October 11, 2024 • 11 mins
The Little Rock Realtors Association is hosting the Run The Park 5k and Fun Run to benefit Special Olympics Arkansas on Saturday, November 16th! The 5k can either be timed or just a fun walk through Two Rivers Park with the family, and there will also be a free fun run for kids ages 12 and under! Sign up, become a virtual runner, get details on the event, or find out how to make a donation at www.SpecialOlympicsArkansas.org or https://runsignup.com/Race/AR/LittleRock/RunThePark5k
Have a topic, event, charity, or non-profit that you'd like to talk about on the show? Please email djtaylor@iheartmedia.com with your information.
Have a topic, event, charity, or non-profit that you'd like to talk about on the show? Please email djtaylor@iheartmedia.com with your information.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome and thanks for tuning in for Talk of the
Rock public affairs, community events, and public services for Central
Arkansas from the iHeartRadio Studios in Little Rock. Here's your host,
DJ Taylor, and.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
Thank you for joining us for Talking the Rock. I'm
DJ Taylor.
Speaker 3 (00:15):
I'm joined by Miss Cammy Powell, the Special Olympics Lady.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
How are you.
Speaker 4 (00:19):
I'm fantastic and happy to be.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
Here, Abby to have you back.
Speaker 3 (00:22):
It's always a pleasure to talk about Special Olympics and
things that are going on. Special Olympics, of course helping
athletes across the state of Arkansas.
Speaker 4 (00:31):
Tell us a little bit about that. Get us started,
absolutely so. We work with people with intellectual disabilities. We
provide more than two hundred and forty competitions year round.
On any given month that's eleven to nineteen. We have
Fall Games at UCA coming up in November, so check
that out if you want to volunteer. We also do
health programming and leadership programming for our athletes year round.
Speaker 3 (00:51):
Now to go through that list just a little bit,
the competition that's coming up in November, there are volunteer
opportunities available. You can also just go and watch these
amazing athletes do their thing no matter what event it's
going to be in, and it really is just heartwarming
to see these kids to do their thing and to
(01:14):
just enjoy their sport absolutely.
Speaker 4 (01:16):
And the event is unified, so people with them without
intellectual disabilities at the unified Sports Fall Games will be
competing together and that's exciting to see siblings can play together,
something that our athletes, we know that their potential they
play up in the sport if they're playing with typical peers.
Speaker 3 (01:34):
And one of the things that Special Olympics does not
only putting on these events, but also helping these athletes
to train and getting them to and from events and
helping them out in whatever way they need. That's why
Special Olympics is so important. That's why it's important if
you can to donate to help out Special Olympics. Arkansas
dot org is the website and there's a chance to
(01:57):
donate there. One of the things I want to talk about, though,
is this big fundraising event that you've got coming up
in November November sixteenth, Run the Park, the five k
fun run with the Little Rock Realtors Association. Whitney and John,
how are y'all doing? We're great, We're good, fantastic. And
the Little Rock Realtors Association, how did you first team
(02:18):
up with Special Olympics. Where did this partnership begin?
Speaker 5 (02:22):
So, the Arkansas Real Estate Association has been partners with
Special Olympics for about thirty eight years? Is that right?
Speaker 1 (02:27):
Came? He?
Speaker 4 (02:28):
Absolutely?
Speaker 5 (02:28):
Yeah, So I think it in my experience on the
Little Rock Board. I've been a part of Little Rock
Board three years now and two years ago Whitney and
I co chaired the first five K that we did
for the Little Rock Board in particular, and it was
a great success.
Speaker 3 (02:43):
So that is absolutely fantastic. I love that the Little
Rock Realtors Association is working with Special Olympics helping athletes
here in central Arkansas. And I like the fact that
when you look at the description for the five K,
it says that the Realtors Association is committed to fostering
community spirit and inclusivity through this run at the park.
(03:05):
And I think as a guy that just started doing
five k's and really kind of starting to get into this.
Speaker 2 (03:11):
It is a whole lot of fun.
Speaker 3 (03:12):
And this is coming up at Two Rivers Park, right correct, Okay,
so a lot of great space to run great scenery
out there at Two Rivers Park. I love taking the
family out there and doing that. And okay, so I
want to start out by saying, if you are a runner,
this is one of those you can make it a
timed event and it does it does count on your
(03:36):
on your results.
Speaker 2 (03:39):
Yes, that's correct, okay.
Speaker 3 (03:40):
So super easy to get involved with that if you
want to run, or I understand walkers are also welcome.
Speaker 6 (03:47):
That's right, walkers and joggers.
