Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders Celebrates Special Olympics Arkansas New Headquarters

Grand Opening of Special Olympics Arkansas Headquarters

• 🚀 The ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrates the completion of the new Special Olympics Arkansas headquarters, built under budget and ahead of schedule by Kenko.
• 🤝 The project highlights successful leadership, support, and partnerships, enabling swift progress on significant initiatives.

Honoring Donors and Partners

• 🌟 Legacy donors, including Betsy and Ross Ride Out, US LBM Foundation, and Arvest Bank Foundation, were recognized for their generous contributions.
• 🏗️ Various companies like Stallion Transportation Group, WD D Architects, and Kenko Construction were thanked for their essential roles in the building's development and completion.

Governor Sanders' Support and Personal Connection

• 💡 Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders shared her personal history of volunteering with Special Olympics during college, emphasizing the rewarding experience of helping children of all abilities.
• 🤝 She highlighted the bipartisan support for the project, noting the crucial involvement of state legislators in securing $3 million in state funding.
• 🗣️ Governor Sanders underscored the importance of athletes like Nathan McLan, whose passionate pitch convinced her of the project's necessity, and Derek Mack, a Special Olympics athlete on her staff.

The Impact of Special Olympics

• 🏅 Special Olympics Arkansas serves nearly 30,000 athletes, 1,700 coaches, and 16,000 volunteers, providing a platform for sports, friendship, and personal development.
• 🧠 Athletes learn valuable lessons in teamwork, drive, and the spirit of competition, demonstrating that disability does not mean limitation but determination.
• ✨ The new headquarters symbolizes a message that every Arkansan deserves a spot on the team, access to sports, and is important to the state and its administration.

Proclamation and Athlete Recognition

• 📜 Mayor Terry Hartwick proclaimed July 7th as Special Olympics Day in North Little Rock, honoring the organization's ribbon-cutting ceremony.
• 🎤 Athlete Nathan McLan shared his inspiring journey, emphasizing how Special Olympics has built his confidence, led to national and international competition wins, and provided a sense of purpose and belonging.