Welcome to the SOAR Blog!
Read about the amazing things our athletes, Unified partners, and coaches are doing around the state!
Read about the amazing things our athletes, Unified partners, and coaches are doing around the state!
April Impact on inclusion award: Prairie Grove high schoolThis Unified Champion School® has implemented Special Olympics Unified Sports® within their school...
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April SOAR Scoop: HealthHealthy Athletes is not only a program for athletes but, through training...
March Impact on inclusion award: ozark high schoolSpecial Olympics Unified Champion Schools® is founded on a three...
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March SOAR Scoop: AwardsAwards Ceremonies for Special Olympics are a meaningful...
February Impact on Inclusion Award:
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2024 Archive
2024 Special Olympics Arkansas Most Impactful Moments
Each year we take a moment to recognize the AMAZING things that are happening within our program. From fundraising to sports, volunteers to partnerships, and schools to athlete leaders; Special Olympics Arkansas is building new and improved opportunities for athletes around the state!
10. We amplified voices of our movement through the new SOAR blog. We also expanded our reach through social media such as implementing more videos of our athletes in action! Check out the SOAR Blog and follow us on social media at @SOARkansas on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
9. Launched the first Area Athlete Input Council. This pilot started in Area 3 and it was a huge success with 10 full time members. Athletes in this leadership group hosted 3 new events for athletes to participate in sport in Area 3 and met monthly to create, encourage and grow as leaders. We would love to grow this opportunity in other areas, if you are interested please contact [email protected].
8. Exciting Advancements in Fundraising for 2024: Duck Pluck makes its way back raising more than $7,000, Fire Truck Pull grows by two locations: Mena and Fort Smith, Charity Olive Hour sees all time high $81,000, and a record number of 19 Tip a Cop/Cops on Donut Shops events statewide.
7. Created an impact on inclusion award for Unified Champion Schools to celebrate innovation and inclusion some of the awards first winners were: Central High School and Heber Springs Middle School.
6. Partnerships stepped up for our athletes in 2024! Partners are a major part of how we can offer year-round programming to athletes and coaches statewide. In 2024, we saw an increase in volunteerism and dollars thanks to some key partners.
5. Two Special Olympics Arkansas Athlete leaders named to the Board of Directors. Sharon Johnson from Area 12 was nominated to the Executive Committee as Secretary and Amy Price of Area 4 is serving her first year on the board. Together Sharon and Amy provide feedback directly to the Board of Directors about the impact of Special Olympics Arkansas programming and offer ideas on how we can continue the mission.
4. Sports Camps brings together over 500 athletes, coaches, Unified partners, and volunteers getting the events back to pre-covid numbers! The goal of Sports Camp is to increase quality training opportunities for athletes and coaches. Southern Arkansas University was a new host to our second camp. Campers also enjoyed going back to Hendrix college for the first camp of the summer.
3. In 2024, we held the first Team Camp for Softball. 5 teams and a few independent athletes from different areas throughout the state gathered to practice and scrimmage with each other. Team Camps are designed to offer more opportunities for teams to develop skills and train for competition. Clinton High School was among the teams that attended, and they stated the event made both athletes and coaches feel more confident in the sport. They are looking forward to adding it to their list of competitions!
2. New Healthy Young Athletes offered at 2024 Summer Games. Healthy Young Athletes is a holistic pediatric screening offered to children 2 – 7 years old, with and without Intellectual Disabilities, as an initial offering by Healthy Athletes. The screening is intended to complement a child’s primary care and provides an additional review of the child’s health and development. It also serves as an educational experience to increase health and development knowledge amongst parents and caregivers. This is achieved by identifying medical, developmental, and behavioral concerns that parents and caregivers may have about their child and directing them to the appropriate resources.
1. We are building! New SOAR headquarters begins construction.
That's a wrap on 2024! We are thrilled for what is to come in 2025!
10. We amplified voices of our movement through the new SOAR blog. We also expanded our reach through social media such as implementing more videos of our athletes in action! Check out the SOAR Blog and follow us on social media at @SOARkansas on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
9. Launched the first Area Athlete Input Council. This pilot started in Area 3 and it was a huge success with 10 full time members. Athletes in this leadership group hosted 3 new events for athletes to participate in sport in Area 3 and met monthly to create, encourage and grow as leaders. We would love to grow this opportunity in other areas, if you are interested please contact [email protected].
8. Exciting Advancements in Fundraising for 2024: Duck Pluck makes its way back raising more than $7,000, Fire Truck Pull grows by two locations: Mena and Fort Smith, Charity Olive Hour sees all time high $81,000, and a record number of 19 Tip a Cop/Cops on Donut Shops events statewide.
7. Created an impact on inclusion award for Unified Champion Schools to celebrate innovation and inclusion some of the awards first winners were: Central High School and Heber Springs Middle School.
6. Partnerships stepped up for our athletes in 2024! Partners are a major part of how we can offer year-round programming to athletes and coaches statewide. In 2024, we saw an increase in volunteerism and dollars thanks to some key partners.
