Special Olympics athletic competitions are patterned after the Olympic Games. Each year, more than 15,000 Special Olympics Games, meets, tournaments and championships take place throughout the world in both summer and winter sports.

Special Olympics World Games are held every four years, alternating every two years between summer and winter events. Special Olympics athletes are selected as representatives to Special Olympics World Summer and Winter Games based upon performance in national and regional competition.

Special Olympics Indiana has participated in past Special Olympics World Games — most recently in Shanghai, China in October 2007.  Indiana sent seven Athletes, one Unified Partner, three Volunteer Coaches, a staff member as part of Team USA.  In addition, Indiana sent a Law Enforcement Officer and Athlete to escort the Special Olympics "Flame of Hope" throughout China as part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run.

Click here to see how Indiana's Athletes did!