Fever Team and Caitlin Clark Roll Out the Red Carpet for Special Olympics Athletes in a Heartwarming Night of Celebration and Inclusion

The Indiana Fever’s home court transformed into more than just a basketball arena on Tuesday night. It became a stage for joy, inclusion, and unforgettable memories as the team, led by rookie sensation Caitlin Clark, rolled out the red carpet for a group of Special Olympics athletes in an event that blended sports, community, and genuine human connection.

From the moment the athletes arrived at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the atmosphere carried a sense of excitement that rivaled even the most intense game nights. Cameras flashed, music played, and members of the Fever staff guided the guests down a bright red walkway laid out along the arena concourse. For the Special Olympics athletes, many of whom had never experienced the spotlight quite like this, the welcome was nothing short of magical.

As the athletes made their entrance, players from the Fever lined up on either side of the red carpet, greeting them with high-fives, hugs, and encouraging cheers. Caitlin Clark, dressed in her Fever warm-up gear but with a wide, genuine smile, knelt down to meet each athlete at eye level, asking their names, learning about their sports, and posing for photos.

“It’s their night,” Clark said later during a brief interview. “We wanted to make sure they felt like the stars, because they are. The effort, passion, and dedication they show to their sports is exactly what inspires us as professional athletes. This is the least we can do to celebrate them.”

The Fever players weren’t the only ones giving the athletes VIP treatment. Head coach Christie Sides stepped forward to personally welcome each participant, while the Fever mascot Freddy Fever joined in with comedic antics, drawing laughter and applause from the crowd.

While the red carpet was the main attraction, the night was filled with activities designed to bring the Fever players and Special Olympics athletes closer together. The team organized skills stations on the court before tip-off, where the athletes got to dribble, shoot, and pass alongside the pros.

Clark joined in at the three-point shooting station, offering tips on footwork and release. When one athlete, wearing a Special Olympics Indiana jersey, sank a long jumper, Clark threw her arms in the air and yelled, “That’s how it’s done!” The two celebrated with a quick dance that had the entire section of fans on their feet.

“These moments matter,” Fever forward NaLyssa Smith said. “It’s not just about what we do during the WNBA season. It’s about how we connect with people, how we use basketball to bring joy and inspire confidence. These athletes inspire us just as much as we hope to inspire them.”

The Fever’s partnership with Special Olympics Indiana isn’t a one-time event. The team has been working closely with the organization to promote inclusive sports opportunities and to advocate for athletes with intellectual disabilities. Tuesday’s event was the latest in a series of collaborations, but according to Fever officials, it may have been the most impactful yet.

“You could feel it in the building,” said Jeff Mohler, President and CEO of Special Olympics Indiana. “From the way the Fever players interacted with our athletes to the way the crowd embraced the moment, it was pure magic. Our athletes felt seen, valued, and celebrated. That’s something they will carry with them forever.”

For Clark, who has quickly become one of the most recognizable faces in women’s basketball, the event was also a reminder of the platform she now holds. “When I was a kid, I remember how much it meant to meet my role models,” she said. “To be able to give that experience to someone else, especially these athletes who have worked so hard, is incredibly special. This is what sports are all about — lifting each other up.”

By the time the Fever took the court for their scheduled matchup, the Special Olympics athletes were seated in a prime section behind the home bench, waving signs and wearing Fever gear gifted to them earlier in the evening. When Clark’s name was announced during player introductions, the group erupted in cheers that could be heard across the arena.

Throughout the game, the athletes stayed engaged, chanting, clapping, and even starting a “Let’s Go Fever” wave that rippled through the stands. During a timeout, the in-arena cameras found them, and the crowd roared as they stood, waved, and showed off their dance moves on the jumbotron.

In the fourth quarter, with the Fever leading, Clark pointed toward the group after hitting a long three, a subtle nod to the night’s true VIPs. After the game, several Fever players returned to greet the athletes again, signing jerseys and basketballs while posing for more pictures. There were hugs, laughter, and promises to see each other again soon.

For many of the athletes, the night marked more than just a memorable outing — it was a validation of their hard work, determination, and place in the sports world. “These players are role models in every sense,” Mohler said. “They’ve shown that the spirit of competition is not just about winning and losing. It’s about respect, inclusion, and shared joy.”

Clark echoed that sentiment in her closing remarks to the media. “We talk about building the game, growing the fan base, and inspiring the next generation,” she said. “But what we did tonight goes even deeper. We built connections. And those connections will last longer than any stat line or highlight.”

The Fever’s red carpet event for Special Olympics athletes wasn’t about marketing or publicity. It was about people — athletes of all abilities coming together under the bright lights, sharing in the thrill of the game, and walking away with hearts a little fuller. In the end, the scoreboard didn’t matter. The smiles did.