5. Two Special Olympics Arkansas Athlete leaders named to the Board of Directors. Sharon Johnson from Area 12 was nominated to the Executive Committee as Secretary and Amy Price of Area 4 is serving her first year on the board. Together Sharon and Amy provide feedback directly to the Board of Directors about the impact of Special Olympics Arkansas programming and offer ideas on how we can continue the mission.
4. Sports Camps brings together over 500 athletes, coaches, Unified partners, and volunteers getting the events back to pre-covid numbers! The goal of Sports Camp is to increase quality training opportunities for athletes and coaches. Southern Arkansas University was a new host to our second camp. Campers also enjoyed going back to Hendrix college for the first camp of the summer.
3. In 2024, we held the first Team Camp for Softball. 5 teams and a few independent athletes from different areas throughout the state gathered to practice and scrimmage with each other. Team Camps are designed to offer more opportunities for teams to develop skills and train for competition. Clinton High School was among the teams that attended, and they stated the event made both athletes and coaches feel more confident in the sport. They are looking forward to adding it to their list of competitions!
2. New Healthy Young Athletes offered at 2024 Summer Games. Healthy Young Athletes is a holistic pediatric screening offered to children 2 – 7 years old, with and without Intellectual Disabilities, as an initial offering by Healthy Athletes. The screening is intended to complement a child’s primary care and provides an additional review of the child’s health and development. It also serves as an educational experience to increase health and development knowledge amongst parents and caregivers. This is achieved by identifying medical, developmental, and behavioral concerns that parents and caregivers may have about their child and directing them to the appropriate resources.
1. We are building! New SOAR headquarters begins construction.
That's a wrap on 2024! We are thrilled for what is to come in 2025!
December Impact on Inclusion Award: Farmington High School
The school recognized for their inclusive efforts has implemented three different Unified Sports within their school, has participated in two state-level events, and has created a welcoming environment for all students. The December Impact on Inclusion award winner is Farmington High School! Farmington High School liaison, Maegan Shreve, explains how inclusion has made an impact on the school and students.
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Since applying to become a Unified Champions School, we have competed in Unified Bowling on the area level, UCS Unified Bowling, and traveled to Little Rock for State Bowling. We also just returned from competing in Unified Bocce at our first ever Unified Sports Fall Games. Now we have started practices for our Unified Basketball team.Unified Champions Schools has created new opportunities for our students, offering experiences they might not have had otherwise. During Unified Sports Fall Games, students had the opportunity to eat at Marketplace Grill for the first time and hang out by the pool.
Our Unified team is also going to be recognized at the High School Semi-finals State Football game on Friday night for their accomplishments. Then they are going to gather together in the stands with the other students to cheer on our football team.
We have also established a Unified Club that has provided a space where all students are welcome. The club has planned a Halloween fundraising event where they worked together to set up a concession stand at the school's Haunted House. They planned a community service project and adopted a cardinal from our Cardinal Tree. Once we returned from Thanksgiving break, they gathered together to wrap the gifts. The club will complete the Unified monthly challenge for December and are making plans to participate in Polar Plunge.
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About Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools®:
The Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools program is aimed at promoting social inclusion through intentionally planned and implemented activities affecting systems-wide change in K–12 schools and across college campuses. With sports as the foundation, the three component model offers a unique combination of effective activities that equip young people with tools and training to create sports, classroom and school climates of acceptance. These are school climates where students with disabilities feel welcome and are routinely included in, and feel a part of, all activities, opportunities and functions.
If you would like your school to get involved with Unified Champion Schools, reach out to Jennifer Edwards.
____________________
Since applying to become a Unified Champions School, we have competed in Unified Bowling on the area level, UCS Unified Bowling, and traveled to Little Rock for State Bowling. We also just returned from competing in Unified Bocce at our first ever Unified Sports Fall Games. Now we have started practices for our Unified Basketball team.Unified Champions Schools has created new opportunities for our students, offering experiences they might not have had otherwise. During Unified Sports Fall Games, students had the opportunity to eat at Marketplace Grill for the first time and hang out by the pool.
Our Unified team is also going to be recognized at the High School Semi-finals State Football game on Friday night for their accomplishments. Then they are going to gather together in the stands with the other students to cheer on our football team.
We have also established a Unified Club that has provided a space where all students are welcome. The club has planned a Halloween fundraising event where they worked together to set up a concession stand at the school's Haunted House. They planned a community service project and adopted a cardinal from our Cardinal Tree. Once we returned from Thanksgiving break, they gathered together to wrap the gifts. The club will complete the Unified monthly challenge for December and are making plans to participate in Polar Plunge.
____________________
About Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools®:
The Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools program is aimed at promoting social inclusion through intentionally planned and implemented activities affecting systems-wide change in K–12 schools and across college campuses. With sports as the foundation, the three component model offers a unique combination of effective activities that equip young people with tools and training to create sports, classroom and school climates of acceptance. These are school climates where students with disabilities feel welcome and are routinely included in, and feel a part of, all activities, opportunities and functions.
If you would like your school to get involved with Unified Champion Schools, reach out to Jennifer Edwards.
