AREA SPECIAL OLYMPIANS COMPETE  – ATHLETES EARN MORE THAN SIMPLY RIBBONS

The sun barely peeked through the clouds and the wind might have been a bit brisk but nothing could be any warmer than the smiles of the athletes as they got off their buses for the Area 11 Special Olympics games held recently at Hope High School track field.

Yes, they were all there to compete and earn respective ribbons throughout the morning but much more was added to each of the attendees, for the athlete and spectators.

The games got underway after 9:00 a.m. and athletes made their way to Hope from Nashville, Prescott, Arkadelphia and Texarkana. Our local ROC team and her sister sites were represented by a large contingent of more than 100 men and women.

The events ranged from traditional track and field events that included running, walking, and wheelchair competitions. Field events offered such activities as tennis and softball throwing, shot put and long jump. The popular bocce ball competition was quite fierce and took place inside the Bobcat’s indoor practice facility.

Just as important as the competitions and the awards came the outpouring of sportsmanship and friendship from many of the athletes. They may have been complete strangers at the beginning of the day but quickly melded into one massive group, cheering their support for everyone and talking to just about anyone.

There was a group of new friends engaging in their rendition of Queen’s “We are the Champions” as the competition was ending, arms locked in brotherly love. There were others talking aloud about “Next stop – Searcy!” referring to the State Olympic games beginning May 18 when they will surely reunite.

New friends for life.

Special thanks go to Pafford EMS services for providing an emergency crew and ambulance for the event, plus the Hope Police Department for providing numerous officers who handed out ribbons and posed for photos with the athletes. Thanks also goes to Hope High School and specifically Coach Turner for being on hand to make sure many technical issues never became “issues”. Additional thanks to all the volunteers and extra personnel to make such an event a success.

Next up will be the area Law Enforcement Torch run on Tuesday, May 16 as an official Special Olympics torch will be coming through downtown Hope on its way to the State Special Olympics games. More specific details about the event and how to view it will be given soon.