Already a part of the Special Olympics Indiana Family? Great! Then this page is for you.
If you are interested in learning about getting an athlete in your family involved in Special Olympics Indiana, please click here.
Would you like to join the Special Olympics Indiana Family Program?
To be a part of: “Families Connecting with Families – a place where families can share with families who care” email Family Coordinator Lindsay Lambert. Please include the names of any family members who would like to be a part of the program, as well as the name of your athlete and what program he/she participates in.
As a member of this program, you will receive periodic family newsletter updates; have access to the Family Tent at Summer Games; and other family resources. We invite you to read our mission below…
Mission: The Special Olympics Indiana Family Program is committed to connecting families across the state to foster a sharing of the ideas, concerns and issues faced by many families; to provide families of Special Olympics Indiana athletes with the information and knowledge necessary to most fully enjoy Special Olympics events; and to share resources that will empower families as they face decisions and choices regarding their athlete’s well-being.
Congratulations to the 2008 Spirit of Special Olympics Family Winner, the Livesay Family, from Putnam County.
The Spirit of Special Olympics Family Award was given to the Livesay family from Greencastle for their 11 years of service to Special Olympics. The Livesay Family has been an integral part of Special Olympics Indiana – Putnam County for 11 years. Justin, the Special Olympics athlete of the family participates year-round in seven sports and is also involved in Athlete Leadership Programs. In addition to his involvement with Special Olympics, he is also a student at the local high school, where he managed the varsity basketball team and worked on the prom committee. He also participated in 4-H and is employed by the local Kroger store.
In the nomination application, Mary Lee Rippy, the coordinator of the Putnam County program, wrote about Justin, “he always competes to the best of his ability and is proud of his accomplishments, regardless what place he finishes.”
Justin’s mother, Deanna, wears a variety of hats as a part of their county program. She is a coach in multiple sports and also competes as a Unified Partner. When she senses that a program can benefit athletes, she is quick to implement it, even when it is one in which her son does not participate. Employed by the local school corporation as a bus driver, she provides transportation for the county to competitions and tournaments throughout the year.
In addition, Laren Livesay, Justin’s father, attends all Special Olympics events and competitions, pitching in to help wherever needed, distributing uniforms, allocating equipment and keeping score. He has been described as “the county’s “Right Hand Man,” a person who can be depended on to do even the most tedious task without complaint.”
Justin’s sister, Brittany, has been a Unified Partner for the past three years, serving as a role model and a mentor for several athletes. She also photographed and interviewed many athletes for a college course presentation, which she then donated to the county to use in public relations and fundraising activities.
“Putnam County Special Olympics could not operate successfully without the support and assistance of this family,” said Rippy. “This family has truly enriched the lives of other athletes.”
Past Spirit of Special Olympics Indiana Family Award Winners:
2007 The Sutherlin Family, Area 4
2006 The McGovern Family, Area 10
2005 The Kedrowitz Family, Area 10
2004 The Crawford Family, Area 8
2003 The King Family, Area 6
2002 The Cauthon Family, Area 8
2001 The Bell Family, Area 10
2000 The Neff Family, Area 4
1999 The McNew Family, Area 8
1998 The Callaghan Family, Area 5
1997 The Galen Miller Family, Area 9
1996 The Vasquez Family, Area 1
1995 The Flatt Family, Area 2
1994 The Karris Family, Area 1
1993 The Rise Family, Area 5
1992 The Boardman Family, Area 4
1991 The Gilbert Family, Area 4
1990 The Brothers Family, Area 11
1989 The Lamb Family, Area 8
1988 Harvey Spitznagel, Area 12
1987 Pauline Hines, Area 11
1986 Darrell Nifong, Area 2
1985 Jacque Waisanen, Area 1
1984 Diane Deel, Area 4
1983 Edwin Hambley, Area 11
Coming Soon…read a testimonial by a family member of a Special Olympics Indiana athlete about what Special Olympics has done for their family!
Questions? If you would like to know more about the Special Olympics Indiana family program, are interested in volunteering for Special Olympics, or anything else pertaining to families and Special Olympics, feel free to email Lindsay Lambert.