November Impact on Inclusion Award: Heber Springs Middle School
November's Impact on Inclusion award winner is Heber Springs Middle School and their UCS Liaison, Carrie Willis, submitted this story about how they are implementing inclusion in their school.
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We are thrilled to be a Special Olympics Unified Champion School® for the first time this year! Each month, we meet with our Partner's Club to brainstorm ideas that can engage the entire school community. In November, we hosted a 6th-grade dance and provided a "sensory room" as a quiet space for students needing a break from the dance floor—it was a big hit with our 6th graders. Our Partner's Club members have also started joining our adaptive PE and music classes on Thursdays and Fridays, and everyone is enjoying the experience! We had our last middle school pep rally and made sure to include students with all ability levels and the stands went wild!
This month, we’ll be presenting Partner's Club and Special Olympics Arkansas at the District Board Meeting, with several Unified partners, athletes, and parents set to speak.
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In addition to Heber Springs Middle School's implementation of inclusion in their school, their liaison also submitted how UCS has impacted her! Carrie says, "The most meaningful moment for me this month was watching my new Unified partners learn to understand the unique ways our athletes communicate. Many had never interacted with students who "speak" differently than they do, so it was incredible to see both athletes and Unified partners showing patience and a genuine interest in building real, meaningful connections. Witnessing these authentic interactions has truly been a joy."
About Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools®:
The Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools program is aimed at promoting social inclusion through intentionally planned and implemented activities affecting systems-wide change in K–12 schools and across college campuses. With sports as the foundation, the three component model offers a unique combination of effective activities that equip young people with tools and training to create sports, classroom and school climates of acceptance. These are school climates where students with disabilities feel welcome and are routinely included in, and feel a part of, all activities, opportunities and functions.
If you would like your school to get involved with Unified Champion Schools, reach out to Jennifer Edwards.
____________________
We are thrilled to be a Special Olympics Unified Champion School® for the first time this year! Each month, we meet with our Partner's Club to brainstorm ideas that can engage the entire school community. In November, we hosted a 6th-grade dance and provided a "sensory room" as a quiet space for students needing a break from the dance floor—it was a big hit with our 6th graders. Our Partner's Club members have also started joining our adaptive PE and music classes on Thursdays and Fridays, and everyone is enjoying the experience! We had our last middle school pep rally and made sure to include students with all ability levels and the stands went wild!
This month, we’ll be presenting Partner's Club and Special Olympics Arkansas at the District Board Meeting, with several Unified partners, athletes, and parents set to speak.
_____________________
In addition to Heber Springs Middle School's implementation of inclusion in their school, their liaison also submitted how UCS has impacted her! Carrie says, "The most meaningful moment for me this month was watching my new Unified partners learn to understand the unique ways our athletes communicate. Many had never interacted with students who "speak" differently than they do, so it was incredible to see both athletes and Unified partners showing patience and a genuine interest in building real, meaningful connections. Witnessing these authentic interactions has truly been a joy."
About Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools®:
The Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools program is aimed at promoting social inclusion through intentionally planned and implemented activities affecting systems-wide change in K–12 schools and across college campuses. With sports as the foundation, the three component model offers a unique combination of effective activities that equip young people with tools and training to create sports, classroom and school climates of acceptance. These are school climates where students with disabilities feel welcome and are routinely included in, and feel a part of, all activities, opportunities and functions.
If you would like your school to get involved with Unified Champion Schools, reach out to Jennifer Edwards.
October Impact on Inclusion Award: Central High School
Special Olympics Arkansas Unified Champion Schools has implemented a monthly Impact on Inclusion award to recognize UCS Schools that are spreading inclusion! This month's impact award winner is Central Arkansas High School and their UCS Liaison, KaTara Roach, submitted this story about how they are striving for inclusion in their school.
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At Central High's Homecoming Coronation, the gym was buzzing with excitement. The banners hung high, and the cheerleaders’ pom-poms shimmered under the bright lights. It was a night everyone had been waiting for, but no one expected the surprise that was about to unfold.
Among the nominees for Mr. and Miss Cougar were two students who had captured the hearts of their peers over the years: two Special Olympics athletes. These students are not known for their intellectual disability, they are known for their radiant smiles and infectious positivity. Both are involved in the school’s Unified Champion Schools’ inclusive programs; participating in unified sports and cheering on their classmates at every event. They are always there for everyone, and tonight, the students were ready to show how much they meant to the school.
As the names were called and the crowd cheered for each nominee, there was a moment of suspense when the principal finally took the microphone.
"And now, your 2024 Mr. and Miss Cougar are… Jarvell and Diketria!"
The gym erupted into applause and cheers. Jarvell, grinning ear to ear, and Diketria jumped up and down in excitement, her crown slightly tilted on her head as she waved to the crowd like royalty.
As they took the stage together, Jarvell and Diketria held hands, the spotlight beaming down on them. It was a moment not just for them, but for the entire school. Their classmates had voted for them. Our school chose to include and embrace more than just a popularity contest. Students chose Jarvell and Diketria because they represented everything Central High stands for—kindness, perseverance, and inclusion.
