SEARCY — Harding University will host the Special Olympics Arkansas summer games Thursday through Saturday, celebrating 17 consecutive years having the event on campus.
Opening ceremonies will kick off at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, and activities will last through closing ceremonies at 1 p.m. Saturday. Events include aquatics, bocce ball, power lifting, softball, flag football, golf, track and field athletics and wheelchair competitions. A brand new program this year will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday for young athletes, with several events for those ages 4 to 7.
Searcy Mayor David Morris and Bruce McLarty, vice president of spiritual life at Harding, will welcome athletes and guests at the opening ceremonies Thursday. The public is invited to attend in support of the program, and there is always a need for volunteers throughout the events.
For more information, visit www.specialolympicsarkansas.org.