Exceptional Rodeo

By Patrick Everson

Twelve months ago, Emme Sullivan attended her first Exceptional Rodeo, an event that for decades has been a staple of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

The 12 months that followed might’ve been the longest wait of Sullivan’s young life. Finally, Thursday morning on the dirt at the Thomas & Mack Center, it was time for the 2024 Exceptional Rodeo.

“She was very excited this morning,” said Kevin Sullivan, Emme’s father and a teacher at Eileen Brookman Elementary School.

In fact, the whole Sullivan family was excited for the event. Wrangler NFR contestants and bullfighters, along with a host of local volunteers, helped Emme and many others ride seesaw bucking broncs and bulls, do some barrel racing on stick horses, or learn a little roping.

“As much as Emme has a great time, all of us have a great time,” Kevin said, noting even Emme’s grandfather made it out this year. “We left last year with such a positive feeling. This is spectacular.”

About two dozen special needs children from Clark County participated in Thursday’s activities. Kevin would like to see many more do so.

“Emme loves it. I think as many kids as the Exceptional Rodeo can handle, the Clark County School District should send them,” Kevin said.

Added Emme’s mother, Becky Sullivan: “This is such a great opportunity for all of these kids. It brings out the fun. They forget all the bad. It’s just good.”

Adam Daurio is principal of Exceptional Rodeo, which puts on events at PRCA rodeos across the country, throughout the year. But the Wrangler NFR Exceptional Rodeo is the pinnacle, and it never fails to deliver a great moment.

“Every year, there’s a standout experience, the kid who shines. Maybe they make a buddy with a rodeo athlete,” Daurio said. “But every year, there’s one story that just hits you, that something special.”

There were multiple such stories Thursday morning. One of them was certainly written by Emme, who did a fine job on the seesaw bronc, grinning from ear to ear the whole ride. All she could think to say as the morning wrapped up:

“Thank you!”

That’s more than adequate for all those who give their time to this exceptional event.

“It’s pretty spectacular to see the smiles this event puts on their faces, the happiness,” Wrangler NFR barrelman John Harrison said, while partaking in his 10^th Exceptional Rodeo. “This event is for these kids, but it really means something to all of us, too.”