The crowd stood, giving them a standing ovation as they waved to everyone. In that moment, it wasn’t just about a crown or title—it was about a community coming together, celebrating the beauty in every individual, and showing that at Central High, every student matters.
Jarvell and Diketria are more than Mr. and Miss Cougar--they are the heart and soul of the school.
____________________
At Central High's Homecoming Coronation, the gym was buzzing with excitement. The banners hung high, and the cheerleaders’ pom-poms shimmered under the bright lights. It was a night everyone had been waiting for, but no one expected the surprise that was about to unfold.
Among the nominees for Mr. and Miss Cougar were two students who had captured the hearts of their peers over the years: two Special Olympics athletes. These students are not known for their intellectual disability, they are known for their radiant smiles and infectious positivity. Both are involved in the school’s Unified Champion Schools’ inclusive programs; participating in unified sports and cheering on their classmates at every event. They are always there for everyone, and tonight, the students were ready to show how much they meant to the school.
As the names were called and the crowd cheered for each nominee, there was a moment of suspense when the principal finally took the microphone.
"And now, your 2024 Mr. and Miss Cougar are… Jarvell and Diketria!"
The gym erupted into applause and cheers. Jarvell, grinning ear to ear, and Diketria jumped up and down in excitement, her crown slightly tilted on her head as she waved to the crowd like royalty.
As they took the stage together, Jarvell and Diketria held hands, the spotlight beaming down on them. It was a moment not just for them, but for the entire school. Their classmates had voted for them. Our school chose to include and embrace more than just a popularity contest. Students chose Jarvell and Diketria because they represented everything Central High stands for—kindness, perseverance, and inclusion.
The crowd stood, giving them a standing ovation as they waved to everyone. In that moment, it wasn’t just about a crown or title—it was about a community coming together, celebrating the beauty in every individual, and showing that at Central High, every student matters.
Jarvell and Diketria are more than Mr. and Miss Cougar--they are the heart and soul of the school.
September: Special Olympics Arkansas Staff Member Selected as Sports Manager
In March 2025, Special Olympics USA will travel over 4,000 miles to Torino, Italy to compete with athletes from around the world, and Arkansas will have a representative in attendance. Special Olympics Arkansas Director of Sports, Training, and Competition Irvin Humphrey has been selected as a sports manager for Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025! As a sports manager, he will organize, prepare, and provide communication and administrative leadership to athletes and coaches in his respective sport.
Irvin also attended 2023 Special Olympics World Games Berlin as the assistant golf coach. He worked alongside two athletes: Grace Anne from Virginia and Pryce from Alabama. Irvin’s opportunities with athletes around the nation and the world have equipped him to further opportunities for athletes in Arkansas!
“I am honored to have been selected as a Sports Manager for SO USA! I get to work with some of the best winter sports athletes and coaches in the world. I will be working with the Figure Skating and Speed Skating teams, and making sure they have an amazing experience! One of my favorite things about World Games is seeing the growth of athletes and coaches from a competitive standpoint as well as watching the team come together and become a family during the entire experience. There is nothing like it!”
Irvin will be a part of Special Olympics USA that is composed of 101 athletes and Unified partners, 32 coaches, and 27 delegation members who support team operations. World Games culminates the entire Special Olympics movement as athletes from across the globe come together to celebrate their victories and inspire global acceptance, understanding, and unity. Over 1,500 athletes from 102 countries will compete in 8 winter sports and showcase the determination of people with intellectual disabilities and the power of inclusion through sport.
To follow Special Olympics USA, visit www.specialolympicsusa.org and follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/specialolympicsusa, Twitter:@specialolyUSA and Instagram:@specialolympicsusa.
Irvin also attended 2023 Special Olympics World Games Berlin as the assistant golf coach. He worked alongside two athletes: Grace Anne from Virginia and Pryce from Alabama. Irvin’s opportunities with athletes around the nation and the world have equipped him to further opportunities for athletes in Arkansas!
“I am honored to have been selected as a Sports Manager for SO USA! I get to work with some of the best winter sports athletes and coaches in the world. I will be working with the Figure Skating and Speed Skating teams, and making sure they have an amazing experience! One of my favorite things about World Games is seeing the growth of athletes and coaches from a competitive standpoint as well as watching the team come together and become a family during the entire experience. There is nothing like it!”
Irvin will be a part of Special Olympics USA that is composed of 101 athletes and Unified partners, 32 coaches, and 27 delegation members who support team operations. World Games culminates the entire Special Olympics movement as athletes from across the globe come together to celebrate their victories and inspire global acceptance, understanding, and unity. Over 1,500 athletes from 102 countries will compete in 8 winter sports and showcase the determination of people with intellectual disabilities and the power of inclusion through sport.
To follow Special Olympics USA, visit www.specialolympicsusa.org and follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/specialolympicsusa, Twitter:@specialolyUSA and Instagram:@specialolympicsusa.
