University of Indianapolis hosts Tenth Annual Special Olympics Youth Basketball Tournament

INDIANAPOLIS — Students from a University of Indianapolis Applied Event Management course, in collaboration with Special Olympics Indiana, will host the tenth annual Special Olympics Youth Basketball Tournament on Saturday, March 26, at the University of Indianapolis.

Jennifer VanSickle

“Everything that happens on March 26 is the result of the students’ efforts,” said the University of Indianapolis Professor and Sports Management Program Director Jennifer VanSickle. “It is the students that plan and implements every aspect of the event, from securing and supervising volunteers to creating the game schedule and making sure that the day runs smoothly. It is the ultimate resume-building experience. We are honored that Special Olympics Indiana trusts us to run this very special event.”

Since 2010, the Special Olympics Youth Basketball Tournament has served as the only basketball tournament in the world designed specifically for Special Olympians ages eight to 21. This year’s tenth anniversary will bring together teams from all across Indiana to compete in a 5v5 tournament, skills competition, and basketball clinic led by the University of Indianapolis’s Women’s Basketball Team.

Patrick Kozlowski

“Indiana offers the only all-youth Special Olympics basketball tournament in the world, and this year is even more important because the University of Indianapolis is hosting us for the tenth time,” said Special Olympics Indiana Manager of Sports Programs Patrick Kozlowski. “We’re fortunate to have a community partner like UIndy who not only serves as host but also allows us to work with a small group of sport management students who plan and organize the tournament. The students put their own variation on the tournament each year, and I’m excited to see them put the exciting plans they have for our athletes into action.”

Details for the event are as follows:

WHO: University of Indianapolis, Special Olympics Indiana

WHAT: 10th annual Special Olympics Youth Basketball Tournament

WHEN: Saturday, March 26, 2022, clinic beginning at 9 a.m, tournament beginning at 12 p.m.

WHERE: Ruth Lilly and Ray Skillman Court at Nicoson Hall, University of Indianapolis, 1400 E. Hanna Ave., Indianapolis IN 46227

This event is free and open to the public. View current University COVID-19 policies here.