Harding University will host the Special Olympics Arkansas summer games May 22-24, celebrating 21 consecutive years having the event on campus.
Opening ceremonies kick off at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 22, and activities last through closing ceremonies at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 24. Events include eight sports, and nearly 2,000 athletes and 2,000 coaches and volunteers are expected to attend.
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. 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.
Several area organizations and business are donating their time and resources to help with this year’s event as well.
Dr. David Collins, executive vice president at Harding, will welcome athletes and guests at the opening ceremonies May 22. 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.