June: Special Olympics Arkansas Under Unified Leadership
It’s no surprise that athlete Sharon Johnson plays a vital role on the Special Olympics Arkansas Board of Directors. Her tenure on the Board of Directors began in 2021 as an Athlete Representative, but this year her role has changed. Beginning in January 2024, Sharon is the new Special Olympics Arkansas Board of Directors Secretary! Sharon is actively involved in the Athlete Leadership Program and is designated as a Fitness Captain and Health Messenger. As an athlete leader, she has participated in leadership education and training that has equipped her for foundational roles within SOAR’s program. In addition to ALPs and the Board of Directors, she also is a member of her Games Management Team with her local program.
Sharon says, “It is an honor to represent Special Olympics Arkansas athletes in my new position as Secretary, and I will try my best to continue to pave the way for people with intellectual disabilities.”
In addition to Sharon’s new role, Amy Price has also joined the Board of Directors in the capacity of Athlete Representative. Amy has been a Special Olympics Arkansas athlete for over 20 years! She has participated in multiple USA Games and most recently 2023 Special Olympics World Games Berlin. Also on her Special Olympics resume: Athlete Leadership Program, Health Messenger, Fitness Captain, and participant during Law Enforcement Torch Run Relay.
“We are excited to have Sharon and Amy on the Board of Directors. They both are a valuable addition, and our Board Members are honored to serve alongside them. Special Olympics Arkansas is a program that empowers people with intellectual disabilities, and it is important that they participate in leadership roles that allow them to continue to advocate for other athletes and themselves. We are thrilled to be able to create a more inclusive environment within the Special Olympics Arkansas Board of Directors,” Ross Ridout, Special Olympics Arkansas Board Chairman
Building from sport, Unified Leadership teaches leaders without disabilities to value and learn from people with intellectual disabilities to make changes and create environments where people with intellectual disabilities get opportunities to have meaningful jobs and roles. The Unified Leadership approach helps people without disabilities to turn from unconscious bias to conscious inclusion, changing their attitudes and behaviors to create meaningful inclusion in their teams, organizations, families, and communities.
With athletes in leadership roles throughout the program, Arkansas is creating pivotal change for people with intellectual disabilities.
Sharon says, “It is an honor to represent Special Olympics Arkansas athletes in my new position as Secretary, and I will try my best to continue to pave the way for people with intellectual disabilities.”
In addition to Sharon’s new role, Amy Price has also joined the Board of Directors in the capacity of Athlete Representative. Amy has been a Special Olympics Arkansas athlete for over 20 years! She has participated in multiple USA Games and most recently 2023 Special Olympics World Games Berlin. Also on her Special Olympics resume: Athlete Leadership Program, Health Messenger, Fitness Captain, and participant during Law Enforcement Torch Run Relay.
“We are excited to have Sharon and Amy on the Board of Directors. They both are a valuable addition, and our Board Members are honored to serve alongside them. Special Olympics Arkansas is a program that empowers people with intellectual disabilities, and it is important that they participate in leadership roles that allow them to continue to advocate for other athletes and themselves. We are thrilled to be able to create a more inclusive environment within the Special Olympics Arkansas Board of Directors,” Ross Ridout, Special Olympics Arkansas Board Chairman
Building from sport, Unified Leadership teaches leaders without disabilities to value and learn from people with intellectual disabilities to make changes and create environments where people with intellectual disabilities get opportunities to have meaningful jobs and roles. The Unified Leadership approach helps people without disabilities to turn from unconscious bias to conscious inclusion, changing their attitudes and behaviors to create meaningful inclusion in their teams, organizations, families, and communities.
With athletes in leadership roles throughout the program, Arkansas is creating pivotal change for people with intellectual disabilities.
June: Special Olympics Arkansas announces 2024 award recipients
Every year, Special Olympics Arkansas selects those within the organization that have gone above and beyond the mission within their area and around the state! On May 23, 2024, during the Honored Guest Reception, 2024 Special Olympics Arkansas award recipients were announced.
2024 Special Olympics Arkansas Award Recipients
Volunteers play a vital role within the Special Olympics community. They serve as area directors, coaches, games management, and much more! The volunteer of the year award goes to the person or persons that leads the way in creating inclusive environments for people with intellectual disabilities.
Volunteer of the Year
Area 16-Ebony Brown
Area 17-Billy Hartness
Schools that participate in Special Olympics are proven to reduce bullying, change attitudes and behaviors, and build community. They help build an environment of inclusivity for young people of all abilities. These schools drive to end the stigma around intellectual disabilities. This award recognizes schools that participate in traditional Special Olympics Arkansas programming and go above and beyond to build a community that encourages sports for all.
School of the year
Area 1-Greene County Tech
Area 17-Greenbrier High School
Unified Champion Schools offers a unique combination of effective activities that creates climates where students with disabilities feel welcome and are routinely included in, and feel a part of, all activities, opportunities and functions. The UCS school of year is awarded to the school that spreads inclusion within their school and throughout their community.
Unified Champion Schools® School of the Year
Area 5-McDermott Elementary School
Program of the year is awarded to an agency or organization that embraces more than just sports on their area level. This is awarded to a group that engages in fitness programs, leadership development and both area and state level competitions year-round. The program of the year shines on and off the field.
