Indianapolis Public Schools Joins Special Olympics Indiana as Marion County Program
Special Olympics Indiana announced today that Marion County-Indianapolis Public Schools is now a recognized county program and part of the global movement.
Marion-IPS becomes the 68th local program statewide and the sixth Marion County program within Special Olympics Indiana, joining groups based in Marion-East, Marion-Northeast, Marion-South, Marion-West and Washington Township.
Special Olympics Indiana serves more than 19,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities throughout the state, using year-round sports training along with health, education and leadership programs to provide opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities while working to end discrimination against them.
Indianapolis Public Schools has been an established part of Special Olympics Indiana’s Unified Champion Schools, where individuals with and without intellectual disabilities practice and compete together within elementary, middle, junior high and high school school settings. Now with the county-based program, IPS students have the opportunity to participate in traditional Special Olympics events while still in school or transition from the school-based program to the county-based program upon graduation.
“This initiative is aimed at addressing a significant underserved population in downtown Indianapolis, ensuring more athletes have the opportunity to participate and thrive,” IPS-Marion County Coordinator Matt McCommish said.
Athletes are not required to be current or former IPS students to take part. Any individual with an intellectual disability is eligible to participate in Special Olympics.
Marion-IPS currently offers bowling, flag football, snowshoeing and track and field to 50 athletes. The athletes took part in the recent 2025 Winter Games.
“We are excited to expand opportunities for Special Olympics athletes within Center Township and Indianapolis Public Schools,” Special Olympics Indiana President and CEO Jeff Mohler said. “Sports are a catalyst for social change. Seeing these athletes train and compete will highlight their abilities and break down misperceptions.”
Learn more about the Marion-IPS program at: https://soindiana.org/county/marionips/.