INDIANAPOLIS — Known for its deep-rooted basketball culture, Indiana is increasingly fostering growth in women’s sports. The Special Olympics has stepped up to support this initiative by hosting a significant event in the state.
This week, Indianapolis is welcoming approximately 1,000 Special Olympics staff members from the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean for a professional development conference. In a groundbreaking move, the Special Olympics is also organizing its first 3×3 women’s basketball tournament during this event.
Nine teams are participating in the tournament, showcasing talent from Southern California, Delaware, North Carolina, Michigan, and two teams from Indiana, along with representatives from Canada and Jamaica. Jen Kelso, Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Program Services for Special Olympics Indiana, is serving as the tournament director and spoke about the motivations behind hosting this event.
“There is a need for us to grow women’s sports,” Kelso remarked. “When we were discussing sporting events to accompany the conference, we knew we had to focus on basketball in Indiana.” She emphasized the importance of promoting women’s sports in Indianapolis, stating that the event aims to create more opportunities for female athletes.
Kelso highlighted the comparatively low participation rates for women’s sports within the Special Olympics, noting that Indiana has only 36 women’s basketball teams, a figure that is among the highest in the nation. This indicates a significant opportunity for growth and development.
The 3×3 format offers a dynamic twist on traditional basketball, with games running for just 10 minutes. The first team to score 21 points claims victory. If the game ends in a tie, sudden death overtime decides the winner, alongside a rapid 12-second shot clock. Teams are uniquely “unified,” comprised of players with and without intellectual disabilities.
Participating teams from Tippecanoe County and Porter County in northwest Indiana are filled with enthusiasm. Coach Angie Mackenzie of Indiana 1 expressed her hopes for the players: “I want them to have fun. I want them to make new friends from Michigan, Southern California, Jamaica — that’s what it’s about, bringing everyone together through sports.”
“I’m nervous and excited at the same time,” shared Danielle Oehlman, a player on Indiana 1. “It’s fantastic to meet other teams from diverse places.” Teammate Michele Pickering echoed her sentiments, stating, “I think it’s a great opportunity that they’re giving us to meet other teams from other countries.”
With excitement, Kitti Vancott from Indiana 2 declared, “I’m excited! It’s really fun to represent Indiana. We hope — our goal is to win!”
Kelso conveyed the palpable excitement surrounding the event, saying, “The excitement is off the charts. For the players to see their uniforms and represent their home state or country is incredible.” She noted that the Special Olympics aims for long-term growth in women’s sports, regarding this event as just the beginning.
“We hope that by having a large event annually, we can spotlight women’s sports, whether it’s basketball, floor hockey, or volleyball,” Kelso added. Indiana is committed to expanding opportunities for female athletes and utilizing events like this one to inspire future growth.
The tournament will run throughout the day on Wednesday, August 6, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Morris Bicentennial Plaza adjacent to Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The championship game is set for 5:30 p.m., followed by a medal ceremony at 6 p.m. Entry to all events is free for the public.