Program of the Year
Area 14-Booneville Human Development Center
Family members are not only the biggest fans of the athletes but also serve in many key roles with the organization as coaches, fundraisers and committee members. Families know that Special Olympics gives athletes the self-assurance and belief in their abilities, so that they can become an intricate part of their community whether that is at home, at school or in the workplace.
Family of the Year
Area 3-The Dyke Family
Special Olympics coaches play an indispensable role in the success of our sports program. Coaches provide the sports skills and spirit that define a true athlete. In addition, coaches are role models and character builders. Coaches give athletes the most immediate awareness of their own worth, ability, courage, and capacity to grow and improve. The coach of the year provides encouragement and pushes athletes to their fullest potential.
Coach of the Year
Area 3-Amy Leitermann
People with intellectual disabilities often experience health disparities due to lack of training and education for health professionals. Special Olympics Arkansas provides opportunities for athletes to advocate for their own health and aid in training of health professionals. The athlete wellness award is given to the athlete that is a proponent of health for themselves and others.
Athlete Wellness
Area 17-Emily Standridge
A true Special Olympics athlete exhibits sportsmanship on and off the field, is a leader in their community, and is an advocate for other people with intellectual disabilities. The athlete excellence award names an athlete that develops physical fitness, demonstrates courage, experiences joy, and participates in spreading inclusion.
Athlete Excellence
Area 12-Sharon Johnson
A new award in 2024, the excellence award is granted to the person that has dedicated many years to providing opportunities and displaying the characteristics of a role model to athletes not only in their local program and community, but across the state.
30 Years of Excellence
Area 17-Wendy Curtis-Parks
2024 Special Olympics Arkansas Award Recipients
Volunteers play a vital role within the Special Olympics community. They serve as area directors, coaches, games management, and much more! The volunteer of the year award goes to the person or persons that leads the way in creating inclusive environments for people with intellectual disabilities.
Volunteer of the Year
Area 16-Ebony Brown
Area 17-Billy Hartness
Schools that participate in Special Olympics are proven to reduce bullying, change attitudes and behaviors, and build community. They help build an environment of inclusivity for young people of all abilities. These schools drive to end the stigma around intellectual disabilities. This award recognizes schools that participate in traditional Special Olympics Arkansas programming and go above and beyond to build a community that encourages sports for all.
School of the year
Area 1-Greene County Tech
Area 17-Greenbrier High School
Unified Champion Schools offers a unique combination of effective activities that creates climates where students with disabilities feel welcome and are routinely included in, and feel a part of, all activities, opportunities and functions. The UCS school of year is awarded to the school that spreads inclusion within their school and throughout their community.
Unified Champion Schools® School of the Year
Area 5-McDermott Elementary School
Program of the year is awarded to an agency or organization that embraces more than just sports on their area level. This is awarded to a group that engages in fitness programs, leadership development and both area and state level competitions year-round. The program of the year shines on and off the field.
Program of the Year
Area 14-Booneville Human Development Center
Family members are not only the biggest fans of the athletes but also serve in many key roles with the organization as coaches, fundraisers and committee members. Families know that Special Olympics gives athletes the self-assurance and belief in their abilities, so that they can become an intricate part of their community whether that is at home, at school or in the workplace.
Family of the Year
Area 3-The Dyke Family
Special Olympics coaches play an indispensable role in the success of our sports program. Coaches provide the sports skills and spirit that define a true athlete. In addition, coaches are role models and character builders. Coaches give athletes the most immediate awareness of their own worth, ability, courage, and capacity to grow and improve. The coach of the year provides encouragement and pushes athletes to their fullest potential.
Coach of the Year
Area 3-Amy Leitermann
People with intellectual disabilities often experience health disparities due to lack of training and education for health professionals. Special Olympics Arkansas provides opportunities for athletes to advocate for their own health and aid in training of health professionals. The athlete wellness award is given to the athlete that is a proponent of health for themselves and others.
Athlete Wellness
Area 17-Emily Standridge
A true Special Olympics athlete exhibits sportsmanship on and off the field, is a leader in their community, and is an advocate for other people with intellectual disabilities. The athlete excellence award names an athlete that develops physical fitness, demonstrates courage, experiences joy, and participates in spreading inclusion.
Athlete Excellence
Area 12-Sharon Johnson
A new award in 2024, the excellence award is granted to the person that has dedicated many years to providing opportunities and displaying the characteristics of a role model to athletes not only in their local program and community, but across the state.
30 Years of Excellence
Area 17-Wendy Curtis-Parks
2025 Archive
February's SOAR Scoop: Unified Sports
Last month, we learned about the different competition levels of Special Olympics, and this month we will get the scoop on Unified Sports and Unified Champion Schools®. This is your chance to the SCOOP on all the ins and outs of Special Olympics Arkansas!
What's the Scoop on Unified Sports?
Most people are familiar with Special Olympics Traditional Sports. These sports are designed specifically for athletes with intellectual disabilities to compete with and against each other. This model was the original one created by Eunice Kennedy Shriver in 1968.