Speaker 3 (03:49):
All right, So if you prefer to take your time
and enjoy the scenery, you can do that. Or if
you want to if you want to time it out
and try to get your personal best, that something else
that's also available. And this race the now okay, let
me back up and start over with this because there's
so much information here that I want to share with everybody.
(04:10):
You're going to start out at about seven thirty in
the morning with a pre race ceremony.
Speaker 2 (04:14):
Tell me a little bit about that.
Speaker 6 (04:16):
So we will start with a prayer and the national anthem,
and at seven point thirty we will have the kids
line up ages twelve up to twelve. I'm sorry, and
it's a free race for a one mile for those kids.
Of course we will have MJ the DJ out there
playing music for everybody, keeping the vibe up and having
(04:38):
a good time. After the kids finish their one mile race,
we will have all the other participants sign up or
line up for the five k to start at eight am.
Speaker 3 (04:49):
Fantastic and this is going to be a great chance
to get out there and just enjoy with your family.
If you want to walk the five k, you can,
that's a possibility. Take the ca kids with you. I
recommend a stroller for the younger ones just in case.
But it is a fantastic opportunity. Now, if somebody wants
to sign up, it is thirty dollars to run the
(05:12):
five k and the proceeds all benefit Special Olympics.
Speaker 6 (05:15):
That's right. Yes, you can sign up through runsign up
dot com.
Speaker 3 (05:19):
If you're familiar with run sign up at all. Yeah,
it is super easy to find you just look for
run the Park or just put in the date of
November sixteenth for right here in central Arkansas.
Speaker 2 (05:28):
That is super easy.
Speaker 3 (05:30):
And of course, also if you can't make it to
the race, maybe you want to be a virtual runner.
There are different ways that you can sign up for
that as well. You can just make a monetary donation
if you like.
Speaker 6 (05:42):
That's correct. And we also have a go Fundme page
for the special Olympics Arkansas with run sign up.
Speaker 3 (05:48):
Okay, fantastic, so super easy to find. How do they
find that on gofundmes? Do you just look for the
Little Rock Realtors Association or do you do you go
for the name of the run.
Speaker 6 (05:58):
You can find it through the orlder association page or
through the run the Park.
Speaker 2 (06:05):
Sign up Okay, very cool.
Speaker 3 (06:07):
Yeah, okay, so the run sign up page has that
and then if anybody is signed up and getting ready
for this, packet pickup will be on that Friday before
over at Rock City Running. Are they Are they a
big part of the run with you guys this year.
Speaker 6 (06:21):
They are the one of the owners. Bill Tory is
actually the race director, cool and he's been helping us
get everything lined up for this event. And Rock City
Running is located here in Little Rock and we'll be
there to give everybody their packet pick up. But you
also can register the morning of the race as well.
Speaker 3 (06:39):
Oh fantastic. That was going to be my next question.
So yeah, if you register now, which I recommend you do,
make sure is there a limit on the number of runners.
That's something I know. Okay, fantastic. Everybody is welcome as
absolutely So you go to run sign up and you
sign up online. Packet pick up at Rock City Running
they're over on Rodney Pair by the way, if you're
(07:01):
familiar with Little Rocket All, they're over on Rodney Parham.
Super easy to find. Packet pickup will be that Friday.
Then Saturday morning you show up, I want to say,
probably want to get to two Rivers Park about seven
that way you can sign in and if your kids
are wanting to do the fun walk or things like that,
it starts at seven point thirty. You're there in plenty
of time. Of course, the five k begins at eight o'clock.
(07:23):
And you guys have got everything covered when it comes
to the five k. You got water stations going on,
you got refreshments at the finish line, and of course
MEM's and LRPD and everybody's going to be on side
just in case. Now, there are also going to be
awards for the five K. Tell me a little bit
about that.
Speaker 6 (07:41):
That's right. We will have medals for everyone and for
finishers firse through third deep in the five k, and
it'll be really fun because the kids with Special Olympics
Arkansas come out and they get to give everyone the medals.
All that's really fun.
Speaker 2 (07:55):
That is awesome. I love that.
Speaker 3 (07:57):
So there will be medals for the runners and for
the first through third runners.
Speaker 5 (08:04):
I don't have it here in front of me. We
do have a lot of different age groups though, so
firs through third will not just be the race winners,
it'll be for different age groups.
Speaker 3 (08:11):
That's correct, sure, absolutely, yeah, that's that's important to know,
especially if you're if you're counting your races, if you're
looking to compete. This is this a chipped event I'm guessing, or.
Speaker 6 (08:22):
Is it a timed event? It's going to be. Kenny
Garner is actually doing the timing for us. Fantastic and
it's a certified course, so we would love for y'all
to come out and join us and have some fun.
