Annual fundraiser will feature powerful storytelling, inspirational moments, and naming the recipients of the Jim Morris Pathfinder Award, the Inspiring Sports Storyteller Award, and others.
INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana Sports Corp is set to host its annual State of Sports on Thursday, November 13 at the JW Marriott in downtown Indianapolis. Registration is now open for the public to attend this annual fundraising and community-impact program that celebrates the transformative role of sports across Indiana.
New this year, tickets are available for individuals at just $25, the lowest price Indiana Sports Corp has ever offered. State of Sports serves as a platform to highlight the organization’s mission to enrich the lives of Hoosiers through sports, while recognizing the individuals and organizations whose contributions have made lasting impact. The 2025 program will feature powerful storytelling, inspirational moments, and a forward-looking vision of how sports will continue to power the state and its communities.
“State of Sports gives us a great opportunity to talk about the power of sports and pay tribute to the people and partners who use sport to positively impact our communities,” said Patrick Talty, Indiana Sports Corp President. “This year, we are proud to expand our recognition categories and invite more of our community to join us in celebrating Indiana’s sports legacy and future.”
This year’s program will include five award recognitions, including three new categories:
Award Categories:
- Jim Morris Pathfinder Award – Honoring individuals who use sports to drive change and inspire action. Past honorees include Michael Phelps, Peyton Manning, Dr. Condoleezza Rice, Melvin Simon, Herb Simon, the Irsay Family, and Larry Bird. Full list of honorees can be found here.
- Inspiring Sports Storyteller Award – Celebrating journalists who capture the spirit and societal impact of sports. Previous honorees include Gregg Doyel, Malcolm Moran, Sage Steele, Rowdy Gaines, and Anne Marie Tiernon.
- NEW : Community Partner of the Year – Recognizing a nonprofit or civic organization making a difference through sports.
- NEW: Corporate Partner of the Year – Honoring a business championing community engagement and impact through sports.
- NEW: Volunteer of the Year – Acknowledging a standout individual whose passion and service elevate sports experiences in Indiana.
Award recipients will be announced at a later date.
Event Details:
- Date: Thursday, November 13
- Schedule:
- 3:00 PM – Doors Open
- 3:30–4:30 PM – Program
- 4:30–5:30 PM – Reception
- Tickets: $25 per person (individual tickets only; theatre-style seating)
- Registration Link: Click here.
Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, contact Christina Toler at [email protected] or (317) 237-5004.
For more information about the 2025 State of Sports, visit www.IndianaSportsCorp.org/StateofSports.
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.