What's the Scoop on Unified Sports?
Most people are familiar with Special Olympics Traditional Sports. These sports are designed specifically for athletes with intellectual disabilities to compete with and against each other. This model was the original one created by Eunice Kennedy Shriver in 1968.
- In 1989 Unified Sports were added to official Special Olympics Sports. Unified Sports brings together people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. It was inspired by the principle that training together and playing together is a quick path to friendship and understanding.
- Special Olympics Arkansas hosts Unified Sports year-round in several different sports: Unified Softball, Unified Flag Football, Unified Tennis, Unified Floorball, Unified Pickleball, Unified Bocce, Unified Swimming, Unified Golf, Unified Cheerleading, Unified Powerlifting, Unified Basketball, Unified Soccer, and Unified Volleyball.
- Who can compete in Unified Sports: Any team that is made up of people with and without intellectual disabilities, that meets the standard requirements for competition and has submitted an entry through the proper channels on the area or state level. If you would like to learn more about competing in Unified competitions, please reach out to [email protected].
- Unified Champion Schools is a program that promotes social inclusion through intentionally planned and implemented activities affecting systems-wide change in K–12 schools and across college campuses. The program includes three interconnected components: Special Olympics Unified Sports, inclusive youth leadership, and whole school engagement.
- Unified Champion School competition opportunities include Unified Athletics, Unified Basketball, Unified Bowling, and Unified Esports.
- If your school would like to be a Unified Champion School, start by contacting [email protected] to learn about the resources and support available for implementing the UCS program.
January's SOAR Scoop: Competition Levels
Here is your chance to get the SCOOP on all the ins and outs of Special Olympics Arkansas! Once a month, we will share info on a topic about Special Olympics programming during Coaches Pulse Check, our monthly newsletter and on social media channels. This month be in the know about competition levels!
What's the Scoop on Competition Levels?
Area Level Competitions:
These are local competitions held within 17 different areas across Arkansas. Your Area is determined by where you live. Areas can offer different sports; most Areas offer at least two competitions a year. Each area also has an Area Director that manages competitions and trainings locally. Find your area to connect with your Area Director!
Regional Level Competitions:
In 2022, Special Olympics Arkansas also began Regional Competitions that are open to any teams. These are competitions that include multiple different areas. The goals of Regional Competitions are to offer more competition opportunities to athletes across the state.
State Level Competitions:
After the Area Level Games, athletes who qualify move on to the State Level Games. Special Olympics Arkansas currently hosts Fall Games (November), Winter Games (February), Tournament of Champions (March), and Summer Games (May). These events all include multiple sports.
Team Arkansas at Special Olympics USA Games:
USA Games is a national event held every four years in the United States. Team Arkansas attends this event, competing in multiple sports. Athletes who excel at the State Level competitions, show exemplary sportsmanship, compete at Area/Regional competitions, complete an application during the application process and train in a sport that is within the Arkansas quota allotted by the Special Olympics USA Games Management are eligible to compete at USA Games.
Special Olympics World Games:
World Games is an international event that takes place every two years alternating with Winter and Summer events. Occasionally, an Arkansas Athlete is selected to represent Special Olympics USA at a Special Olympics World Games Competition. These selections are made by the coaching staff of Special Olympics USA after criteria for sports competition and an application process are completed.
View all competitions and trainings in your area, region, and statewide by visiting Special Olympics Arkansas' calendar and following us on Facebook and Instagram!
What's the Scoop on Competition Levels?
Area Level Competitions:
These are local competitions held within 17 different areas across Arkansas. Your Area is determined by where you live. Areas can offer different sports; most Areas offer at least two competitions a year. Each area also has an Area Director that manages competitions and trainings locally. Find your area to connect with your Area Director!
Regional Level Competitions:
In 2022, Special Olympics Arkansas also began Regional Competitions that are open to any teams. These are competitions that include multiple different areas. The goals of Regional Competitions are to offer more competition opportunities to athletes across the state.
State Level Competitions:
After the Area Level Games, athletes who qualify move on to the State Level Games. Special Olympics Arkansas currently hosts Fall Games (November), Winter Games (February), Tournament of Champions (March), and Summer Games (May). These events all include multiple sports.
Team Arkansas at Special Olympics USA Games:
USA Games is a national event held every four years in the United States. Team Arkansas attends this event, competing in multiple sports. Athletes who excel at the State Level competitions, show exemplary sportsmanship, compete at Area/Regional competitions, complete an application during the application process and train in a sport that is within the Arkansas quota allotted by the Special Olympics USA Games Management are eligible to compete at USA Games.
Special Olympics World Games:
World Games is an international event that takes place every two years alternating with Winter and Summer events. Occasionally, an Arkansas Athlete is selected to represent Special Olympics USA at a Special Olympics World Games Competition. These selections are made by the coaching staff of Special Olympics USA after criteria for sports competition and an application process are completed.
View all competitions and trainings in your area, region, and statewide by visiting Special Olympics Arkansas' calendar and following us on Facebook and Instagram!
