LAS VEGAS – The Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada (DSOSN) will host its annual Buddy Walk® on Sunday, Oct. 20, at Town Square Las Vegas in partnership with Clark County Commissioner Michael Naft, and in collaboration with the Nevada Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities and the National Down Syndrome Society.
“The primary mission for this year’s Buddy Walk event is to raise our collective voices in support of our members and all persons in the intellectual developmental disability (IDD) communities of Southern Nevada,” said DSOSN Chairman Peter Whittingham. “This mission will be accomplished through active participation, collaboration, and support from various service providers, like-minded organizations, our members, and sponsors. Imagine a world where everyone with Down syndrome is accepted, included, and empowered to reach their full potential.”
This year’s walk will be led by the Green Valley High School Gators Marching Band and will feature a “Fun Zone” with lots of activities for the entire family. Activities will include gigantic bouncers and slides, “The Foam Experience” by Slide into Vegas, face painting, professional jugglers, and more.
Whitingham said supporters are invited to come out and “march” behind their own banners, while “walking hand-in-hand with hundreds of families in support of inclusion for all.”
Participation in the walk is free, but attendees can purchase items such as Buddy Walk t-shirts and lunch. To register, join in the fun, and create walking teams click here.
According to the National Down Syndrome Society, the organization that created the Buddy Walk event in 1995, thousands of steps have been taken toward a better tomorrow. Since then, the Buddy Walk® has become known as the premier advocacy event for Down syndrome in the United States. It is also the world’s most widely recognized public awareness program for the Down syndrome community.
About Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada
Founded in 1987, Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada (DSOSN) is a 501 (c) (3) organization with a service population made up of individuals with unique abilities, most of whom are diagnosed with Down syndrome and other intellectual developmental disabilities (IDD). The organization offers an array of impactful programs and recreational activities, all at no cost to its members. Aimed at meeting the critical needs of this service population, DSOSN also fosters a constructive perception of persons diagnosed with Down syndrome (and other IDD) by focusing on maximizing their potential, through self-awareness, self-advocacy, inclusion, and job-readiness preparation for employment opportunities. Visit dsosn.org for more information.
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