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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
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Health and Fitness

Stories

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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Two Special Olympics Indiana athletes battle for the ball during a state soccer match.

Balance and Coordination Exercises for Athletes

Good balance helps athletes remain steady when running, walking or moving quickly. Coordination helps arms, legs, eyes and the brain work together so athletes can catch, throw, kick and move smoothly.

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Two Special Olympics Indiana athletes run the 5K at the 2024 EKS Games.

The Importance of Hydration

Whether participating in flag football, golf, distance run/walk or any other event, hydration plays a vital role in performance, safety and overall well-being.

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A Special Olympics Indiana athlete takes a few minutes to do planks during a break at Athlete Leadership University.

10 Simple Ways to Exercise Around the House

You don’t need fancy equipment or hours of free time to stay active. Your home and a few minutes of downtime can be all you need.

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The Importance of Post-Practice Cool Downs

Post-practice cool downs are far more important than they may seem, and they can make a big difference in performance, recovery, and long-term health.

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A boy from Vanderburgh County throws a softball during practice.

Don’t Forget a Proper Warm-up Before Practice

A warm-up is more than just a few jumping jacks or light stretching. It’s a vital component of any fitness regimen. It prepares the body both physically and mentally, ensuring a safer and more effective workout.

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Foods that help with weight management.

The Importance of Weight Management for a Longer, Healthier Life

Carrying excess weight can increase the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and even cancer.

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Improve Mental Performance for Athletes with Intellectual Disabilities

Developing strong mental skills can enhance confidence, focus and overall enjoyment of sports.

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Cardiovascular Exercise is a Must for Athletes with IDD

Cardo is an essential part of the fitness puzzle and can be done from just about anywhere in the world.

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Athlete strength training

The Benefits of Strength Training for Athletes with IDD

For athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), adding strength training into exercise routines offers numerous physical, psychological and social benefits.

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Train 4 Life Expands to 7 Cities in 2025

Special Olympics Indiana has expanded its Train 4 Life initiative, bringing its free fitness program designed for people with intellectual disabilities (ID) that includes partnerships with facilities in seven communities.

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