Find Your Program
Stories State Calendar Who We Are Donate
  • 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

Hooping into Greatness

Basketball

Basketball is a beloved tradition in the Hoosier State! Among the largest Special Olympics tournaments in North America, Special Olympics Indiana’s state tournament offers competition for traditional and Unified 5-on-5 teams, traditional 3-on-3 teams and individual skills. Athletes have opportunities to compete in local and sectional tournaments, all leading up to the state tournament presented by Pacers Sports and Entertainment.

All events are free and open to the public, and fans are encouraged to attend.

State Office Contact

Headshot

Katie Hilt

Director of Sports & Competition

[email protected]

Basketball By the Numbers

Athletes

2,170

Coaches

377

Teams

236

Volunteers

612

Basketball Competitions

  • Local Tournaments
  • Sectional Tournaments
  • State Tournaments

Local Tournaments

Special Olympics Basketball Tournament presented by Seymour Lions

  • Date: Jan. 4, 2025
  • Location: Seymour Middle School and Seymour Boys and Girls Club
  • Contact: Clint Payton

 

Area 5 Basketball Invitational

  • Date: Jan. 12, 2025
  • Location: Caston High School
  • Contact: Michelle Jones

 

Wabash Basketball Tournament hosted by Area 4

 

Elkhart Tip-Off Tournament

 

Delaware County Basketball Invitational presented by IMPG

  • Date: Feb. 2, 2025
  • Location: Monroe Central High School
  • Contact: Barb Cox

 

ROD’s Hoosier Classic Basketball Tournament

  • Date: Feb. 9, 2025
  • Location: Batesville High School
  • Registration Deadline: Jan. 20, 2025
  • Contact: Greg Townsend

More information and the registration form available below under Resources.

 

Women’s and Youth In-Season Basketball Tournament

  • Date: Feb. 9, 2025
  • Location: Pro Net Sports, Fishers
  • Contact: Katie Hilt

 

Grant County Take It to the Hoop Tournament

  • Date: Feb. 22, 2025
  • Location: Taylor University
  • Contact: Diane Mitchell

 

Shelby County Arnie Petre Memorial Tournament

  • Date: March 1, 2025
  • Location: Shelbyville High School
  • Contact: Abby Shuck

Sectional Tournaments

Information coming soon.

State Tournaments

Youth

  • Date: March 29, 2025
  • Location: University of Indianapolis

 

Men’s, Women’s and Unified

  • Date: April 5-6, 2025
  • Location: Pacers Athletic Center at Grand Park, Westfield

Click, watch and download these resources to help you this basketball season

Basketball Resources

Shooting for Success

View the highlights

Relive the excitement from last year’s Special Olympics Basketball competition! Check out the amazing photos that capture the passion, teamwork, and unforgettable moments on the court. View more photos on our Flickr

Special Olympics Indiana Needs You

Get Involved

Participate as an Athlete

Become part of a team and gain opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a movement that impacts lives for the better. Join us today!

Become An Athlete

Volunteer With Us

Volunteers are the backbone of Special Olympics Indiana! Make a real difference in the lives of others. Sign up today.

Explore Opportunities

Become A Coach

Be a mentor, role model, and coach for our athletes. Empower them to achieve their full potential through sports!

Learn More