HU to host Special Olympics Arkansas summer games

May 17, 2019 |

Harding University will host the Special Olympics Arkansas summer games May 23-25, marking the 26th consecutive year the University has hosted the event.

“Each year, we look forward to the arrival of this group and the excitement the athletes and coaches bring from all over the state of Arkansas to our campus,” Penny Davis, University conference center director and events coordinator, said.

Opening ceremonies will begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 23 at Harding’s First Security Stadium. Nearly 2,000 athletes and 500 coaches are expected to attend and participate in various sports including track and field, powerlifting, swimming, bocce, flag football and softball. The event will conclude at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 25.

Event volunteers are needed throughout the weekend to serve food or accompany athletes to and from events. Those interested in volunteering should check in at the volunteer tent near the concession stand located at the First Security Stadium.

“The full impact of summer games is beyond measure,” said Special Olympics Arkansas CEO Terri Weir. “While the competition serves as the highlight of the year to our athletes, coaches and countless families across Arkansas, I can say without hesitation that the true impact of summer games is on the community. Our athletes are guaranteed to exceed expectations and change a volunteer’s life forever.”

The public is invited to attend in support of the program.

“Our athletes train hard and they are eager to show off their skills for Summer Games, but there is no denying that extra special feeling you get as an athlete when you hear the stands erupt for you,” said Weir. “There is an extra effort and a burst of pride within yourself. It just isn’t as special without fans.”

The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics begins Monday, May 20 with officers carrying the Flame of Hope from all four corners of the state. They will converge in Little Rock on the steps of the Arkansas State Capitol at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, May 23 to join their flames in a ceremonial lighting of the final leg torch. Officers from all over the state will then run the torch from the Capitol steps to Searcy in an all-day awareness campaign that ends at First Security Stadium kicking off the 2019 Special Olympics Arkansas summer games opening ceremonies.

“It’s exciting to see our campus community come together and serve others in this way,” said Davis. “I appreciate each individual who contributes to this wonderful event. It takes each of us doing our part to make this event the very best experience it can be.”

For a detailed schedule of events, visit specialolympicsarkansas.org or call 501-771-0222. For other Harding events and free and low cost services available to the public, visit harding.edu/community .

About Special Olympics Arkansas

Special Olympics Arkansas is an organization that unleashes the human spirit through the transformative power and joy of sport, every day around the state. Through programming in sports, health, education and community building, Special Olympics Arkansas is changing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, solving the global injustice, isolation, intolerance and inactivity they face. Special Olympics Arkansas is providing opportunities for more than 15,000 athletes and 5,000 volunteers in all counties across the state of Arkansas. SpecialOlympicsArkansas.org