Five Special Olympians Get the Full Indiana Fever Experience

What started with an invitation for one Special Olympics athlete turned into an unforgettable day for five Sycamore Services participants.

Olivia Slavens, a Sycamore Services participant and Special Olympics athlete, was invited by the Indiana Fever to experience what it was like to be part of the team for a day. But Olivia wasn't going to keep the experience to herself. She was invited to bring four of her teammates along for the fun.

Among them was Brooke Hasty, another Sycamore participant and Special Olympics athlete.

The five athletes received the full Fever treatment, starting with hair and makeup before heading to the Fever gift shop for a shopping spree. They then met with the coaching staff, where each athlete was personally welcomed and presented with a one-day contract.

The day continued with a press conference and plenty of opportunities to meet the Fever players, take pictures and make memories. That evening, the group capped off their experience with free tickets to watch the Fever take the court.

For Brooke, the experience was about more than basketball. It was about having a moment to feel celebrated and special.

“I really loved it because I got to feel special for a day, and not everybody gets that chance.”

When asked what her favorite part of the experience was, Brooke didn't hesitate.

“I got to meet all the players and I got to hug them and I got to have pictures with them and that was really fun.”

And the excitement didn't stop when the day at Gainbridge Fieldhouse was over.

“That night I got to be on the TV news, that was really cool.”

All five athletes are accomplished Special Olympics basketball players, along with competing in other sports. Their day with the Fever was a wonderful reminder that opportunities to be seen, celebrated and included can create memories that last far beyond the final buzzer.

We are incredibly proud of Olivia, Brooke and their teammates and grateful to the Indiana Fever for giving these five athletes a day they won't soon forget.