By: Reatha Cox

Natchitoches, LA – After an extended absence, The Northwestern State University President’s Leadership Program with assistance from Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Victor Jones, NSU Athletics, NSU Track and Field, NSU Police Department, NSU Alumni Foundation and the NSU Office of First Year Experience and Leadership Development will host the Special Olympics with Track and Field Events for nearly 100 Special Olympics Louisiana athletes who qualified during various local and area competitions.

Date: Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Time: 7:00am-1:00pm
Location: Walter P. Ledet Track Complex, Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, LA 71497

There will be lots of entertainment during the day and we encourage all community members, family and media to attend. Tuesday’s Opening Ceremonies will include: the arrival of the Olympic torch, the Parade of Athletes, and the lighting of the Olympic Flame of Hope by local Law Enforcement officers. Also volunteering will be representatives from the NSU Greek Community on campus and from other Recognized Student Organizations.

Competitions will end after the last event around 12:00pm followed by a lunch provided by Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Victor Jones. We encourage everyone, of all ages to come out and support our athletes. All sporting competitions, as well as opening and closing ceremonies, are free and open to the public. Come cheer on the SOLA athletes! For a detailed schedule of events please log onto http://www.laso.org.

Special Olympics Louisiana is a state-wide organization that changes lives by promoting understanding, acceptance and inclusion between people with and without intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics Louisiana offers year-round programs for 14,600 children and adults with intellectual disabilities in all 64 parishes with the help of 15,000 volunteers. We have health, education, leadership, family, training and sports programs for people beginning at age 2 and there is no upper age limit. There is no cost to participate in Special Olympics. For more information about Special Olympics Louisiana, please visit http://www.laso.org.