January Impact on Inclusion Award: Mullberry High School
The school recognized for their impact on inclusion showed that it takes a village to create an inclusive environment, and when that village comes together they show everyone what it means to be inclusive. The community in Mulberry came together in a time of need to help their athletes be involved in every aspect of their school. Congratulations to Mulberry High School for being recognized as the January Impact on Inclusion award recipient!
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Mulberry High School hosted a Halloween Costume Contest as a school fundraiser. Logan, a Special Olympics Arkansas athlete, wanted to participate in the contest, but needed a costume. Many members of the school including the Special Education Teacher, East Lab Teacher, Home Economics Teacher, other athletes and Unified partners at Mulberry sprang into action to create a costume for Logan to wear. As a joint effort, Logan was transformed into a weatherman. The student population in the lunchroom cheered so loud for him when his name was announced and cheered even louder when he won the contest. The dedication to create an inclusive environment for all students and athletes was shown in more ways than one during the costume contest.
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About Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools®:
The Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools program is aimed at promoting social inclusion through intentionally planned and implemented activities affecting systems-wide change in K–12 schools and across college campuses. With sports as the foundation, the three component model offers a unique combination of effective activities that equip young people with tools and training to create sports, classroom and school climates of acceptance. These are school climates where students with disabilities feel welcome and are routinely included in, and feel a part of, all activities, opportunities and functions.
If you would like your school to get involved with Unified Champion Schools, reach out to Jennifer Edwards.
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Mulberry High School hosted a Halloween Costume Contest as a school fundraiser. Logan, a Special Olympics Arkansas athlete, wanted to participate in the contest, but needed a costume. Many members of the school including the Special Education Teacher, East Lab Teacher, Home Economics Teacher, other athletes and Unified partners at Mulberry sprang into action to create a costume for Logan to wear. As a joint effort, Logan was transformed into a weatherman. The student population in the lunchroom cheered so loud for him when his name was announced and cheered even louder when he won the contest. The dedication to create an inclusive environment for all students and athletes was shown in more ways than one during the costume contest.
____________________
About Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools®:
The Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools program is aimed at promoting social inclusion through intentionally planned and implemented activities affecting systems-wide change in K–12 schools and across college campuses. With sports as the foundation, the three component model offers a unique combination of effective activities that equip young people with tools and training to create sports, classroom and school climates of acceptance. These are school climates where students with disabilities feel welcome and are routinely included in, and feel a part of, all activities, opportunities and functions.
If you would like your school to get involved with Unified Champion Schools, reach out to Jennifer Edwards.
January: 2025 Exciting Updates to Athlete Registration & Medicals
We're thrilled to share some exciting news that will make participating in Special Olympics Arkansas even more accessible and enjoyable for our amazing athletes! We've listened to your feedback and are ready to roll out fantastic changes starting in 2025 that will help every athlete shine their brightest on the field!
Say goodbye to the old athlete medical requirements that were once needed for competition now they're just recommended, making it easier than ever for our athletes to join and compete! With the New Registration forms, each athlete will need to fill out a brand new, streamlined 4-page registration packet for their initial participation. And don't worry, we've kept things simple for you! After that, a quick 1-page renewal form will be all you need to keep the momentum going each year.
Just remember, all registrations and renewals need to be submitted by February 1st each year, so mark your calendars! We can't wait to see all of our athletes come together, empowered and ready to compete with joy and determination. Lets make this a season to remember!
How it works!
Say goodbye to the old athlete medical requirements that were once needed for competition now they're just recommended, making it easier than ever for our athletes to join and compete! With the New Registration forms, each athlete will need to fill out a brand new, streamlined 4-page registration packet for their initial participation. And don't worry, we've kept things simple for you! After that, a quick 1-page renewal form will be all you need to keep the momentum going each year.
Just remember, all registrations and renewals need to be submitted by February 1st each year, so mark your calendars! We can't wait to see all of our athletes come together, empowered and ready to compete with joy and determination. Lets make this a season to remember!
How it works!
- Where you register: Registration Portal – This is the dashboard where we are keeping all Athletes, Coaches, Unified Partners, and Volunteers. Everyone completes this to be involved with Special Olympics Arkansas!
- How you register: Registration packet - This is a NEW form!
- Every Athlete will download and complete the Official Athlete Registration Packet as needed
- The very first time you are registering to compete in Special Olympics Arkansas, you must complete the US Athlete Registration Forms
- For athletes who are renewing their registration, you will only need to complete the Athlete Renewal Form
- Once you have completed this remember to attach your completed forms to your profile in the Registration Portal (link) from your current profile
- Contact your Head of Delegation (HOD) if help is needed.
- Every Athlete will download and complete the Official Athlete Registration Packet as needed
- When you register: Each year registration will be due by the End of February.
- You will complete entry forms for each competition you are entering. When they are sent out. These are not part of the Special Olympics Arkansas Registration process. These will be specific to the competition and sport you are wishing to enter your team/individual in for that time frame.
- Medicals are no longer required. They are encouraged.
- Coaches should continue to review the registration form complete with waivers and special medical needs for their team.
