Team Indiana Gears Up for Special Olympics USA Games Departure

INDIANA — A contingent of over 100 athletes, Unified partners, coaches, and support personnel from Team Indiana is set to leave Indianapolis International Airport this Friday, heading to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis. This event showcases the spirit and talent of individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Organized by Special Olympics Indiana, a nonprofit linked to the global Special Olympics initiative established by the Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Foundation, Team Indiana is eager to make its mark. The team will participate in the Opening Ceremony at the University of Minnesota on Saturday, which is anticipated to be aired at 8:30 p.m. ET across the ABC/ESPN networks.

Competition is slated to begin on Monday, June 22, featuring events in 16 different sports. Though no athletes from Elkhart County are included in the team, Team Indiana will compete in a total of 10 sports, including basketball, bocce, bowling, cornhole, flag football, golf, powerlifting, soccer, swimming, and track and field. Additionally, members of the Indiana delegation will partake in Youth and Adult Leadership Experiences during the games.

In total, the Team Indiana delegation consists of 111 individuals, all ready to showcase their skills and spirit at this prestigious event.