All across the state, it looks like the grip of winter has been loosened, if not broken.  Spring is in the air, and in springtime a young Hoosier’s fancy turns to thoughts of outdoor recreation and sport.  The Indiana tradition of excellence is on exhibit to the nation once again as five men’s and one women’s Division 1 college teams were selected for the NCAA basketball tournament.  High school championships are ready to be played, and venues are sold out.  Besides basketball, we are respected in swimming, running, baseball, volleyball, gymnastics, soccer, football, archery and a host of other amateur and professional sports.   As part of the 1916 Centennial celebration, a statewide ‘olympics’ was held, offering residents the chance to compete for bragging rights amongst their peers. 

 Sport provides an opportunity to challenge ourselves, reach for higher goals, and enhance our health and vitality- so get out there and walk, jog, swim, ride and bat.  Experience this spring outside in Indiana!  And while you are at it – snap your favorite spring picture and post it on Instagram with the hashtag #Indiana2016, or send it to us for possible inclusion in our social media, or perhaps for use in the upcoming Bicentennial commemorative book (keep an eye on our website for more information on submitting photos for the book).  Take a picture of what you see, and share it with all your fellow Hoosiers – and help welcome spring.

Congrats to @karenhamaker for winning our #HOOSIERLOVE Instagram Contest!

Here is what Karen shared about her love for Indiana:

"I love the range of landscapes, the diversity of people & cultures, and the pride people have in Indiana! From prairie grass, soybean & corn fields to the urban streets of Gary & Indianapolis, from the shores of the Great Lake to the limestone cliffs to the rivers and rolling hills, from the southern drawl of those who live in the south to the northerners who speak "lake talk", from the Amish, Burmese and Latinos to the European, African, Asian or Native heritages, from the farmers of land and animals to the makers of RVs, cars and stuff that makes things go, to the educators of our children to the developers of what the future will be like for us, from the love of basketball, football and marching bands to that "hatred" the comes with rivalries like Hoosiers versus Boilermakers, from whether someone has known you a lifetime or for five minutes - you are shown Hoosier hospitality! All that and so much more is my #HoosierLove"