News Release

Special Olympics athletes visit Buffalo National River for field day

Athletes and volunteers share a celebratory moment while playing lawn bowling.

T. Fondriest/NPS

News Release Date: May 15, 2019 More than 100 Special Olympics athletes from northern Arkansas gathered at Tyler Bend on Thursday, May 9, for a biannual field day in partnership with the National Park Service’s “Healthy Parks, Healthy People” program.
 
Athletes, event volunteers and National Park Service personnel enjoyed a nature hike and scavenger hunt, a dance party, disc golf, games and a healthy picnic lunch together at the Tyler Bend Pavilion.
 
“There is not a single event or program that we offer at Buffalo National River that evokes more joy than a field day with our friends from Special Olympics,” Superintendent Mark Foust said. “Spending time outdoors is one of the most enjoyable paths to physical and emotional wellbeing. We invite our local communities to make Buffalo National River a part of their health and wellness routine.”
 
The biannual Special Olympics Field Day is sponsored by the Buffalo National River Partners, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the promotion, appreciation, preservation and protection of America’s first national river.
 

Overjoyed athletes pause for a photo with Smokey Bear.

T. Fondriest/NPS