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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, Fall Games!

    Each fall, state tournaments are held at multiple locations in eight traditional and Unified sports, including: cornhole, distance run and walk, flag football, golf, equestrian, soccer, softball, and unified volleyball.
    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.

  • Sports

    Explore our Sports

    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

    For Coaches

    Become a Special Olympics coach and drive athlete performance and well-being with exceptional training and support.

    For Athletes

    Our programs build skills, confidence, and relationships, creating a supportive community where inclusion thrives.

  • 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

      Freezin’ For a Reason! 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

    Special Olympics Volunteers
    Plane Pull Challenge

    • 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 sponsor

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

      become a sponsor

    • contribute clothes

      Don’t need it? We’ll take it! Donate clothes at over 400 Special Olympics Indiana bins statewide.

      contribute clothes
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summer games

Thanks for a fantastic 55th anniversary year!

2024 Summer Games

Our largest annual competition, Summer Games brings together more than 2,400 athletes and Unified partners from across the state together on the campuses of Indiana State and Rose-Hulman for three days of competition and achievement, friendship and fun, ceremony and celebration.

This event was possible through the generous support of more than 1,200 event volunteers, sponsors, and donors. Thousands of coaches, chaperones and spectators also take part in the Summer Games, making this event a celebration of the spirit of Special Olympics.

Theme

The theme for the 55th annual Summer Games was our athletes’ 55-year journey with SOIN, A Journey to Your Heart, which was inspired by the Athlete Leadership Conference held at our State Conference in October 2023.

Sports Offered

The 2024 Summer Games offered competition in these Olympic-type sports: bocce, bowling, cycling, powerlifting, swimming, track and field, and volleyball.

powerlifting

SO Indiana State Office Contact

Kevin Aders
Director of Team Sports & Logistics

VIEW PHOTOS HERE
2024 HIGHLIGHT VIDEO
Sports Offered:
Bocce Icon BOCCE
Cycling Icon CYCLING
Powerlifting Icon POWERLIFTING
Swimming Icon SWIMMING
Track and Field Icon TRACK & FIELD
Volleyball Icon VOLLEYBALL
Track and Field
Additional Activities

Opening Ceremony

Friday night at Indiana State’s Hulman Center as our athletes, families, coaches, partners, volunteers and the community come together to celebrate the official start of Summer Games. The event is always an incredible experience!

Olympic Town presented by Duke Energy

One of the most popular locations at Summer Games, Olympic Town gives athletes, partners, coaches and family members a place to relax and have fun in between sporting events. All booths are available free of charge (except the Souvenir Kiosk) thanks to the generosity of our many corporate, civic and service groups that donate their time, efforts and money. Find entertainment, safety and other educational exhibits along with food, drinks and a variety of crafts, games and activities for everyone to enjoy.

Victory Dance and Comedy Night

After competition winds down Saturday evening, hit the dance floor at Olympic Town to celebrate your achievements throughout the weekend. This high-energy experience is a great time to let loose and show your best moves.

For those who prefer an indoor activity, laughter is the best medicine. Settle in with your popcorn and enjoy an evening of comedy.