Find Your Program
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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.
    Find Your Community

    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

    Next up, State Bowling!

    Bowling has grown into one of the most popular sports offered in our program. The State Bowling Tournament, held annually in late fall, brings together hundreds of athletes and Unified partners from across the state for two days of fun and competition in Indianapolis.
    Explore the Competition

    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!
    Start Playing Now

    • 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.

      Fill out the Athlete Interest Form

    • 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!

      Check Out the Sports

    • 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.

      Learn more

    • 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.
    Become a Volunteer

    • why volunteer

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

      become a volunteer

    • become a coach

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

      become a coach

    • 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.

      volunteer

    • local volunteer opportunities

      Make a direct impact and foster a supportive environment by getting involved locally today!

      explore opportunities
  • 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

    • Charity Golf Classic

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

      Charity 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

    Polar Plunge
    Polar Plunge

    • donate now

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

      donate now

    • planned giving

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

      Learn More

    • become a sponsor

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

      become a sponsor

    • contribute clothes

      Don’t need it? We’ll take it! Donate clothes at over 400 Special Olympics Indiana bins statewide.

      contribute clothes
Find Your Program
Stories State Calendar Who We Are
Donate
Volunteer smiling with lanyard on

7

Counties

950

Total Participants

Get involved

About Area

Special Olympics Indiana is divided into 10 geographic regions – known as Areas – within the Hoosier state. These Areas, led by teams of volunteers, offer Area-level competition and support for County Programs located within their regional boundaries.

All 10 Areas offer a bowling tournament in the fall and a Track & Field meet in the spring. Special Olympics Indiana athletes must compete at the Area level in order to advance to state-level competition.

GET CONNECTED

Area 9 Info

Headshot

Heather Sterwerf

AREA DIRECTOR

[email protected]
Headshot

Shane Sterwerf

AREA COMPETITION DIRECTOR

[email protected]

Two Basketball Players one blocking and the other dribbling the basketball
Tito Castillo

Spotlight

Tito

Castillo

For nearly a decade, Coach Tito has walked the sidelines for ROD basketball. He volunteers his time and energy to share his love of sports with the athletes. And he asks just one thing back: “Smiles.” Tito does not have a family member in the program, which makes his journey different than many coaches. He could not imagine better front-row seats to any other team. His approach is compete hard, have fun and maintain perspective. Sounds like a winning formula.

Ripley runners

Spotlight

Isaac Kramer

Luke Horstman

After childhoods marked with loneliness and isolation, Special Olympics Indiana has provided Isaac and Luke with the opportunity to build friendships and make their mark in the sport they love. These friendships gave them the confidence and assurance to take on a half-marathon and complete it. Those relationships also provide ongoing social opportunities to give them more fulfilled lives.

Upcoming Events

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united by sports

Inspiring Individuals

Our athletes, coaches, and volunteers are as diverse and powerful as our programs. Get a glimpse of the excitement and range of activities you can experience year-round.

Man smiling in front of volleyball net
Athletes cheering as they cross the finish line
Male athlete running on track
Athlete smiling wearing a medal
Man in pacers jacket hugging woman in blue polo
Basketball Athletes with Medals
Basketball player tries to steal ball from other player.
Score keepers smiling behind game score board
Athlete holding coaches hand while watching game on sidelines.
Special Olympics athletes running in a race.