Executive Director and CEO of Special Olympics - Arkansas Terri Weir addressing the knights

After praying the rosary and enjoying a great meal of venison chili, the meat for which was donated by the Donnie Miller family and Ron Boudreaux, the knights had a full meeting with a guest speaker and a 1st Degree Exemplification.

Knights of Columbus State Director Dub Green introduced Terri Weir, the new Executive Director and CEO of Special Olympics of Arkansas.   She was accompanied by Rex French and Sawyer Ramsey, two young men who had just started in their positions with the organization.   Terri emphasized that Special Olympics is not just important to the athletes, but to the families and communities as well.  "Community building is the pillar of Special Olympics." 

Each year there is a theme for the event.  Terri chose the 2013 theme as Revealing the Champion.  It is important to note that the champions are not only the athletes, but all the people involved, because they are all affected in a good and positive manner by the experience.

Responding to a question from a knight, Terri stated that it is "hard to describe the impact of the Knights of Columbus upon Special Olympics - Akansas, because it is so significant."  Another question had to do with expenses for the athletes with the response that all expenses for the athletes in all competitions are covered, including international travel.  Expenses for families are covered in local competitons with other situations examined on a case-by-case basis.

Arkansas Law Enforcement is involved with bringing the Flame(s) of Hope from the four corners of the state to the Capitol, where one is taken to Harding University.  Last year it arrived by helicopter.  The officers are also involved in presenting the awards.

New knights pictured following their exemplifcation (l-r): Dennis Sissan, Ken Buch, Gordon Wilson, Bud Campbell, and Roger Witcraft.

Participation by bikers is a recent devlopment, and it totaled 267 last year.  "Olympians love the bikes."  Arkansas' first lady, Mrs. Beebe, may lead the the bikers this year, if security can be properly implemented.

A 1st Degree Exemplification was conducted for seven candidates with two from Hot Springs and five from Hot Spring Village.  Council 10208 welcomed Ken Buch, Bud Campbell, Dennis Sisson, Gordon Wilson, and Roger Witcraft.  The exemplification team consisted of Roy Anderele (Mena), Bill Patterson, Tom Yerina, Gerald Krawczynski, Mike Kerwin, Mike Frantz, and Buddy Dixon.   Following the meeting, Deputy Grand Knight Bill Nosek was making arrangements for the new knights to attend a 2nd/3rd Exemplification in Conway on Sunday.