Athletes Prepare to Represent Indiana at 2026 USA Games

The Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis are 10 months out. Last weekend, there was a lot of activity going on in regard to training camp No. 1 for Team Indiana.

There were many athletes. There was a lot of activity. And a lot of us gained valuable experience during the three days at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.

Athletes are preparing for the games with hard work and training with their coaches and teammates.

Eli Hightshue, an athlete from Johnson County, will compete in golf at the USA Games. He said he puts in an enormous amount of effort into training with his coaches.

“It is going to be a fun time. I practiced hard, and the camp was great,“ Hightshue said. “I am excited for the USA Games!”

Josh McRoberts, another athlete from Johnson County, will compete in swimming. He had a great time at training camp and is training hard.

“I had a great time, and I am looking forward to displaying my best effort and everything that I prepared for in the pool,” he said.

Chris Thompson is looking forward to helping his Boone County All-Starz basketball team that will participate in the USA Games.

“So far, the training process has been pretty good. Our team is on the rise, and we are never backing down,” Thompson said. “My personal goal is definitely to represent Team Indiana, because our state is all about basketball!”

Andrew Dziezak, an athlete from Lake County, will compete in powerlifting.

“I have Coach Seamus working with me to help improve my training and get ready to be on the big stage,” Dziezak said. “I have been lifting since 2014. I started out at 200 pounds for deadlift, and I can now do 475 pounds.”

The weekend was one to remember for many of the athletes, and all of them will be representing not only their local Special Olympics programs but the entire state. Make sure to wish them good luck whenever you see them out.

Click here and scroll down to “Meet Team Indiana” to see a list of all of the Team Indiana members.