May 18, 2011

Special Olympics Arkansas summer games on campus this month

Harding University will host the Special Olympics Arkansas summer
games May 26-28, celebrating 17 consecutive years having the event on
campus.

Opening ceremonies kick off at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 26, and
activities last through closing ceremonies at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 28.
Events include aquatics, bocce ball, power lifting, softball, flag
football, golf, track and field athletics, and wheel chair
competitions. A brand new program this year will be held on Friday,
May 27, at 11:30 a.m. for young athletes with several events for those
ages 4 to 7 years.

Approximately 1,400 athletes are expected to compete with attendee
totals being near 6,000 on campus for the event. The University is
already preparing for their arrival. Aramark Facility Services will
deliver and pick up hundreds of chairs, tables and dumpsters, and
clean and prepare dorms where coaches and athletes will be housed.
Meals will be provided in the American Heritage Center Cafeteria, and
Aramark Classic Fare Catering will deliver box lunches to athletes.

Harding’s physical resources department will revamp the entire south
end of campus, building the main event stage and setting up electrical
wiring throughout the Special Olympics site at First Security Stadium
a few days before the games begin.

Several area organizations and business are donating their time and
resources to help with this year’s event as well.

Searcy Mayor David Morris and Dr. Bruce McLarty, vice president of
spiritual life at Harding, will welcome athletes and guests at the
opening ceremonies May 26. The public is invited to attend in support
of the program, and there is always a need for volunteers throughout
the events.

For more information, visit www.specialolympicsarkansas.org.