INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Indiana Olympians and Paralympians, who competed in the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo, will be honored during halftime of the Indianapolis Colts game at Lucas Oil Stadium this Sunday, October 17. The State of Indiana, along with the Indiana Olympians Association, Indiana Sports Corp, and the Colts, will celebrate the Team USA members on the field during the Colts contest against the visiting Houston Texans. Prior to the game, Governor Eric Holcomb will recognize the Olympians and Paralympians at a private reception at the Indiana Sports Corp offices.

“I’m proud of the men and women who represented our great state on a global platform,” said Gov. Eric J. Holcomb. “These athletes shed blood, sweat and tears to become Olympians and Paralympians, a title fit for very few in this world, and now I’m honored to be considered a Hoosier among them.”

Twenty-eight Olympians and Paralympians who call Indiana their home state represented Team USA in events which include basketball 3x3, basketball 5x5, BMX/cycling, cycling, diving, foil fencing, goalball, gymnastics, rugby, swimming, tennis, track and field, volleyball, wheelchair rugby, and wrestling. Indiana is also home to three national governing bodies, USA Football, USA Gymnastics, and USA Track & Field.

“We congratulate Indiana’s Olympians and Paralympians for achieving their dreams of being among the world’s top competitors in their sports and of representing our country on the international stage,” said Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Colts Vice Chair & Owner. “They represent the best that Indiana has to offer, and we’re proud we’re able to honor them at halftime of Sunday’s game.”

“It is with great honor that we celebrate the Hoosiers who represented Team USA in this year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games. Indiana’s rich legacy in sports continues to live on thanks to these remarkable athletes,” said Ryan Vaughn, Indiana Sports Corp President. “Indiana Sports Corp is humbled to take part in commemorating them on Oct. 17."

During the 2020 Tokyo Games, Olympians and Paralympians with Indiana ties accounted for 21 of Team USA’s total medal count with 10 gold, 6 silver, and 5 bronze. Among those include Phoenix Mercury’s Skylar Diggins-Smith earned a gold medal in basketball, while Jackie Young, played part in earning the first ever gold medal for Women’s 3x3 basketball. Noah Malone of Fishers won three medals for the Paralympic team in track and field, and Evansville natives, Lilly King and Mikaela Jenkins, brought home four medals in swimming.

Note to media

The private reception will be held on October 17 in the Indiana Sports Corp office, beginning at 10:30 AM, in conjunction with the Indianapolis Colts game versus the Houston Texans which is set for a 1:00 PM kickoff. Of the Hoosier Olympians, 15 of them will attend the private reception and Colts game. The honorees will also be recognized during halftime activities.

All media may receive access to the reception by emailing Brett Kramer at bkramer@indianasportscorp.org. A media advisory containing final details of the event, including a list of those who will be in attendance, will be sent on Friday, October 15. No media interviews with the Olympians and Paralympians will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium.

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About Indiana Sports Corp Founded in 1979 as the nation’s first sports commission, Indiana Sports Corp is a not-for-profit organization focused on bringing premier sporting events to Indiana to drive economic vitality, facilitate a vibrant community with civic pride and garner positive media attention. Because of this, Indiana Sports Corp is able to provide positive, sports-related opportunities for youth in the community. For more information, please visit IndianaSportsCorp.org.

About The Indianapolis Colts The NFL’s Indianapolis Colts strive to entertain, inspire and unite fans and people throughout our city, our state and beyond by winning the right way. Since arriving in Indianapolis in 1984, the Colts have reached the NFL postseason 19 times, winning 11 division titles, two AFC Championships and Super Bowl XLI. In our 68-year history, the franchise has reached seven NFL championship games or Super Bowls, winning four, in 1958, 1959, 1970 and 2006. Off the field, the Colts are committed to improving the lives of our fellow Hoosiers by building a healthy, inclusive and compassionate community through meaningful outreach, projects and partnerships. The Colts also support current and former players by engaging with them in charitable efforts, helping them leave a legacy of service to the community.

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