Four Special Olympics Indiana athletes have been nominated for the opportunity to represent the United States at the 2027 Special Olympics World Games in Santiago, Chile.
The athletes selected for nomination are:
- Kendra Franklin of Holton in swimming.
- Katherine Gries of Greenwood in track and field.
- Anne Henry of Lafayette in cycling.
- Mark Schwieterman of Lafayette in cycling.
The four Hoosiers have earned invitations to the U.S. team trials, where they will train alongside top Special Olympics athletes from across the country for a place on the final Team USA roster. The trials are Sept. 17-20 in Pittsburgh.
“We could not be more proud of Kendra, Katherine, Anne and Mark for earning this incredible opportunity,” Special Olympics Indiana President and CEO Jeff Mohler said. “Being nominated for the U.S. team trials is a testament to years of hard work, determination and dedication to their sports. They have inspired their teammates and communities throughout their athletic journeys, and we look forward to cheering them on as they compete for the chance to represent our country on the world stage in Santiago.”
The Special Olympics World Games are the world’s largest inclusive sporting event, bringing together more than 6,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities from more than 170 nations. The 2027 Summer World Games are Oct. 16-24, 2027, in Santiago, marking the first time the event has been hosted in the Southern Hemisphere or Latin America. Athletes will compete in 22 sports across venues throughout the city, with the National Stadium Park serving as the central hub.
For the four Indiana athletes, the nomination represents an opportunity to compete on the international stage while serving as ambassadors for their communities, Special Olympics Indiana and the United States. If selected following the team trials, they will join athletes from across the nation in celebrating excellence, inclusion and the unifying power of sport at one of the world’s premier sporting events.