It’s a celebration of all abilities.
A place that defines enthusiasm.
A world where no one is left out.
And for those who want to experience a true honor — a blessing of the scope that this life rarely bestows — they should show up, if only to cheer on strangers. We promise, it will be worth it.
Every June, thousands of athletes, family members, volunteers and fans descend on Terre Haute for the Special Olympics Indiana Summer Games. This year, this weekend, our city is home to these guests.
For three days hosts Indiana State University and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology provide the space to make these athletes shine.
The Games began Friday. An opening ceremony with a parade of athletes, entertainment and the lighting of the Special Olympics cauldron by athletes and members of the Law Enforcement Torch Run took place Friday night. Competition continues today. Sports include athletics (track and field), bocce, bowling, cycling, powerlifting, swimming and volleyball. All events are free and open to the public. Events are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. to noon Sunday.
More than competition, the Summer Games celebrate inclusion, determination and the abilities of individuals with intellectual disabilities, according to a news release from Special Olympics Indiana. Throughout the weekend, athletes will have opportunities to showcase their talents, build friendships and experience the excitement of a championship event.
The summer games have long been a major source of pride for Terre Haute, which has embraced community ownership for the event for almost five decades.
After the Special Olympics movement was founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister of President John F. Kennedy, in 1968, Indiana took part in the first summer games in Chicago in 1968. The very next year, Indiana conducted its first summer games.
Terre Haute settled as the home for the summer games in the mid 1970s. Indiana State University welcomed the event and provided a haven for activities in those early years. As the organization and event grew, other areas of the community became involved, and Rose-Hulman has been a longtime supporter as well and now hosts many of the weekend’s activities.
During the open ceremonies each year now conducted in Hulman Center, the athletes assembled for the event recite the Special Olympics athletes’ oath, which states, “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
In addition to being home for the summer games, Special Olympics Indiana’s headquarters were located at ISU until 1989, when the organization moved its offices to Indianapolis.
It’s an important distinction for Terre Haute to be so closely tied to such an important and inspiring organization.
“The Summer Games are one of the most inspiring weekends in Indiana,” said Jeff Mohler, president and CEO of Special Olympics Indiana. “These athletes have trained for months to reach this moment, and Terre Haute provides an incredible community atmosphere where every athlete is celebrated and supported. We invite the public to come experience the energy, joy and inspiration that make the Summer Games so special.”
In addition to sports competition, Olympic Town offers entertainment, interactive activities, healthy athlete screenings and opportunities for families and fans to connect throughout the weekend. And the Healthy Athletes area in the College of Health and Human Services is offering nearly 1,000 medical checks for eyes, ears, feet, teeth and general health.
An empowering and inclusive community. True respect. Genuine acceptance. There are many ways to describe experiencing the Special Olympics either as an athlete, spectator or volunteer. Perhaps the most prominent is joy.
The joy on the faces of the athletes, the joy expressed by the volunteers and the joy in the hearts of all those lucky enough to bear witness to such a special event.
Don’t miss out. There’s still time.
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