Special Olympics Indiana hosted its 46th annual Summer Games on June 12-14, 2015, in Terre Haute. The 2015 Special Olympics Indiana Summer Games took place on the campuses of Indiana State University and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. The 2015 Special Olympics Indiana Summer Games showcased the awe-inspiring abilities of athletes with intellectual disabilities, promoted the ideals of acceptance and inclusion through sport and celebrated the transformative power of Special Olympics.
The annual Special Olympics Indiana Summer Games is the largest Special Olympics event in Indiana each year. This year’s Summer Games brought more than 2,600 athletes who competed, while encouraged by more than 1,500 volunteers and thousands of spectators, during three days of state-level competitions in aquatics, bocce, bowling, cycling, horseshoes, powerlifting, track and field, and volleyball. Athletes ranged in age from 8-82 years old. In addition to the competitions, there was Opening Ceremonies, a movie night, Victory Dance, , Olympic Town presented by Duke Energy (a carnival zone), STRIVE presented by Finish Line, and free “Healthy Athletes” health screenings that were available for all participants.
Most of the Summer Games competitions took place at Indiana State University, which has hosted the Games for more than 30 years. For the fifth year, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology hosted the aquatics competition as Summer Games participation continues its sustained growth.
The delegation of Ripley, Ohio and Dearborn counties was represented by 83 athletes and coaches; competing in the sports of volleyball, powerlifting, track and field, bowling and aquatics. Many thanks to the Dearborn Community Foundation, City of Aurora Grant Program for their generous support in sending our delegation to the 2015 Summer Games. And for assisting with the expense of sending our athletes from South Ripley Highs School, we thank the Versailles Kiwanis.
