• 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, Fall 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!
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  • 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
  • Special Events
  • Ways to Give

    Featured Fundraiser

    Polar Plunge
    Polar Plunge

EPIC | Erskine Personal Impact Curriculum

Honoring the life and legacy of Indiana native and great Carl Erskine, Special Olympics Indiana is proud to partner with award-winning filmmaker Ted Green in developing the Erskine Personal Impact Curriculum (EPIC), presented by Duke Energy — a set of educational materials for elementary, middle, and high school students released in August 2022 in conjunction with Ted’s film, The Best We’ve Got: The Carl Erskine Story. These unique classroom materials build upon the success of our Unified Champion Schools® and Champions Together initiatives to promote learning for every age level, and give educators an impactful way to teach themes inspired by Carl’s life stories of inclusion, belonging, and leadership.

EPIC classroom materials complement your school’s curriculum and make connections to Indiana Department of Education Academic Standards. The flexible lesson design and activities provide ready-to-use lesson plans and opportunities for differentiated instruction. EPIC materials are available to Indiana educators at no cost through generous donations by our partners.

Click here to order EPIC Books

Bring EPIC Books To Your School

the parallel

The Parallel? Written by Carl Erskine

Includes stories, discussion questions and activity challenges designed to illustrate the parallels between the struggle for racial equity and quest for inclusion of people with developmental disabilities. 40 pages Suggested for grades 7-12 ISBN: 979 8 9863985 0 1 Library of Congress: HM 831. E 77E65 2022

wanna play

Wanna Play? Written by Molly Tischler

Tells how Erskine became lifelong friends with Johnny Wilson, then Jackie Robinson. Also, learn the story of how Carl compares his World Series ring and son Jimmy’s Special Olympics medal. 32 pages Suggested for grades 1 3 ISBN: 979 8 9863985 0 1 Library of Congress: HM831. E77 E65 2022

playing for change

Playing for Change Written by Kelly Brown

Reveals how Carl endeared himself to Jackie Robinson simply by being kind to Jackie’s wife and child. Meet Mrs. Lamey’s poodles, who taught the Erskines something new about their son , Jimmy. <br /> 32 pages<br /> Suggested for grades 4-6 <br /> ISBN: 979 8 9863985 1 8 <br /> Library of Congress: GV861. L87 B76 2022

Sample Lesson Plans

Epic Logo Grade K-3

In this lesson, students will recognize and celebrate their differences and diversity within their classroom community by creating a classroom tree to display.Additionally, they will discuss the importance of inclusivity and acceptance.

Grades K-3
Epic Logo Grade 3-5

In this lesson, students learn about what it means to belong and how to include others. Students will identify similarities and differences between themselves and a partner but understand how they are still part of the same community.

Grades 3-5
Epic Logo Grade 6-8

In this lesson, students will compare inclusive and prejudicial behaviors. Additionally, students will identify how they can be positive toward their peers and utilize inclusive behaviors.

Grades 6-8
Epic Logo Grade 9-12

In this lesson, students learn why it is important to have personal values. Students will identify a list of core values and discuss how to bring these values into their everyday life and communities.

Grades 9-12

Hear what educators have to say about EPIC:


EPIC Partners

FOE
ted green