Amidst the collection of rodeos at the Douglas County fair offers, there’s one roundup that represents not only bringing community together — but also an occasion centered on accommodating those with disabilities and different cognitive needs.

Rick Newell, a 28-year-old theater and choir savant from Highlands Ranch, lives with cognitive and developmental disorders and partial hearing loss. He sang the national anthem during Wednesday’s “Unbridled Rodeo” opening ceremony.

“To give me the opportunity to come and do this today was quite an honor,” Newell told The Denver Gazette after his performance.

The Unbridled Rodeo featured sensory-friendly rodeo activities catered to those of all ages living with various disabilities.

“What it means to me is that my disabilities do not affect me. I make dreams happen,” Newell said, watching others learn how to lasso and interact with animals.

“I come here and I do things because I know I can give back to people,” he said.

Newell also serves on the Development Pathways board, which hosted Wednesday’s rodeo. The nonprofit case management agency serves more than 15,000 people of all ages in Arapahoe, Douglas and Elbert counties.

Erica Kitzman, Developmental Pathways chief administration officer, said the Unbridled Rodeo is about “the ability to bring a community together in a very thoughtfully orchestrated, inclusive, adaptive event.”

“It’s where people can come out into their community and come together and participate and enjoy the fun, and do it in an environment that’s tailored to their needs,” she said.

The rodeo included mechanical bull riding, cowboy roping, therapeutic mini horses, crafts, dancing and sensory touch stations. Everyone received a ribbon for each event they participated in.

Among those helping kids up on the mechanical bull was Douglas County Commissioner Abe Laydon.

“This event isn’t just about rodeo,” Laydon said, “it’s about building a community where every child knows they belong, that they matter.”

Garabed Saghbazarian and his daughter, Alice, traveled from Centennial to join the hundreds at the fairgrounds in Castle Rock on Wednesday.

The occasion, he said, provided “a safe, secure environment” for his young daughter, who is growing up with development and cognitive disorders.

“This gives these people, and children, a chance to not only explore, but also to express themselves,” he said. “That’s what makes it this event so unique compared to others.”

“Alice is not an invitee, she’s a participant,” Saghbazarian said, “and that doesn’t happen very often.”

The 107th Douglas County Fair and Rodeo in south Castle Rock continues with more shows, the junior livestock event, professional rodeo, food and carnival rides until Sunday. For a schedule of events, visit douglascountyfairandrodeo.com.