WVCF crews 'thrilled' to help with Special Olympics

​Wabash Valley Correctional Facility

CARLISLE - Bocce Ball is moving inside this year and the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility (WVCF) is adapting thecourses for the fan favorite Indiana Special Olympics event.  

The 12 Bocce Ball courts are taking the inside track for 2016, moving from grass to turf at the Indiana State University Sports Annex Building.  The 12’ by 60’ court frames were previously staked into place but the move inside called for some creative thinking.

The WVCF designed and produced courts, made from extremely durable guttering material, will now be kept in place thanks to strategically located sandbags and improved gutter connections.  WVCF maintenance staff and minimum-security offender crews will be at the annex Thursday, June 9 to set up the  Bocce Ball courts. 

Nearly 500 Special Olympic athletes will  be taking part in Bocce Ball and WVCF employees are once again volunteering their time to help staff the courts during the June 10-12 games.

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​​“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Indiana Special Olympics,” said WVCF Superintendent Richard Brown.  “We have a wonderful time every year helping out at the courts and getting to know the athletes, “ he added.  Brown also invited Rockville Correctional Facility staffers, including Superintendent Julie Stout, to help work the courts with the Wabash team.  ​

WVCF Purposeful Living Units Serve (PLUS) and Fatherhood program participants donated $3,000 to make the courts back in 2013, replacing outdated wood frames.

WVCF Superintendent Richard Brown will also be pacing the 10 member facility Torch Run Team June 10 in Sullivan County leading up to the launch of the Indiana Special Olympic Summer Games in Terre Haute.   The WVCF portion of the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run Relay hits the pavement at Section and Washington Streets in Sullivan, Indiana.  The run begins at 12 p.m.  

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And the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility Honor Guard is honored to join the Putnamville and Rockville Correctional Facilities by  presenting Colors at the Indiana Special Olympics Opening Ceremony.  The ISU Hulman Civic Center will host the emotional and highly inspirational event beginning at 7 p.m. Friday, June 10.