to shine inside the swine show arena.
This is the third annual Breaking Boundaries Pig Show, which is presented by the Ohio Pork Council (OPC).
Dozens of youth mentors from across the state, who are part of OPC’s OH-PIGS swine exhibition program, are paired with a Breaking Boundaries participant. These mentors offer individualized and appropriate instructions on how to care for, handle, and show a pig in front of a live audience of supporters, guest judges, and the show’s emcee, Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge.
“We’re so thrilled to have these special youth and their families come out and be a part of this program each year,” says Kelly Morgan, OH-PIGS director. “We are also so proud of youth mentors who truly want to serve in this role to be able to bond with these youth who can often be the same age. It just shows how much the pig community cares.”
Echoing this sentiment is Ava Genter, an OH-PIGS mentor, she sums up her feelings on behalf of her peers.
“This program highlights how agriculture, and the pork industry in particular, has a strong sense of community,” she says. “It’s comforting to know that we all look out for each other, including new friends. Breaking Boundaries allows us to demonstrate this and show others that we’re here to support them no matter the circumstances. We’re here to cheer them on and give them the resources they need to succeed.”
Mentors and their families from the OH-PIGS program provide the event’s show pigs and share knowledge and expertise during their time with the youth participants.
It’s an opportunity for Ohio pig farming families to give back to their communities.
“It’s just a true honor to be in the show arena with these special young people and everyone who is giving of their time and talents to make a difference to these families,” says Cheryl Day, OPC executive vice president. “We’re incredibly pleased to bring this to the state fair each year and bring some true joy to people.”
