Special Olympics Indiana Travels To Washington for Capitol Hill Day

Hamilton County athlete Blake Buckner was in Washington this week to speak with a U.S. senator and U.S. House representatives as part of Special Olympics’ Capitol Hill Day.

Buckner; his father, Abron; and Special Olympics Indiana Vice President Jen Kelso met with members of the following offices during the two-day event:

• Rep Andre Carson (D-Ind.)
• Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R-Ind.)
• Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.)
• Rep Frank Mrvan (D-Ind.)
• Rep. Jefferson Shreve (R-Ind.)
• Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.)
• Rep. Jim Baird (R-Ind).
• Rep. Mark Messmer (R-Ind.)
• Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.)

The group discussed with lawmakers and staff the role that Special Olympics Indiana in the lives of 19,000 Hoosier athletes. They asked lawmakers to sign a letter of support and to keep Special Olympics athletes in mind when working within committees that deal with appropriations. Buckner also invited each of them to attend a Special Olympics Indiana event and interact with their constituents.

Capitol Hill Days is an opportunity for athletes to speak with lawmakers about the stigma faced by people with intellectual disabilities and about how Special Olympics programming in sports, health and education make an impact. This long-running annual event is organized by Special Olympics North America and includes participants from 47 states and the District of Columbia.