IPS students throw balls as far as they can during the district's second Special Olympics Unified Games.

Fifteen Indianapolis Public Schools are participating in the Special Olympics Unified Games this week.

For its second year participating, IPS extended the competition to four days. Interim Superintendent Aleesia Johnson says IPS would like to make the event an annual tradition.

She says it’s an inspiring event.

“To see our kids working together, having fun together, and having our students who oftentimes, in the traditional setting, may not get the opportunity to shine — this gives them the space to do so,” Johnson says.

The IPS special education department and student services department planned the competition.

An estimated 350 students from preschool through eighth grade participate in events like long jump, throwing and catching and a 15 meter run.