TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)– Thousands of Hoosiers gathered in Terre Haute this weekend for the 2024 Special Olympics– a memorable event for many involved.
Over 2,000 athletes participated in this year’s games, and President and CEO Jeff Mohler said the closing ceremony brought an end to one of his favorite weekends every year.
“It’s one of those sensations, though, where you’re going to be tired at the end of this weekend, but really happy with what you’ve been able to accomplish,” he said. “When I say you, I’m talking about our staff, our volunteers, the coaches, the families and the athletes themselves. It really is a team effort to put on these games.”
Mohler mentioned a conversation he had with one parent about how special this event was for his child after she received two medals this weekend in Track and Field.
“She refused to have them taken off, she refused to take them off,” Mohler said. “They had to be with her because, for her, that’s the symbol of all the hard work she’s put in over these weeks and months preparing for these games, and dad’s just really proud of her.”
Up next for the organization is the golf and softball season, which will take them through September. Mohler said he is very excited about what the next 12 months will bring for Hoosier families.
But he has a special place in his heart for those who help make this event a reality each year.
“We’re just so thankful to the Terre Haute community. Indiana State University and Rose-Hulman, everybody who’s helped us make this happen,” he said. “The hospitality here in the city is tremendous and we couldn’t do it without Terre Haute.”