Speaker 3 (08:34):
Fantastic and of course you know those results will be
available there, they'll be on run sign up, So lots
of great ways to just enjoy run the park, the
five k and fun run. It's coming up on November sixteenth.
All the proceeds benefiting Special Olympics Arkansas. Just a great
time and you know what, November sixteenth, it's going to
be a Saturday morning. It's going to be perfect weather
(08:57):
to get out there and run. That is that is
like the best time I think, honestly.
Speaker 6 (09:01):
Yes, for sure. I'm a cold weather runner.
Speaker 3 (09:04):
Oh yeah, yeah, I tried one in summer and it
just Yeah, it's a whole different animal when you get
out there and it's fall weather. The leaves are going
to be changing. Two rears park is going to be beautiful,
So definitely want to make sure that you become a
part of this. Details are also Special Olympics Arkansas dot org, right, CAMMI, Yes.
Speaker 4 (09:24):
We have them on our website as well, and come
see our athletes at the finish line.
Speaker 2 (09:29):
Absolutely, that's going to be so much fun. I love that.
Speaker 3 (09:31):
And one other thing I do want to point out
if you're interested in finding out more about Special Olympics,
whether it's to have an athlete to join in, or
maybe you just want to donate to the cause, or
maybe you want to volunteer. I know a lot of
volunteer hours go into Special Olympics.
Speaker 4 (09:49):
Absolutely, we could use volunteers all the time for those
two hundred and forty competitions. I was talking about and
it's really easy to volunteer. You just show up the
day of report to the volunteer check int or you
can reach out to me and I can get you assigned.
Speaker 3 (10:02):
Fantastic and all the details on that. The full calendar,
by the way, special Olympics Arkansas dot org. So go
by check that out and especially make sure you and
the family are ready for the Little Rock Realtors Association
Run the Park at to five k and fun run
November sixteenth. Five K is thirty dollars and you can
sign up right now. A matter of fact, I pulled
(10:24):
up run sign up dot com just a little while
ago to get ready for this event myself. I think
it's going to be a whole lot of fun. Take
the family out and enjoy Whitney, John, Cammie, thank y'all
so much for coming in. It is always a pleasure y'all.
Come see us anytime and looking forward to seeing you
on the sixteenth.
Speaker 4 (10:41):
Absolutely thanks for having us.
Speaker 6 (10:42):
Yes, thank you so much.
Speaker 1 (10:45):
Thanks for listening to Talk of the Rock public affairs
and community events from the iHeartRadio studios in Little Rock.
Be sure to subscribe to this podcast and listen next
week as we talk to more guests about public service,
local charities, and events going on in your neighborhood
Speaker 2 (11:05):
MHM
Welcome and thanks for tuning in for Talk of the
Rock public affairs, community events, and public services for Central
Arkansas from the iHeartRadio Studios in Little Rock. Here's your host,
DJ Taylor, and.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
Thank you for joining us for Talking the Rock. I'm
DJ Taylor.
Speaker 3 (00:15):
I'm joined by Miss Cammy Powell, the Special Olympics Lady.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
How are you.
Speaker 4 (00:19):
I'm fantastic and happy to be.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
Here, Abby to have you back.
Speaker 3 (00:22):
It's always a pleasure to talk about Special Olympics and
things that are going on. Special Olympics, of course helping
athletes across the state of Arkansas.
Speaker 4 (00:31):
Tell us a little bit about that. Get us started,
absolutely so. We work with people with intellectual disabilities. We
provide more than two hundred and forty competitions year round.
On any given month that's eleven to nineteen. We have
Fall Games at UCA coming up in November, so check
that out if you want to volunteer. We also do
health programming and leadership programming for our athletes year round.
Speaker 3 (00:51):
Now to go through that list just a little bit,
the competition that's coming up in November, there are volunteer
opportunities available. You can also just go and watch these
amazing athletes do their thing no matter what event it's
going to be in, and it really is just heartwarming
to see these kids to do their thing and to
(01:14):
just enjoy their sport absolutely.
Speaker 4 (01:16):
And the event is unified, so people with them without
intellectual disabilities at the unified Sports Fall Games will be
competing together and that's exciting to see siblings can play together,
something that our athletes, we know that their potential they
play up in the sport if they're playing with typical peers.
Speaker 3 (01:34):
And one of the things that Special Olympics does not
only putting on these events, but also helping these athletes
to train and getting them to and from events and
helping them out in whatever way they need. That's why
Special Olympics is so important. That's why it's important if
you can to donate to help out Special Olympics. Arkansas
dot org is the website and there's a chance to
(01:57):
donate there. One of the things I want to talk about, though,
is this big fundraising event that you've got coming up
in November November sixteenth, Run the Park, the five k
fun run with the Little Rock Realtors Association. Whitney and John,
how are y'all doing? We're great, We're good, fantastic. And
the Little Rock Realtors Association, how did you first team
(02:18):
up with Special Olympics. Where did this partnership begin?
