Special Olympics Marshall-Starke celebrates winter success, gears up for summer games

Special Olympics Indiana Marshall–Starke County is celebrating the conclusion of a highly successful winter sports season while officially launching preparations for the upcoming Summer Games.

The winter season showcased the dedication and growth of local athletes across multiple disciplines, including skiing, snowshoeing, basketball, powerlifting, and cheerleading. Competitions were held at various locations, including the Winter Games in Lawrenceburg, Indiana.

At the Winter Games, Christian Radican represented the program in skiing, while Ian Radican and Tammi Radican demonstrated exceptional teamwork competing together as a unified team in snowshoeing.

Basketball and Cheer

The winter basketball season featured both 3-on-3 half-court and 5-on-5 full-court teams. Both teams traveled to Valparaiso for Sectionals, where the Wildcats played a closely contested game against the St. Joseph County Tigers, falling just short of advancing to the State Finals at the Pacers Athletic Complex.

The 3-on-3 team was coached by Jackie Ziaja and Joe Short, with a roster featuring Asher Short, Connor Parker, Donald Shaffer, Bobby Bunting, and Xavier Lawrence.

The 5-on-5 team, guided by coaches Leroy Van Dusen, Kim Hall, Mike Ziaja, and Donavan Ziaja, included Conor Allen, Justus Crum, Dalton Dimmitt, Mariah Leininger, Cash Little, Ian McBride, David Parker, Roger Stoner, and Lucas Thangam.

Supporting the teams throughout the season was a dedicated cheer squad coached by Tina Downey and Temple Kipper. The cheer team included Denise Cole, Joyce Gerard, Emily Kipper, Valerie Luby, Susan Renz, Todd Rininger, Michael Seaman, and Makayla Strickland.

Powerlifting Success

The powerlifting team also wrapped up a strong season, culminating at the State Spring Meet held at THIRST Gym in Terre Haute. Under the guidance of coaches Justin Parker and Mike Purvis, the team featured David Akers, Ronan Allen, Cameron Hardesty, Derick Purvis, Ryan Robbins, Christopher Rodriquez, Roger Stoner, Xavier Lawrence, Mariah Leininger, Cash Little, Juniper Masterson, and Jaiden Wade.

"We are incredibly proud of all our athletes for their hard work and commitment this winter season as they represented Marshall and Starke Counties at both the area and state levels," program leadership said in a statement.

Looking Ahead to Summer Games

With winter sports in the books, the program has shifted its focus to the Summer Games. More than 50 athletes are currently training in Track & Field, Swimming, Team Bowling, Powerlifting, and a new addition this year: Bocce.

The Summer Games are scheduled for June 12–14 in Terre Haute. Athletes will stay on campus at Indiana State University and the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology during the three-day competition.

Summer sport coaches include Lori and Geoel Simpson (Swimming); Noel Soria, Sonja Soria, and Rhona Owens (Track & Field); Elizabeth Polstra and Bobby Hodge (Bowling); Justin Parker and Mike Purvis (Powerlifting); and Dave Graf (Bocce).

Community Support and Fundraising

The community is invited to give the athletes a grand send-off as they depart for the Summer Games on the evening of June 11 from Culver High School. Residents are encouraged to line the streets with signs and participate in the escort out of town.

To help cover entry fees, uniforms, and travel expenses, athletes are actively participating in local fundraising efforts. Upcoming community events include:

• April 16: Pizza Hut Tip Night in Knox
• April 18: Concessions at the FLOW Wrestling event (Washington Township Community Building)
• Second Wednesday of each month: Give-back nights at Papa Farm Pizza
• Pop-up bake sales and the program's annual soap fundraiser

The Summer Games provide athletes with vital opportunities to compete in inclusive sports, build friendships, and maintain healthy, active lifestyles.

Volunteers and donors are still needed to support this impactful program. Those interested in contributing time or funds are encouraged to email marshallstarkeso@gmail.com or call 574-935-0513. Monetary donations can also be mailed to P.O. Box 1104, Plymouth, IN 46563.