While the world’s attention turns toward Olympic competition in Italy, Indiana athletes are making their voices heard at the Statehouse and beyond — championing causes that extend far beyond medals and podiums.
Special Olympics Indiana athletes descended on the Indiana Statehouse on Feb. 20, trading gymnasiums for legislative chambers to share firsthand how inclusive sports, health and leadership programs are transforming lives across the state.
Athletes and staff leaders spent the day meeting with state representatives and senators to discuss the critical importance of continued support for year-round sports training, health and wellness initiatives and athlete leadership development programs. Team Indiana athletes shared personal stories about how participation in Special Olympics has built confidence, forged lasting friendships and improved both physical and mental health.
“I was really excited to talk with members of the Statehouse and tell them what Special Olympics means to me,” said Charlotte Miller, an athlete from the Washington Township program in Indianapolis who was part of the delegation. “Being an athlete has helped me grow stronger and more confident, and I want them to know how important these programs are for all of us.”
The visit carried particular significance, as Indiana House of Representatives Speaker Todd Hudson (R-Fishers) presented a resolution congratulating Special Olympics Indiana on reaching 20,000 athletes statewide.
The resolution also offered well-wishes for the 111 members of Team Indiana who will represent the Hoosier State in June at the USA Games in Minneapolis.
“We are so proud of our Hoosier athletes and the dedicated volunteers who make Special Olympics Indiana possible,” Huston said. “This organization opens doors for every athlete to compete, grow and be part of a team. We are cheering them on every step of the way and wish the more than 100 athletes representing Indiana at the USA Games this summer the very best of luck.”
Special Olympics Indiana provides year-round sports training and competition, along with health, education and leadership programs, for more than 20,000 athletes statewide. By visiting the Statehouse, Team Indiana athletes are using their voices to champion a more inclusive Indiana—one where every person is valued and empowered to succeed- ***is this from a source or website? Please cite source.***
SafeSport takes athlete protection global
Meanwhile, on the international stage, the U.S. Center for SafeSport sent a delegation to Italy for the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Games, prioritizing athlete safety and preparing for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Leading the delegation is the Center’s new Chief Executive Officer, LA84 Olympic Gold Medalist Benita Fitzgerald Mosley, who won gold in the 100-meter hurdles at the 1984 Los Angeles Games. For Mosley, the mission is deeply personal.
“The pursuit of excellence in athlete protection is a deep calling for me,” Mosley said. “I won gold in LA in 1984, and my mission is to return to LA in 2028 with a winning plan for athlete safety. Not only are we here to promote athlete well-being in Milano Cortina, but we are also taking the opportunity to learn and prepare for the next Games at home.”
The Center pilots a process for receiving reports of misconduct on the ground in real time. Staff will accept reports, coordinate with law enforcement and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, quickly assess and impose temporary measures if warranted, and communicate with parties as required.
Additionally, the delegation developed a Games-specific athlete resource page and abuse-prevention training for volunteers and staff working with U.S. athletes in Italy.
On Feb. 11, the Center convened an international symposium in Milan, “United Globally for Athlete Safety,” bringing together National Olympic Committees, International Federations, safeguarding experts, athletes, and officials from around the world to share best practices and propel global conversations about athlete well-being. A second symposium will convene during the Paralympics in Cortina.
The U.S. Center for SafeSport, established in 2017 and codified by federal law, serves as the nation’s only independent organization dedicated to ending sexual, physical, and emotional abuse in U.S. Olympic and Paralympic sport. Its work includes establishing safety policies, investigating allegations of abuse, delivering prevention education, and auditing National Governing Bodies for compliance.
A shared mission
Whether advocating at the Indiana Statehouse or safeguarding athletes on the world stage, Hoosier athletes and the organizations that support them are expanding the definition of what it means to compete.
As Team Indiana prepares for Minneapolis and the world prepares for LA28, the work of advocacy and protection continues — driven by athletes who understand that the most important competitions sometimes happen far from the spotlight.
Contact Multimedia Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846. Follow him on X @3Noral.For more news, visit indianapolisrecorder.com.
Noral Parham is the multi-media reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder, one of the oldest Black publications in the country. Prior to joining the Recorder, Parham served as the community advocate of the MLK Center in Indianapolis and senior copywriter for an e-commerce and marketing firm in Denver.