Speaker 5 (02:22):
So, the Arkansas Real Estate Association has been partners with
Special Olympics for about thirty eight years? Is that right?
Speaker 1 (02:27):
Came? He?
Speaker 4 (02:28):
Absolutely?
Speaker 5 (02:28):
Yeah, So I think it in my experience on the
Little Rock Board. I've been a part of Little Rock
Board three years now and two years ago Whitney and
I co chaired the first five K that we did
for the Little Rock Board in particular, and it was
a great success.
Speaker 3 (02:43):
So that is absolutely fantastic. I love that the Little
Rock Realtors Association is working with Special Olympics helping athletes
here in central Arkansas. And I like the fact that
when you look at the description for the five K,
it says that the Realtors Association is committed to fostering
community spirit and inclusivity through this run at the park.
(03:05):
And I think as a guy that just started doing
five k's and really kind of starting to get into this.
Speaker 2 (03:11):
It is a whole lot of fun.
Speaker 3 (03:12):
And this is coming up at Two Rivers Park, right correct, Okay,
so a lot of great space to run great scenery
out there at Two Rivers Park. I love taking the
family out there and doing that. And okay, so I
want to start out by saying, if you are a runner,
this is one of those you can make it a
timed event and it does it does count on your
(03:36):
on your results.
Speaker 2 (03:39):
Yes, that's correct, okay.
Speaker 3 (03:40):
So super easy to get involved with that if you
want to run, or I understand walkers are also welcome.
Speaker 6 (03:47):
That's right, walkers and joggers.
Speaker 3 (03:49):
All right, So if you prefer to take your time
and enjoy the scenery, you can do that. Or if
you want to if you want to time it out
and try to get your personal best, that something else
that's also available. And this race the now okay, let
me back up and start over with this because there's
so much information here that I want to share with everybody.
(04:10):
You're going to start out at about seven thirty in
the morning with a pre race ceremony.
Speaker 2 (04:14):
Tell me a little bit about that.
Speaker 6 (04:16):
So we will start with a prayer and the national anthem,
and at seven point thirty we will have the kids
line up ages twelve up to twelve. I'm sorry, and
it's a free race for a one mile for those kids.
Of course we will have MJ the DJ out there
playing music for everybody, keeping the vibe up and having
(04:38):
a good time. After the kids finish their one mile race,
we will have all the other participants sign up or
line up for the five k to start at eight am.
Speaker 3 (04:49):
Fantastic and this is going to be a great chance
to get out there and just enjoy with your family.
If you want to walk the five k, you can,
that's a possibility. Take the ca kids with you. I
recommend a stroller for the younger ones just in case.
But it is a fantastic opportunity. Now, if somebody wants
to sign up, it is thirty dollars to run the
(05:12):
five k and the proceeds all benefit Special Olympics.
Speaker 6 (05:15):
That's right. Yes, you can sign up through runsign up
dot com.
Speaker 3 (05:19):
If you're familiar with run sign up at all. Yeah,
it is super easy to find you just look for
run the Park or just put in the date of
November sixteenth for right here in central Arkansas.
Speaker 2 (05:28):
That is super easy.
Speaker 3 (05:30):
And of course, also if you can't make it to
the race, maybe you want to be a virtual runner.
There are different ways that you can sign up for
that as well. You can just make a monetary donation
if you like.
Speaker 6 (05:42):
That's correct. And we also have a go Fundme page
for the special Olympics Arkansas with run sign up.
Speaker 3 (05:48):
Okay, fantastic, so super easy to find. How do they
find that on gofundmes? Do you just look for the
Little Rock Realtors Association or do you do you go
for the name of the run.
Speaker 6 (05:58):
You can find it through the orlder association page or
through the run the Park.
Speaker 2 (06:05):
Sign up Okay, very cool.
Speaker 3 (06:07):
Yeah, okay, so the run sign up page has that
and then if anybody is signed up and getting ready
for this, packet pickup will be on that Friday before
over at Rock City Running. Are they Are they a
big part of the run with you guys this year.
Speaker 6 (06:21):
They are the one of the owners. Bill Tory is
actually the race director, cool and he's been helping us
get everything lined up for this event. And Rock City
Running is located here in Little Rock and we'll be
there to give everybody their packet pick up. But you
also can register the morning of the race as well.
