Unfortunately,  events starting even as late as 8 p.m. will carry significant heat stress risk, although they will, on average, have a Heat Index about 10°F lower than those in the early afternoon. Such a decrease will be helpful, but some heat stress illness may still be encountered.

Armed with this information, you make a detailed report to the sponsors of the event. You tell them that, from a climatic standpoint, their choice of venues is problematic. Little Rock would be a wonderful spot for an October competition. In the summer months, they will probably encounter very hot conditions, and conditions may be dangerous for junior competitors in some events. Competitors from cooler countries will be at special risk, as will be endurance athletes. Larger athletes will in general be at higher risk than smaller ones, for a variety of well-established reasons.

If the sponsors persist in holding the Games in Little Rock in July, they should attempt to schedule as many outdoor events as possible before 11 a.m. and after 8 p.m. They should make special provisions for "cold rooms," and for emergency medical treatment of heat-injured athletes and spectators. Special briefing sessions for athletes and coaches should be carried out, to give instruction in measures to prevent heat injury and recognition of the early signs of heat illness. You leave the meeting with the hope that the sponsors will behave responsibly, and that exercise-related heat injuries will not mar what should be a splendid competition.

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