2025 Spirit of Special Olympics Awards Winners

Special Olympics Indiana presented the 2025 Spirit of Special Olympics Awards during its state conference in Noblesville.

Hosted by Kendra Franklin of the Ripley-Ohio-Deaborn County Program, the annual awards recognize an athlete, coach, volunteer, famliy and law enforcement officer who demonstrate outstanding support and dedication during the course of the past year.

The 2025 Spirit of Special Olympics Award winners are:

• Athlete: Riley Schmaltz of Cass County.
• Coach: Ric Lynn of DeKalb County.
• Volunteer: Michelle Roland of Cass County.
• Family: The Bluethmann Family of Hancock County.
• Law Enforcement: Tim Horty of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy.

“The Spirit of Special Olympics Award is the highest honor we bestow to the individuals and families that exemplify the service and dedication it takes to bring athletic, academic, social, leadership and health opportunities to our 19,000 athletes across the state,” Special Olympics Indiana President and CEO Jeff Mohler said. “More than 10,000 volunteers – many of whom are athletes themselves – share their time, knowledge and passion with our athletes to fuel this mission from the grassroots level.”

Schmaltz has been successful in basketball, swimming, softball flag football and bowling. But it’s not medals that define her. Her positive attitude, smile and determination in the face of struggles in inspiring. She is a constant well of confidence and strength for her teammates, whether through encouragement, congratulations or cheer.

Lynn is knowledgeable, patient, positive and encouraging. The athletes love him, and his unique training ideas keep them engaged.  Lynn provides each athlete with encouragement, attention and support. In 2024, he asked the to American Legion donate new custom boards. They did. He now transports the boards to and from a storage unit for every practice. 

As a dedicated member of the Cass County management team, Roland leads by working, helping, organizing, troubleshooting and meeting the needs of both athletes and volunteers. Serving as a volunteer, coach and Unified partner, she helps with track and field, flag football, basketball, softball and wherever she is needed. Whether handing out t-shirts, serving food, checking injuries or simply encouraging athletes to be their best, Roland tends to find herself in the middle of most events.  

The Bluethmanns are a family of 10 from Hancock County. Jeff and Sherry restarted the Hancock County track and field program three years ago. Jeff also coaches distance run/walk and youth basketball. Sherry coaches track and field.  Their daughter, Kaylee Roark, is the walking coach for both track and distance walking. Her husband, Tyler Roark, coaches long jump, distance walking and swimming. He also is a unified golf partner.  Drew volunteers with the track and field program. Cayden is a track volunteer. And the Bluethmann’s 4-year-old granddaughter, Hannah Jane, supervises every track practice, arriving each day with paper and pen to take notes.  james plays golf, swimming, track, basketball and distance run/walk. Damonta and Dameco compete in swimming, track, distance run/walk and basketball. all three boys helped at hancock county’s inaugural volunteer recognition banquet last fall, serving dinner and sharing their experiences in special olympics to the group.  

Horty has been an outstanding advocate for Special Olympics . His leadership has left a lasting impact on both new officers and the athletes we serve. Horty first became involved with the Law Enforcement Torch Run by running the torch as a new officer, embracing the mission of Special Olympics early in his career. Upon his appointment by the governor as executive director of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, he ensured that the LETR program became fully integrated into the training of new officers, instilling awareness and support for the torch run across every law enforcement agency in Indiana.

Special Olympics Indiana presented these awards at the Embassy Suites Noblesville, home of the 2025 state conference. More than 350 coaches, coordinators, volunteers and athletes from across the state gathered for two days of learning, sharing ideas and renewing friendships.

Learn more about Special Olympics Indiana and its programs at SOIndiana.org.