The Knights of Columbus and their spouses set up and manned the KofC Olympic Village in Searcy from May 11 to May 13th. The Village activities had been canceled for the previous 2 years.  The number of Special Olympics athletes was down considerably because the teams had to make a participation decision last fall when Covid was a concern.

There were 39 amazing volunteers that took their time to support this worthy cause. Despite having fewer athletes and 90-degree temperatures the spirit was high among this wonderful group of people. The Special Olympics kids were greeted with smiles, cheers, and even line dancing. Father Patrick Bowland said Mass on Thursday Evening and led a special prayer session on Friday morning. Donation checks from the KofC State Council were presented to Special Olympics Arkansas CEO Terri Weir at the group dinner on Thursday evening.   

Thanks to the experience and energy of the volunteers, the event ran smoothly from the set-up on Wednesday, to working the crafts and games on Thursday and Friday to the take-down on Friday afternoon.

Pat and Bea McGannon are extremely grateful for the turnout and dedication of all the volunteers and look forward to continuing the tradition with a larger field of Special Olympics athletes next year.

The Volunteers that make it happen!!

Below is a list of the volunteers:
Ray and Gynnie Ambrozich
Roy and Cathy Anderly
Ron and Darlene Barta
Jim Bergstrom
Father Patrick Bowland
Dave and Barbara Backen
Gary and Doris Christoff
Tony and Marilyn Cifelli
Tom Donnelly
Michael Downs
Ed and Paula Doyle
Alan and Margie Halman
Al and Josie Hanschmann
Reb Henry
Mike and Ruth Kerwin
Mark and Katheryn Leslie
Pat and Bea McGannon
Dave Minster
Bill and Kathleen Nosek
Rich and Jen Rivera
Randy and Marty Schnoebelen
Mike and Annie Webster   
Mary Ann Witcraft
Click here for more Photos

Thanks to Patrick McGannon for the article and photos