From wish to reality: Dreams come true at the Calgary Stampede

This year's Calgary Stampede helped make dreams come true for two young wish recipients and a veteran whose lifelong dream was to experience The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.

Natasha, 18, travelled from Northern Ontario with her family after more than a year of planning with Make-A-Wish Canada. Though visually impaired, Natasha’s love of horses made the Calgary Stampede her dream destination. She enjoyed the Rodeo, Evening Show, Freestyle Motocross, and visits to the Agriculture Barns alongside her parents and brothers.

“Because Natasha is visually impaired, there are a lot of things she can’t do, but horseback riding she can,” says her mother, Annie. “We own two horses, and she can ride and jump.”

One highlight stood above the rest: the fireworks. “When it’s dark, Natasha has zero vision, but with the fireworks, she can see the lights,” Annie says. “That’s special for her.”

Oscar, 11, travelled from Wokingham, England, with his family after working with the charity Promise Dreams for nearly two years. Oscar, who is partially deaf and has congenital heart disease, chose the Calgary Stampede because of his love of horses and relay racing.

He and his family enjoyed the Rodeo, Evening Show, and special seating at the Monster Energy Compound, but his most memorable experience was meeting Relay Racer Tyrell Mcgilvery of The Crazy Cree Relay Team. Tyrell gifted Oscar his riding vest and gave Oscar and his brother Samuel a chance to ride his horse, Shadow, bareback in true relay-racing style.

“It’s been magical,” says Oscar’s mother, Daniela. “It’s been amazing,” adds his father, Sean. “This is an exceptional experience. We never expected any of this. Everyone who helped make this possible for Oscar has been incredible.”

For 78-year-old veteran David Inskip of South Shields, England, a cancer diagnosis prompted his wife of 58 years, Betty, to help fulfill his lifelong dream of attending the Calgary Stampede. A GoFundMe campaign, supported by family and friends, made the trip possible.

David and Betty experienced the Rodeo, Midway, Market, and Evening Show, taking in all the Stampede had to offer.

“It was more than I expected,” says David. “The Rodeo was unbelievable. We don’t have anything like this back home.”

The couple were especially moved by the warmth they encountered throughout their visit. “We are so grateful for the friendliness of the Canadian people,” they said. “Everyone has gone out of their way to help us. The hospitality has been unreal.”