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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 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.
    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
    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 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
Find Your Program
Stories State Calendar Who We Are
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Spotlight

Stories

Hamilton County Powerlifters to Compete in Iceland

Two Special Olympics Indiana Hamilton County athletes will compete Friday, Nov. 15, in Reykjavik, Iceland, as part of the U.S. delegation to the 2024 IPF World Equipped Open Powerlifting Championships.

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R-O-D Siblings Share Fond Memories of Bowling at USA Games

Competing together at the 2022 and 2018 USA Games made the experience even more special for Alex and Abby Keiffer.

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Derrick Martin

Athlete Spotlight: Derrick Martin

Jackson County athlete Derrick Martin recently answered a Q&A about his interests and activity within Special Olympics Indiana.

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Cycling Takes Schwieterman to New Places

Mark Schwieterman has found a sense of freedom in cycling. Riding his bicycle around Tippecanoe County eases opportunities and opens …

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Avery Brooks Earns Inaugural Jimmy Erskine Award in Madison County

When Avery Brooks steps up to the bar to compete in powerlifting, all of his concerns melt away. It’s just …

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R-O-D Runners Complete First Mini-Marathon

Two Special Olympics Indiana Ripley-Ohio-Dearborn County athletes fulfilled a major goal recently when they completed the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon …

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Why sleep matters infographic.

Enhancing Sleep for a Healthier Mind

Sleep is essential to our well-being, playing a vital role in maintaining optimal mental health. Proper sleep has a huge …

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Special Olympics Indiana

The Mental Health Benefits of Strength Training

The benefits of strength training tend to focus on getting bigger and physically stronger. However, research is showing that strength …

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Linda Behm smiles for camera.

Summer Games Volunteer Spotlight: Linda Behm

Special Olympics Indiana athletes will earn nearly 15,000 medals and ribbons during the 2024 Summer Games on June 7-9 in …

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Boosting Mental Health One Workout at a Time

Stress and mental health issues are things we all struggle with at some point. One often underestimated method to improve …

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Athlete strength training

5 Benefits of Strength Training

Strength training often is misconceived as a way to get “jacked and tan” or bulky. It typically is limited to …

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Man and women performing lunge exercise outside.

The 10 Benefits of Exercise for a Healthier and Happier You

Physical activity is not just about getting shredded and trying to fit into a new pair of jeans. Engaging in …

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