as any. “Our tournament is just like any tournament,” said Katie Hilt, director of sports and competition for Special Olympics Indiana. “Our athletes are just like other athletes. There might be some small differences, but we have more in common than not.” Those similarities are on full display during the awards presentation. While the gym is filled with joy, some struggle to hide their disappointment with not receiving gold. “I want the students to see that someone with intellectual disabilities is just as competitive as they are,” added VanSickle. “They love sports just as much. Those interactions can change their perception of someone different from them.” Addison admitted those interactions did give her perspective. “These athletes are capable of doing anything,” she said. “They might have a few hindrances, but they just want to have fun like everyone else.” No case study or mock interview could replicate the ear-to-ear smiles, the endless “thank yous” from parents, or the eagerness of the athletes to return year after year. Long after the buzzer sounds and the roar of the crowd fades, the lessons learned about leadership, empathy, and the power of sports echo far beyond Nicoson Hall. Whether it’s taking home the gold or successfully running a tournament, anything is possible at UIndy—as long as we do it together.
coordinating, and maintaining constant communication with students is critical. VanSickle constantly asks, ‘Did you do this? Did you think about that?’ In 16 years of hosting, each tournament at UIndy has presented its own challenges, big and small. Teams misassigned to courts taught students flexibility. Emergencies requiring ambulances reminded them to stay calm under pressure. This year, when the singer for the national anthem didn’t arrive in time, it became a lesson in improvisation, with an auxiliary cord and phone saving the day. The event thrives each year because of the contagious energy which pulsates through Nicoson Hall. High-fives follow every basket, hugs celebrate every win, and the crowd reacts with everything from cheers to tears. “It made my heart smile. I got teary-eyed watching them,” said Baker. “It really brought me joy to watch them have fun.” The most valuable cheerleaders are the UIndy football team. They don’t just energize the crowd—they sprint from court to court, ensuring every special moment gets the cheer it deserves. “You could just tell the energy shifted when they walked in,” said Caressa Addison ’27 (Sport Management). “It was really nice to see all the smiles on the faces of the Special Olympians.” Although the atmosphere is uplifting, the athletes are still there to win. The stakes are real, and the games are just as competitive
⊳ Athletes compete in Nicoson Hall. Courtesy: Special Olympics Indiana.
▼ From left to right: Caressa Addison ’27, Henry Wardle ’27, and Owen Hardy ’27 coordinate the Special Olympics basketball tournament.
Special Olympics athlete receives medal during ceremony.
41
MAGAZINE // SUMMER 2026
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker