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  • 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 Basketball!

    Basketball is one of the most popular sports offered in our program. The State Basketball Tournaments bring together men, women and youth from across Indiana for two weekends of competition.
    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
    Registration opens Nov. 1 for the 2026 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 partner

      With events ranging from local to global in scale, there is opportunity for partners of every size to support Special Olympics.

      become a partner

    • Donate Your Car

      Your vehicle donation gives Special Olympics athletes the chance to develop physical fitness, compete in Olympic-like sports and experience the joy of sharing their skills with others.

      Donate Your Car
Find Your Program
Stories State Calendar Who We Are
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Stories

Marshall-Starke’s Parker Is College Bound

David Parker is a Special Olympics Indiana athlete in the Marshall-Starke County program. He will head to Grace College on a scholarship next fall.

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Brave in the attempt: High school students help Team Indiana

At the first two training camps, Team Indiana’s athletes, Unified partners and coaches met each other and practiced their sports. …

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Polar Plunge

Polar Plunge Registration is Open

The 2026 Polar Plunge kicks off Saturday, Jan. 31, in Fort Wayne and continues through Saturday, March 7, at Eagle Creek Park in Indianapolis. Every event includes plungers, a costume contest and a post-event celebration.

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Plainfield Middle School Named to 2025 Unified Champion Schools ESPN Honor Roll

Plainfield Community Middle School is the 2025 ESPN Honor Roll recipient for Indiana, named for going above and beyond in creating a culture of inclusion, advocacy and respect for students with and without intellectual disabilities.

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2025 Spirit of Special Olympics Awards Winners

The annual awards recognize an athlete, coach, volunteer, famliy and law enforcement officer who demonstrate outstanding support and dedication during the course of the past year.

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Team Indiana members from Jay County connected on, off the field

Jay County is sending eight to the 2026 USA Games, and this group could not be more connected.

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Team Indiana To Hold Third Training Camp on Nov. 1

Special Olympics Indiana continues its series of Team Indiana training camps on Saturday, Nov. 1, at Indian Creek High School.

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A Special Olympics Indiana athlete carries the Flame of Hope during a recent Law Enforcement Torch Run.

Lake County Law Enforcement Joins Special Olympics Indiana for Oct. 19 Torch Run

Lake County Law Enforcement agencies and Special Olympics Indiana will host a torch run at 10 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, at Wicker Park in Hiland, Ind.

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Kerr to Represent Her Peers at SONA Athlete Congress

Karen Kerr of Porter County will represent Indiana at the inaugural SONA Athlete Congress in March.

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Three young people smile for the camera

5 Indiana Schools Receive National Recognition for Achievements and Inclusion

Three Indiana high schools, a middle school and an elementary school received national banner recognition from Special Olympics North America …

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Teams compete at the 2024 Special Olympics Indiana flag football state championship.

Sun Protection Still Matters As Temperatures Drop

Sunscreen isn’t just a summertime essential. It’s a year-round habit that can help protect the skin, prevent painful burns and reduce the risk of long-term damage.

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Best Snacks for Training Days vs. Rest Days

One way to support training and recovery is through smart snacking. The right snacks at the right time can boost energy, improve focus and help muscles recover.

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