Hoosier Paralympians who competed and medaled in the Paris Games
The Paris 2024 Olympics run from Friday, July 26 to Sunday, Aug. 11. | Photo by CLTtoday
Team USA — and Team Indiana — made a big impact in the 2024 Paris Olympics. A total of 28 Olympic medals have ties to Indiana. And now, another group of talented Hoosier athletes are preparing to go for gold.
The US Paralympic Team was announced on Monday and it includes six Hoosier athletes. They’re already proving to be big players, with a combined 12 medals that they’ve already won in their Paralympic careers.
The 22-year-old runner from Fishers was diagnosed with Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy, a rare eye condition. He’s a two-time Paralympian who has won one gold medal and two silver medals.
Grace is a first-time Paralympian from Greenwood at 21 years old. She set a Parapan American Games record when she won a silver medal in the 50-meter freestyle.
Jeff is 35 years old and is from Fort Wayne. He was first introduced to wheelchair rugby by a friend after a traffic accident that resulted in a broken neck when he was 13 years old. He’s a three-time Paralympian who has won two silver medals.
This 26-year-old from Middlebury is a three-time Paralympian who’s won one gold medal and one silver medal. In 2011, he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer that resulted in the amputation of his right leg.
The Paralympics start on Wednesday, Aug. 28 in Paris. See the schedule and find out where to watch.
Monthly Trivia Night | Wednesday, Aug. 21 | 7-9 p.m. | The Alexander - Plat 99 | Free | Flex your mental muscles for a chance to win prizes.
Thursday, Aug. 22
Elevance Health Roller Rink | Thursday, Aug. 22 | By reservation | Bicentennial Unity Plaza | $4-$10 | Get out and get active with a 90-minute skating session.
Cirque du Soleil: OVO | Thursday, Aug. 22-Sunday, Aug. 25 | Times vary | Gainbridge Fieldhouse | $59-$154 | See a band of insects jump, tumble, and soar live in this Cirque du Soleil tour.
Friday, Aug. 23
Indy GreekFest | Friday, Aug. 23-Saturday, Aug. 24 | Times vary | Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Indianapolis | Cost of purchase | This tradition features Greek music, performances, a kid’s zone, and of course, mouthwatering Greek cuisine.
Saturday, Aug. 24
Clear The Shelters | Saturday, Aug. 24 | 12-5 p.m. | Humane Society for Hamilton County | $10 | Take part in this annual pet adoption event to alleviate ongoing capacity emergencies at local shelters.
Sunday, Aug. 25
Intro to Cycle Syncing Workshop | Sunday, Aug. 25 | 1-2 p.m. | North Mass Boulder | Free | In this workshop, you will learn how to tap into the magic of your menstrual cycle.
Purposely repurposed: “Threads of Resurgence” opens at Newfields
Purposely repurposed: “Threads of Resurgence” opens at Newfields
Presented by an INDYtoday partner
As tarp roofs are replaced with more stable solutions, they are sent to Rolón, who transforms them into beautiful pieces in each exhibition. | Photo courtesy of Newfields
You’re invited to explore six large-scale works of art made from tarps that were once used as makeshift roofs in Puerto Rican communities impacted by hurricanes + other natural disasters.
The beautiful tapestries, transformed from utilitarian material into incredible works of art by artist Carlos Rolón, symbolize survival and endurance. Bonus: This insightful exhibition is fully bilingual.
Included with general admission tickets (and free for members), this exhibition is on display now through March 2025.
Last week, Indy Parks broke ground on a $3.5 million improvement project at Washington Park. It will add a new splash pad, shelter, event lawn, and parking lot. The playground will also be replaced. The project is expected to be completed in summer 2025. (Mirror Indy)
Number
2,200+. That’s how many Marion County residents are now riding around town with Pacers Bikeshare’s IndyRides Free pass. City Editor Nicole has taken advantage of it and has been loving the convenience of going to downtown events by bike. Request your free annual pass online.
Pets
The Humane Society for Hamilton County surpassed 600 animals in its care. This Saturday, Aug. 24, the shelter is participating in the 10th annual Clear the Shelters adoption event. All adoptions will be $10 and include spay/neuter, microchip, a wellness exam, and more. Apply in advance.
Watch
We told you about “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” visiting Che Chori in Indianapolis, and its next stop in the Circle City is Tlaolli. The east side eatery, which started as a carry-out tamale shop, will be featured on the show at 9 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 30. (Mirror Indy)
Edu
Students went back to the classroom at Marian University on Monday with record enrollment. This fall, there will be 1,200 new Knights on campus. There’s been a 25% increase in enrollment over the past five years. (WRTV)
Arts
The same local artist who painted murals of Caitlin Clark and Tyrese Haliburton has completed his latest addition alongside them. Kwazar Martin chose former Indianapolis Colts punter Pat McAfee for his next portrait behind the building at 1825 W. 18th St. Go on a mural scavenger hunt with our guide. (IndyStar)
Sports
The Indianapolis Colts are hosted by the Cincinnati Bengals this week for a joint practice and preseason matchup. What should we be looking for? Go beyond the scoreboard with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Eat
You’re invited to dine at one of America’s most beautiful restaurants. The best part? It’s located right here in Indy. See what sets The Fountain Room apart from other local establishments — and don’t forget to make a reservation.*
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🏮 Follow the light
Historic Feast of Lanterns festival returns this weekend
You’ll know you’re at the right place when you see all of the colorful lanterns. | Photo by @feastoflanterns
Vibrant hanging lanterns + local artists and business owners everywhere. That’s the vibe at Feast of Lanterns, but it’s also much more than that.
The historic festival on the near east side dates back to 1909, when residents would hang paper lanterns on their porches, at the park, and even on numerous bridges in nearby neighborhoods like Woodruff Place. Today, colorful lanterns light up the event that features local music, craft vendors, and booths from neighbors in Windsor Park and Springdale, too.
This year’s Feast of Lanterns “brings a refocus on the origins of the event and local neighbors and neighborhoods working together to not only put on a festival, but also to build community.”
It takes place this Saturday, Aug. 24 from 4 to 11 p.m. at Spades Park (1800 Nowland Ave.) and is free to attend.
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Getting yourself to the Feast of Lanterns would be a good time to utilize Pacers Bikeshare. There’s a bike station off of 10th Street and Brookside Avenue near the Circle City Industrial Building. If you have your own bike, there will also be bike parking at Spades Park.
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