Eighth annual Special Olympics Unified Champions Game Day held at Mishawaka High School

MISHAWAKA, Ind. -- Mishawaka students of all ages coming together today to celebrate the district's annual Special Olympics Unified Champions Gameday.

The event brings together elementary, middle, and high school students to participate in different athletic activities; a day filled with sports, smiles, and spirit at Steele Stadium in Mishawaka.

This gorgeous Thursday has been circled on calendars across the district for months, the day when students with disabilities get a chance to show off their athletic skills, alongside some of their friends and classmates.

"This is definitely what we want to see come together, school city of Mishawaka is an inclusive environment for everyone, and everyone supports one another so well, and all of our elementary, middle, and high school and the city, everybody comes out to support, as you can see, behind me with the stands being packed, and the kids having a great time," said Matthew Johns, School City of Mishawaka Exceptional Learners Director.

This has been an annual tradition for 8 years now, and Mishawaka mayor Dave Wood calls the festivities an important day for the district and the city. 

"It's the best of Mishawaka, you see kids competing and having fun, outdoors on a beautiful day, and parents supporting, coaches involved, the Mishawaka high school band here, joining in, it's the best of Mishawaka," said Mayor Wood.

Of course, today is all about the kids, and giving them an opportunity to have a good time and enjoy being around their fellow athletes. 

"Seeing my mom and dad and friends, and I can't wait to be a Mishawaka Caveman next year," said Andros Buros, eighth grader.

"I got second place, my parents are going to be so happy," said Sean Ayers, seventh grader. 

Some Mishawaka high school students also joined in on the fun, volunteering their time to make sure today was a blast for all involved.

"I love the kids, I love seeing the kids have fun and be able to get out of the school and run around and I love watching people support them, it makes me really happy," said Soren Sculati, a Mishawaka high senior.

One event organizer tells ABC57 there’s nothing better than watching the kids cross the finish line and seeing them burst into a smile, knowing what they’ve just achieved.