September Impact on inclusion award: North Little Rock Police Department
The North Little Rock Police Department is being recognized as the Special Olympics Arkansas Impact on Inclusion Award recipient for September for their commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for inclusion through a community pickleball fundraiser benefiting Special Olympics Arkansas.
Kind of a Big Dill Pickleball Tournament brought together local pickleball players and Special Olympics Arkansas athletes on the same courts to compete in the sport they love. More than simply a fundraiser, the event created an opportunity for members of the community to experience the Special Olympics mission firsthand and to see the abilities and personalities of the athletes beyond the competition.
For many participants, it was their first direct connection with Special Olympics Arkansas. By sharing the court with athletes, community pickleball players were able to experience the program in a personal and meaningful way.
That connection is at the heart of inclusion.
Josh competed as a Unified partner with Ann Rose from Special Olympics Arkansas Area 4. He said, “I had a blast! Ann is one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met, and it was so fun getting to know her a little.”
The North Little Rock Police Department helped create an environment where athletes and community members could meet as teammates, competitors and friends. Through the shared experience of pickleball, barriers were replaced with conversation and camaraderie.
The event also demonstrated how sports can serve as a powerful bridge between people who may not otherwise have an opportunity to connect. Participants left with a greater understanding of Special Olympics Arkansas and the athletes who make the program so impactful.
The North Little Rock Police Department’s partnership shows that inclusion extends beyond the playing field. By opening the door for community members to engage directly with Special Olympics athletes, they helped introduce new supporters to the mission of Special Olympics Arkansas and demonstrated what is possible when everyone has a place to participate.
Special Olympics Arkansas is proud to recognize the North Little Rock Police Department with the Impact on Inclusion Award for helping create a community where athletes are included, and where everyone can play, connect and belong.
Volunteer with Special Olympics Arkansas!
Kind of a Big Dill Pickleball Tournament brought together local pickleball players and Special Olympics Arkansas athletes on the same courts to compete in the sport they love. More than simply a fundraiser, the event created an opportunity for members of the community to experience the Special Olympics mission firsthand and to see the abilities and personalities of the athletes beyond the competition.
For many participants, it was their first direct connection with Special Olympics Arkansas. By sharing the court with athletes, community pickleball players were able to experience the program in a personal and meaningful way.
That connection is at the heart of inclusion.
Josh competed as a Unified partner with Ann Rose from Special Olympics Arkansas Area 4. He said, “I had a blast! Ann is one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met, and it was so fun getting to know her a little.”
The North Little Rock Police Department helped create an environment where athletes and community members could meet as teammates, competitors and friends. Through the shared experience of pickleball, barriers were replaced with conversation and camaraderie.
The event also demonstrated how sports can serve as a powerful bridge between people who may not otherwise have an opportunity to connect. Participants left with a greater understanding of Special Olympics Arkansas and the athletes who make the program so impactful.
The North Little Rock Police Department’s partnership shows that inclusion extends beyond the playing field. By opening the door for community members to engage directly with Special Olympics athletes, they helped introduce new supporters to the mission of Special Olympics Arkansas and demonstrated what is possible when everyone has a place to participate.
Special Olympics Arkansas is proud to recognize the North Little Rock Police Department with the Impact on Inclusion Award for helping create a community where athletes are included, and where everyone can play, connect and belong.
Volunteer with Special Olympics Arkansas!
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Published September 2026
