The 2026 Special Olympics Arkansas Summer Games will return to Harding University in Searcy beginning this Thursday, May 21, bringing together approximately 2,000 athletes and 500 coaches from across Arkansas for one of the state’s largest sporting events.
Summer Games will feature competition in track and field, bocce, powerlifting, swimming, tennis, and softball following months of preparation and training by athletes, coaches, and volunteers.
The annual event also includes Opening Ceremonies at Harding Stadium, the Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg from the Arkansas State Capitol to Searcy, Victory Lane community engagement activities, and volunteer opportunities throughout the week.
The Special Olympics Arkansas Summer Games are held annually at Harding University and continue to serve as a major celebration of athletic achievement, inclusion, advocacy, and community support for individuals with intellectual disabilities across Arkansas.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run will officially kick off Monday, May 18, with officers carrying the “Flame of Hope” from all four corners of Arkansas before converging at the State Capitol on Thursday morning for the Final Leg run to Searcy and the Opening Ceremonies Thursday night at 7:30 PM.
Special Olympics Arkansas officials say volunteers, healthcare professionals, sponsors, businesses, and families are encouraged to participate throughout the Summer Games weekend.
Listen below to ArkansasRadio.com radio stations owner Bob Connell for Open Mic as he talks with Sally Paine, Volunteer Coordinator for the Special Olympics Arkansas Summer Games, about the upcoming competitions, volunteer opportunities, and community involvement surrounding the statewide event.
HAVE INFORMATION YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE with the ArkansasRadio.com radio stations submit your event at https://arkansasradio.com/submit-event/
Leave a Reply