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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.
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    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

    Summer Games, here we come!

    Summer Games is our largest annual competition of the year, bringing together more than 3,500 athletes, Unified partners and volunteers together for a weekend like no other. A true specticle of inclusive sports.
    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!
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    • 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.

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    • 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.

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    • become a coach

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

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    • 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.

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    • Coaching Resources

      A dedicated space built to support our coaches with helpful resources, growth opportunities, and essential tools to help them lead with confidence and make a lasting impact.

      Coaching Resources
  • 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

    Man Swinging Golf Club
    Registration is open for the 2026 Champions Golf Classic.
    Champions Golf Classic

    • 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.

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    • become a partner

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

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Team Indiana Claims USA Games Flag Football Title

By Kelly Ries   |   June 25, 2026   |   Tags:

From the opening snap of the 2026 USA Games flag football championship game to the final whistle, the contest showcased everything that makes Special Olympics competition so meaningful: Teamwork, perseverance, sportsmanship and heart. 

In the end, it was Team Indiana scoring two second-half touchdowns while shutting down Missouri after halftime to earn the victory 32-19 and taking home the gold medal.

Like their first four games, Team Indiana earned every victory by double digits.

Quarterback Sam Benitez led the way with five touchdown passes. Khalil Lewis caught three of the scores with Emanuel “Manny” Benitez and Derek Thurber catching one each. Kyle Barton also had an interception.

Both teams displayed outstanding athleticism, executing impressive passes, key defensive stops and exciting touchdown drives. It led to a 19-19 halftime tie. Every athlete gave their all, encouraged by cheering teammates, coaches, families and fans who created an electric championship atmosphere.

Through dedication, countless hours of practice during the past year and unwavering support for what it truly means to be a champion, Team Indiana finished undefeated and gold medal champions.