Special Olympics Indiana Marshall–Starke County concludes successful winter season and launches Summer Games preparation

Marshall–Starke County, IN — Special Olympics Indiana Marshall–Starke County proudly celebrates the conclusion of a successful Winter Season, highlighted by strong performances in skiing, snowshoeing, basketball, powerlifting, and cheer.
Competitions at the Winter Games were held in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, while basketball and powerlifting events took place at various locations throughout the season, showcasing the athletes’ dedication and growth.
At the Winter Games, athletes represented the program in skiing and snowshoeing. Christian Radican competed in skiing, while Ian Radican and Tammi Radican competed together as a unified team in snowshoeing, demonstrating teamwork and dedication.
The winter basketball season featured both a 3-on-3 half-court team and a 5-on-5 full-court team. The 3-on-3 team, coached by Jackie Ziaja and Joe Short, included Asher Short, Connor Parker, Donald Shaffer, Bobby Bunting, and Xavier Lawrence.
The 5-on-5 team, coached by 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.
Both teams competed at Sectionals in Valparaiso, where the Wildcats battled in a closely contested game against the St. Joseph County Tigers. Despite a strong effort, the team fell just short of advancing to the State Finals at the Pacers Athletic Complex.
Supporting the teams throughout the season were dedicated cheerleaders coached by Tina Downey and Temple Kipper. Cheer team members included:
Denise Cole, Joyce Gerard, Emily Kipper, Valerie Luby, Susan Renz, Todd Rininger, Michael Seaman, and Makayla Strickland.
The Powerlifting team also completed a successful season, culminating at the State Spring Meet held at THIRST Gym in Terre Haute. Coached by Justin Parker and Mike Purvis, the team included:
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,” said program leadership.
With winter sports concluded, the program has officially launched its Summer Games season. More than 50 athletes are currently training in Track & Field, Swimming, Team Bowling, Powerlifting, and, new this year, Bocce.
Summer Games will take place June 12–14 in Terre Haute, Indiana. Athletes will stay on campus at Indiana State University and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology while competing over three days.
Community members are invited to support the athletes as they depart for the Summer Games on the evening of June 11 from Culver High School. Residents are encouraged to line the streets, create encouraging signs, and participate in the escort out of town.
As the team prepares for Summer Games, community members may see athletes actively participating in local fundraising efforts to help cover entry fees, uniform costs, and travel expenses. Upcoming events include a Pizza Hut Tip Night in Knox on April 16, concessions at the FLOW Wrestling event on April 18 at the Washington Township Community Building, monthly give-back nights at Papa Farm Pizza on the second Wednesday of each month, pop-up bake sales throughout the community, and the program’s annual soap fundraiser.
Summer sport coaches include:
— Swimming: Lori Simpson and Geoel Simpson
— Track & Field: Noel Soria, Sonja Soria, and Rhona Owens
— Bowling: Elizabeth Polstra and Bobby Hodge
— Powerlifting: Justin Parker and Mike Purvis
— Bocce: Dave Graf
The Summer Games experience provides athletes with opportunities to compete in inclusive sports, build friendships, experience joy, and maintain healthy, active lifestyles.
For more information or to get involved, please contact Special Olympics Indiana Marshall–Starke County.
Volunteers and Donors are still needed to support this impactful program. Individuals or organizations interested in volunteering or contributing are encouraged to email marshallstarkeso@gmail.com or call 574-935-0513. Monetary donations may be mailed to P.O. Box 1104, Plymouth, IN 46563.