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  • About

    Find Your Local Program

    Special Olympics Indiana energizes athletes by organizing 10 dynamic Areas, each led by dedicated volunteers to support County Programs and host exciting regional competitions. Athletes thrive in vibrant community events, competing in various meets to earn their place in state-level championships.
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    Our Initiatives

    Engage with athletes and volunteers across Indiana through our different Initiatives.

    About us

    Special Olympics Indiana engages and energizes athletes and volunteers throughout Indiana.

  • Competitions

    Summer Games, here we come!

    Summer Games is our largest annual competition of the year, bringing together more than 3,500 athletes, Unified partners and volunteers together for a weekend like no other. A true specticle of inclusive sports.
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    State Competitions & Beyond

    Special Olympics Indiana hosts a variety of state-level competitions year round and participates in a different national or global competition each year.

  • Athletes

    Become An Athlete

    Join Special Olympics Indiana, where 19,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities compete year-round in over 20 sports, enhancing fitness, showcasing courage, and sharing joy. Our Unified Sports® program fosters teamwork and inclusion by uniting athletes with and without disabilities. Be a part of something extraordinary!
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    • GETTING STARTED

      Getting started is easy! The first step is to fill out the Athlete Interest Form. This will help us learn more about your interests.

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    • SPORTS OFFERED

      Join us and compete year-round in over 20 sports, enhancing fitness, showcasing courage, and sharing joy. Be a part of something extraordinary!

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    • NEW TO SPECIAL OLYMPICS

      Whether you're a beginner or not, we welcome athletes of all abilities to join and be part of an empowering and inclusive community.

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    • EXPLORE OUR COMPETITIONS

      From local tournaments to state championships, there are events for every level of ability. Each competition promotes sportsmanship, teamwork, and fun.

      SEE WHAT’S HAPPENING
  • Volunteer

    Explore Volunteer Opportunities

    Whether you volunteer year-round, seasonally, or for just one event, you'll create unforgettable moments and make a significant impact. Support over 19,000 athletes to encourage their growth and foster meaningful connections.
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    • why volunteer

      Volunteers are the heartbeat of Special Olympics Indiana! Make a meaningful impact and be part of something transformative.

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    • become a coach

      Become a Special Olympics coach and drive athlete performance and well-being with exceptional training and support.

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    • Event day volunteer

      Volunteering on event day is easy and impactful! Take on roles like referee, scorekeeper, announcer, or awards presenter to make a difference in just a few hours.

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    • Coaching Resources

      A dedicated space built to support our coaches with helpful resources, growth opportunities, and essential tools to help them lead with confidence and make a lasting impact.

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  • Special Events

    • Polar Plunge

      Be Bold, Get Cold! Show your support and make a splash this winter.

      Polar Plunge

    • Plane Pull Challenge

      The Plane Pull features the ultimate tug-of-war competition! Teams raise funds for the opportunity to test their strength by pulling an aircraft as fast as possible.

      Plane Pull

    • Law Enforcement Torch Run

      Officers and athletes rally together to support The Summer Games and raise funds for Special Olympics Indiana.

      Law Enforcement Torch Run

    • Champions Golf Classic

      This annual tradition unites our loyal supporters for an exclusive outing at one of Indiana’s top public golf courses!

      Champions Golf Classic

    • Breakfast With Champions

      Inspiring events highlighting the stories and impact of athletes, coaches, and volunteers in SOI programs.

      Breakfast With Champions

    • State Conference

      Featuring the Spirit of Special Olympics Awards, the annual Indiana State Conference provides training for program leaders, volunteers, and families.

      State Conference
  • Ways to Give

    Featured Fundraiser

    Man Swinging Golf Club
    Registration is open for the 2026 Champions Golf Classic.
    Champions Golf Classic

    • donate now

      You can support Special Olympics in a variety of ways with a gift that makes an impact now.

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    • planned giving

      Consider including Special Olympics in your will or trust to create a lasting impact.

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    • become a partner

      With events ranging from local to global in scale, there is opportunity for partners of every size to support Special Olympics.

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25th Annual Plane Pull Challenge® is Aug. 8 at FedEx Express World Hub

By Joe Frollo   |   July 8, 2026   |   Tags:

Teams from across Indiana will test their strength Saturday, Aug. 8, at the FedEx Express World Hub at Indianapolis International Airport during the 25th annual Plane Pull Challenge® to benefit Special Olympics Indiana.

Participants will work together to move an 82-ton, Boeing 575 jetliner to support children and adults in Indiana with intellectual disabilities.

Gates open at 7 a.m. with teams starting to pull at 9 a.m.

The Plane Pull Challenge marks Special Olympics Indiana’s largest single-day fundraising event and offers a unique opportunity for teams of up to 15 people. The fastest team in each of the seven divisions – corporate, public safety, trades/unions, Unified teams/schools, insurance, engineering and open – receives an award. Awards also are given to the top fundraisers.

This family-friendly event also features a festival-like atmosphere with music, food, souvenirs, games and other activities throughout the day. A highlight remains the Kids Pull at noon, where children ages 12 and younger come together to pull the Boeing 575 down the 12-foot runway.

Spectators and media are welcome to attend. Admission is free. To participate, team members raise a minimum of $1,200 collectively.

To learn more, visit: PlanePulIN.org.

All funds raised through the Plane Pull Challenge go toward year-round sports, health, leadership and other programs that directly benefit more than 20,000 Special Olympics Indiana athletes.