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    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.
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    Engage with athletes and volunteers across Indiana through our different Initiatives.

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    Special Olympics Indiana engages and energizes athletes and volunteers throughout Indiana.

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    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.
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    Special Olympics Indiana hosts a variety of state-level competitions year round and participates in a different national or global competition each year.

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    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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    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.
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    Polar Plunge
    Polar Plunge

Spirit of Special Olympics Indiana: 2018 LETR Officer of the Year

Boone County Sheriff Michael Nielsen accepts award as 2018 Spirit of Special Olympics Indiana LETR Officer of the Year.

The Spirit of Special Olympics Indiana Awards are presented annually at our State Conference, recognizing the athletes, coaches, volunteers, families, and LETR officers who have gone above and beyond in their contributions and commitment to the Special Olympics movement over the course of the past year or more. Nominations for each category are submitted by our Area Management Teams before Area winners are selected, and from that list, Special Olympics Indiana’s Board of Directors chooses the state award winners each year.

Special Olympics Indiana is pleased to announce that Boone County Sheriff Michael Nielsen is our 2018 Spirit of Special Olympics LETR Officer of the Year!

As the largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics, the Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR) relies on officers and staff from law enforcement agencies around the world to become active in volunteering and raising money for local programs. Over the course of more than a decade, Sheriff Nielsen has distinguished himself as one of Indiana’s most dedicated and reliable supporters of the Special Olympics movement.

Nicknamed “Big Dog,” Sheriff Nielsen is a larger than life role model and friend to the athletes of Special Olympics Indiana’s Boone County program. His genuine enthusiasm shines through in his every interaction with the athletes and their families, and his sincere words of encouragement and support have made a lasting impression in the lives of the people we serve.

Year after year, Sheriff Nielsen dedicates time and resources to help make the Boone County Law Enforcement Torch Run a success, raising thousands of dollars in the process. He has recruited his fellow officers, administrative staff, friends, and family to be a part of the run and to get involved in other events, like the annual Strikes for Special Olympics bowling fundraiser. Any time Sheriff Nielsen gets involved, he always has quite a following – and he never fails to be actively engaged with the athletes, making each event exciting for everyone around him.

Although his generosity and fundraising ability make him a valuable resource for Special Olympics Indiana, it’s his commitment to the cause and dedication to our athletes that truly exemplifies Sheriff Nielsen’s Spirit of Special Olympics. His participation is year-round.

  • Last June, Sheriff Nielsen wrote personalized “good luck” notes to each Boone County athlete competing at Summer Games, inviting his deputies to join in. At the Games, each athlete received five or six notes of encouragement, bringing them immeasurable pride and joy beyond anything they might have experienced through competition alone.
  • In November, Sheriff Nielsen and his deputies served food in the banquet line at the Boone County Winter Bash, where he addressed the crowd and encouraged the athletes to be the best they can be. He reminded them to always be proud of their accomplishments and to keep in mind that they each are role models for someone else.
  • And in September, when he discovered that the Boone County team was preparing to compete in the state softball tournament, he organized a fun and exciting surprise for the athletes when he had a team of local law enforcement officers stop by unannounced for a practice game.

For all these reasons and more, Sheriff Michael Nielsen is very deserving of this award for his efforts in helping us to better the lives of people with intellectual disabilities in his community and throughout Indiana.

2018 Spirit of Special Olympics Awards

  • Coach of the Year
  • LETR Officer of the Year
  • Volunteer of the Year
  • Family of the Year
  • ‘Michael Furnish’ Athlete of the Year
  • ‘Dennis Schmidt’ Impact Award