INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Sports Corp unveiled three annual awards recognizing organizations and individuals who elevate community impact through sports today at the 2025 State of Sports presented by Indiana University. The inaugural honorees are Pacers Sports & Entertainment as Community Partner of the Year, Group 1001 as Corporate Partner of the Year, and Nancy Canning as Volunteer of the Year. These three award recipients joined previously announced Jim Morris Pathfinder award winner Scott Davison and Inspiring Sports Storyteller recipient, Debbie Antonelli.
These new recognitions highlight Indiana Sports Corp’s mission to inspire and advance our community through sports, while recognizing the individuals and organizations whose contributions have made a lasting impact in the community.
Community Partner of the Year – Pacers Sports & Entertainment
Pacers Sports & Entertainment was awarded Community Partner of the Year, for their ongoing efforts to make a tangible difference through sports. Over the past two years, PS&E helped electrify Gainbridge Fieldhouse during playoff runs and hosted two All-Star Weekends that transformed downtown into “Indy’s Home Court.” The organization has broadened support for women’s sports, celebrated community icons like Tamika Catchings, and invested in initiatives that address food insecurity and neighborhood renewal. Their All-Star Cure initiative during WNBA All-Star 2025 underscored the reach of that work, with more than 400 women donating breast tissue to advance cancer research.
Corporate Partner of the Year – Group 1001
Indiana Sports Corp recognized Group 1001 with the Corporate Partner of the Year Award for its support and hands-on partnership that widens access to sport for young Hoosiers. Group 1001 has additionally served as a generous supporter and presenting sponsor of Indiana Sports Corp’s Community Impact Programs, helping to connect thousands of youth with clinics, curriculum, and unforgettable experiences at world-class events this year. Group 1001’s commitment extended to two cornerstone Indiana Sports Corp fundraisers in June, serving as a Corporate Champion sponsor of Corporate Challenge and as Presenting Sponsor of the Indiana Sports Corp Charity Golf Tournament. The company also found creative ways to amplify its impact, dedicating Justin Haley’s No. 7 Chevrolet at the 2025 Brickyard 400 to promote the inaugural TEDSports Indianapolis event that once again put the city on the global stage.
Volunteer of the Year – Nancy Canning
A longtime Indiana Sports Corp volunteer, Nancy Canning is celebrated for nearly four decades of steady leadership and service that embodies the term Hoosier hospitality. For over 38 years, she has served on all levels including chairing committees for major events such as the WNBA All-Star Game and the U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Swimming, supporting community initiatives such as Read to the Final Four, and managing volunteer operations across countless events. Her record of dependability and encouragement has earned the admiration and trust of staff, partners, and volunteers alike. Her contributions and time continue to strengthen the championship experiences at all Indiana Sports Corp events.
QUOTES:
“We are incredibly honored to be recognized as Indiana Sports Corp’s inaugural Community Partner of the Year. At Pacers Sports & Entertainment, our commitment to community is at the heart of everything we do, and this award is a meaningful reflection of the collective effort of our entire organization. From initiatives like Drive & Dish, which addresses food insecurity, and State of Play, which revitalizes local basketball courts, to the legacy projects and community events we proudly hosted as part of the NBA and WNBA All-Star games, our goal is to uplift neighborhoods and invest in the future of Indiana. This recognition is a testament to our team’s passion for service, and we look forward to continuing to make a positive difference by leaning into the power of sport to elevate our communities.” - Mel Raines, CEO, Pacers Sports & Entertainment.
"At Group 1001, we are committed to education and sports initiatives to improve lives and create a better tomorrow. Our partnership with Indiana Sports Corp reflects a shared goal of making a positive impact, and we're proud to work together to advance our local communities. On behalf of Group 1001, it's an honor to be the first recipient of Indiana Sports Corp's Corporate Partner of the Year award." - Mike Nichols, Chief of Sponsorship Strategy and Activation, Group 1001.
“Indiana Sports Corp’s mission has always been about more than just hosting events; it’s about building our community through sports. Pacers Sports & Entertainment, Group1001, and Nancy Canning each embody that purpose, showing what’s possible when passion for sports meets a commitment to service. Their impact on our mission strengthens the foundation of what makes Indiana a sports capital and moves us closer to realizing our 2050 Vision for a stronger, more connected sports landscape throughout the state.” Patrick Talty, President, Indiana Sports Corp.