Speaker 3 (06:39):
Oh fantastic. That was going to be my next question.
So yeah, if you register now, which I recommend you do,
make sure is there a limit on the number of runners.
That's something I know. Okay, fantastic. Everybody is welcome as
absolutely So you go to run sign up and you
sign up online. Packet pick up at Rock City Running
they're over on Rodney Pair by the way, if you're
(07:01):
familiar with Little Rocket All, they're over on Rodney Parham.
Super easy to find. Packet pickup will be that Friday.
Then Saturday morning you show up, I want to say,
probably want to get to two Rivers Park about seven
that way you can sign in and if your kids
are wanting to do the fun walk or things like that,
it starts at seven point thirty. You're there in plenty
of time. Of course, the five k begins at eight o'clock.
(07:23):
And you guys have got everything covered when it comes
to the five k. You got water stations going on,
you got refreshments at the finish line, and of course
MEM's and LRPD and everybody's going to be on side
just in case. Now, there are also going to be
awards for the five K. Tell me a little bit
about that.
Speaker 6 (07:41):
That's right. We will have medals for everyone and for
finishers firse through third deep in the five k, and
it'll be really fun because the kids with Special Olympics
Arkansas come out and they get to give everyone the medals.
All that's really fun.
Speaker 2 (07:55):
That is awesome. I love that.
Speaker 3 (07:57):
So there will be medals for the runners and for
the first through third runners.
Speaker 5 (08:04):
I don't have it here in front of me. We
do have a lot of different age groups though, so
firs through third will not just be the race winners,
it'll be for different age groups.
Speaker 3 (08:11):
That's correct, sure, absolutely, yeah, that's that's important to know,
especially if you're if you're counting your races, if you're
looking to compete. This is this a chipped event I'm guessing, or.
Speaker 6 (08:22):
Is it a timed event? It's going to be. Kenny
Garner is actually doing the timing for us. Fantastic and
it's a certified course, so we would love for y'all
to come out and join us and have some fun.
Speaker 3 (08:34):
Fantastic and of course you know those results will be
available there, they'll be on run sign up, So lots
of great ways to just enjoy run the park, the
five k and fun run. It's coming up on November sixteenth.
All the proceeds benefiting Special Olympics Arkansas. Just a great
time and you know what, November sixteenth, it's going to
be a Saturday morning. It's going to be perfect weather
(08:57):
to get out there and run. That is that is
like the best time I think, honestly.
Speaker 6 (09:01):
Yes, for sure. I'm a cold weather runner.
Speaker 3 (09:04):
Oh yeah, yeah, I tried one in summer and it
just Yeah, it's a whole different animal when you get
out there and it's fall weather. The leaves are going
to be changing. Two rears park is going to be beautiful,
So definitely want to make sure that you become a
part of this. Details are also Special Olympics Arkansas dot org, right, CAMMI, Yes.
Speaker 4 (09:24):
We have them on our website as well, and come
see our athletes at the finish line.
Speaker 2 (09:29):
Absolutely, that's going to be so much fun. I love that.
Speaker 3 (09:31):
And one other thing I do want to point out
if you're interested in finding out more about Special Olympics,
whether it's to have an athlete to join in, or
maybe you just want to donate to the cause, or
maybe you want to volunteer. I know a lot of
volunteer hours go into Special Olympics.
Speaker 4 (09:49):
Absolutely, we could use volunteers all the time for those
two hundred and forty competitions. I was talking about and
it's really easy to volunteer. You just show up the
day of report to the volunteer check int or you
can reach out to me and I can get you assigned.
Speaker 3 (10:02):
Fantastic and all the details on that. The full calendar,
by the way, special Olympics Arkansas dot org. So go
by check that out and especially make sure you and
the family are ready for the Little Rock Realtors Association
Run the Park at to five k and fun run
November sixteenth. Five K is thirty dollars and you can
sign up right now. A matter of fact, I pulled
(10:24):
up run sign up dot com just a little while
ago to get ready for this event myself. I think
it's going to be a whole lot of fun. Take
the family out and enjoy Whitney, John, Cammie, thank y'all
so much for coming in. It is always a pleasure y'all.
Come see us anytime and looking forward to seeing you
on the sixteenth.
Speaker 4 (10:41):
Absolutely thanks for having us.
Speaker 6 (10:42):
Yes, thank you so much.
Speaker 1 (10:45):
Thanks for listening to Talk of the Rock public affairs
and community events from the iHeartRadio studios in Little Rock.
Be sure to subscribe to this podcast and listen next
week as we talk to more guests about public service,
local charities, and events going on in your neighborhood
Speaker 2 (11:05):
MHM
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