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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

    • Champions Golf Classic

      This annual tradition unites our loyal supporters for an exclusive outing at one of Indiana’s top public golf courses!

      Champions 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 is open 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
Find Your Program
Stories State Calendar Who We Are
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Stories

Athletes Working Hard: Elkhart County’s Chris Milewski

Chris Milewski of Elkhart County, who is blind, works as a cook for the Cultivate Food Rescue in South Bend. Milewski said that he got the skills for his job through what he calls “second nature” experiences.

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Indiana’s Mr. Football is one of Marshall-Starke’s Biggest Fans

Myles McLaughlin is Indiana’s Mr. Football. Working as a tutor with Knox High School special education students has made him a Marshall-Stark fan as well.

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Young Athletes participant transitions to R-O-D program

Natalie Amison signed her son, Logan, up for the Young Athletes program offered by the  Ripley-Ohio-Deaborn County Program.
After completing the 8 weeks of instruction and activity, Logan “graduated” to the R-O-D bowling team, where he became one of the first Young Athletes participants to enroll in a county program.

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My Best Day Ever

Alise Hazelett took a one-day trip to Janesville, Wisc., for the filming of a Textron Aviation commercial. This commercial encourages companies and plane owners to volunteer their planes for the Special Olympics USA Games 2026 in Minneapolis.

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Special Olympics Indiana athlete Alex Kelley sits playfully in an alcove during a tour of San Juan Puerto Rico

3×3 Tournament Experience Lets Alex Kelley Be Brave

The U.S. women’s team won a gold medal at the 3×3 Unified Basketball World Cup in San Juan, Puerto Rico, but the trip meant so much more than that to team member Alex Kelley.

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Benitez family brings chemistry to Team Indiana

Sam Benitez and his son, Manny Benitez, have been part of the Mustangs for 10 years. Two years ago, Sam’s daughter, Alicia Benitez, joined the team. They hope team chemistry is an element that shines when the Mustangs represent Team Indiana at the Special Olympics USA Games in June in Minneapolis.

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Shelby County’s Abby Shuck Earns Hardworking Hoosier Award

Shelby County Coordinator Abby Shuck was recently honored with the Hardworking Hoosier Award. The award celebrates the diligence of individuals in Indiana House District 58.

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U.S. Team Returns from Puerto Rico With Gold Medal

A team from Special Olympics Indiana Tippecanoe County earned a gold medal in the 3×3 Unified Basketball World Cup in San Juan, Puerto Rico, last weekend.

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Segrist Siblings Welcome Extended Family in Team Indiana

Maria and Ted Segrist are part of a huge family of 15 siblings. Their family has grown even more as part of Team Indiana as they prepare for the 2026 USA Games in Minneapolis.

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A Car Accident Changed Seamus Cox’s Coaching Trajectory

The 2026 USA Games are seven months away. Team Indiana athletes selected to go and compete in Minneapolis are getting …

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Brian

Avery Honored by NFHS

Brian Avery will receive a National Federation of State High School Association Citation during the 56th annual National Athletic Directors Conference on Dec. 14 in Tampa, Fla.

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Athlete holding up competition medal

Special Olympics Indiana Now Serves 20,000 Athletes Statewide

Special Olympics Indiana today announced a historic milestone: The organization now serves more than 20,000 athletes statewide for the first time.

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