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.
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.
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.
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.
2020 Annual Report (.pdf)
Board of Directors
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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 |
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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 |