Special Olympics Arkansas
"Let me win.  But if I cannot win, let me be
brave  in the attempt."  -   Athlete Oath
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About Special Olympics Arkansas

In 1968, the Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation created Special Olympics. Since then it has become the world's  largest program of sports training and athletic  competition for children and  adults with intellectual disabilities. For these individuals, sports and physical activities are the quickest, surest road to good health,  personal growth, and self-confidence. Being always told "You can't do it,"  Special Olympics says "You can do it. All you need is a chance."

Special Olympics Arkansas is a non-profit organization, providing approximately 19,500 individuals with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to excel. The  direction of the  program flows through numerous volunteers. Arkansas is divided into  17 areas, each headed  by a volunteer Area Director and various volunteers  serving on team management  committees. The Area Directors support all the local  events in their  area.

Originating  in 1970, Arkansas held  its first Summer Games with 283 athletes competing in  various track and field  events and has grown to a competition program for athletes wanting to train and  compete in athletics, swimming, softball,  volleyball, unified flag football, powerlifting, bocce and cycling. Other Special  Olympics Arkansas sports include:  basketball, bowling,  and  floor hockey.

Special  Olympics Athletes are just like other successful athletes, they need to be  properly trained. We are  proud of our program to have access to the finest  national training plan ever.  Certification in Special Olympics coaching is  offered in all official sports.  Certification is open to anyone interested in
becoming a Nationally Certified Special Olympics Coach. Our goal is to properly train our special athletes by training their coaches first. Training workshops  are held each year, in all  areas of the state.

The success of Special Olympics Arkansas has been made possible by the love and dedication of many volunteers  who know that individuals with intellectual disabilities have important  contributions to make to society. But the need is still great. In the United  States alone, only 33 percent of the individuals with intellectual disabilities who need the program are being  reached. Help make Special Olympics a growing program. No matter how you choose  to help, your efforts will have an impact on the athletes. Any time or talent  you and your family contribute will be appreciated. Financial support is always needed and your contribution will be tax-deductible to the extent of the law.  We  hope that you will become an active part in helping special people grow and  excel.  For  further information, contact our office.

Mission

​The mission of Special Olympics Arkansas is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for all children and adults with  intellectual  disabilities giving them continuing opportunities to develop  physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a  sharing of gifts,  skills, and friendship with their families, other Special  Olympics athletes, and the community.

Diversity , Equity and Inclusion Statement

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are at the heart of all that we do at Special Olympics  Arkansas. We strive to promote unity and create a world where everyone belongs.   We value, celebrate and respect all differences, backgrounds and perspectives and  understand that greater diversity and inclusion creates a stronger and more innovative   organization that delivers better results as we work with the athletes in all communities.

Strategic Plan

Every three years a committee is selected to create a strategic plan for  the  next three years. With the mission in mind, the strategic plan sets the
tone for  everything from the budget, to staff and board expectations, to  how events are  run.  Click below to view Special Olympics Arkansas Strategic Plan goals.
Strategic Plan

Annual Report - Audit - Form 990

Special Olympics Arkansas is proud to return 78% of every dollar back to program services.  Thank you for trusting us with your donations, volunteer time and your goodwill. We understand that there are thousands of other very deserving charities to which you could donate.
2021 Form 990
2020 Annual Report  (.pdf)

Board of Directors 

​Board Chairman
John Fournier - North Little Rock

Vice Board Chairman
Ross Ridout - Searcy

Finance Chairman
Ferdinand Felizco - Little Rock

Secretary
Brian Wallace - North Little Rock

Past Board Chairman
Donna Morey - Maumelle
Vertical Divider
​Board Members
Roy Anderle - Mena
Jerry Bridges -  Greenwood
Jay Clevenger - Jonesboro
Jim Couch -  Little Rock
Raul Dallas - North Little Rock
Brinda Garrett - Ft. Smith

Dr. Charlie Green - Jacksonville
Dr. Valarie Hilson - Jonesboro
Sharon Johnson - McGehee
Nick Lasker - Conway
Kara Newman - North Little Rock
Joey Wiggins -  Little Rock

Director Emeritus
Sarah Sealy - Texarkana
​Mary Jane Russell - Conway
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Created by Joseph P. Kennedy Foundation. Authorized and accredited by Special Olympics, Inc. for the benefit of persons with Intellectual Disabilities.
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2022 Special Olympics Arkansas