The excitement is building as athletes, coaches, unified partners and chaperones from Montgomery County are preparing to participate in the upcoming Special Olympics Indiana Summer Games.
A local delegation of 133 people will leave Crawfordsville on Friday and travel to Terre Haute where three days of fierce competition and other activities will take place. Again this year events are planned at Indiana State University, Rose Hulman Institute of Technology and in the Terre Haute community.
This year’s theme is “Let’s Change the Game,” opening the hearts and minds to the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities. The games will run Friday through Sunday.
“We will be competing in aquatics, bowling, bocce, horseshoes, track and field and volleyball, said Tina Baker, a representative of the local Special Olympics organization. “This will be the first year we will be using the new track at ISU. It’s going to be exciting and fun for the athletes and their families and friends.”
Since its inception in 1969, Summer Games has grown to be, by far, the largest and most inspiring Special Olympics event in the state. More than 2,700 athletes will be competing with the assistance of 1,100 coaches, all made possible with the help of 1,200 volunteers. In addition to three days of competition, there will be Olympic–style ceremonies, the Torch Run through Indiana State University, a full-sized Olympic Town, healthy athletes screenings and a Festival of Champions. The competitions will be held in eight sports this year including aquatics, bocce, bowling, cycling, horseshoes, powerlifting, track, field and volleyball.
Opening ceremonies are set for 7 p.m. Friday at Hulman Center. Bobby Cox, the Commissioner of the Indiana High School Athletic Association will be the featured honorary chairperson this year. Additionally, the program will feature performances by Act One, the Jesse White Tumbling Group and Flight Crew Jump Rope.
“These events are free to come and watch,” Baker said. “If anyone is in the Terre Haute area, come down and cheer on our athletes from all over the state of Indiana.”
Special Olympics Indiana provides more than 12,000 athletes the opportunity to learn new skills, create lifelong friendships and brave new challenges alongside their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. Summer Games is free and spectators are invited throughout the weekend to show the athletes that the community supports their determination.
