LAS VEGAS – The Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada (DSOSN) celebrated World Down Syndrome Day by collaborating with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) and its “Run for 3.21,” a 340-mile adventure run from Los Angeles to Las Vegas culminating March 23 at the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign on the Las Vegas Strip. The charity-run raised $106,000 for NDSS.
The runners arrived at the finish line under full police escort by officers from Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s Community Oriented Police (COP) South Central Area Command and were cheered on by DSOSN’s Straight Up Abilities dance troupe, friends and families of the runners and DSOSN members and supporters.
“NDSS is grateful to DSOSN for the successful partnership and outstanding welcome at the finish line,” stated Misty Adams, NDSS director of programs. “We will never forget seeing all the smiling faces and hearing the cheers from the DSOSN dancers as we ran the last 50 yards to the finish.”
“This was arguably the most memorable World Down Syndrome Day celebration in Las Vegas in the recent history of the organization,” said DSOSN Board Chair Peter Whittingham.
Proclamations were presented to NDSS and DSOSN by Catherine Nielsen, representing Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo’s office, and Clark County Commissioner Michael Naft, recognizing the two organizations for serving and supporting people and their families diagnosed with Down syndrome.
Other partners supporting the event included Pinkbox Doughnuts, Nevada Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities (NGCDD), and Optum. Later in the day, the celebration continued at
Bonefish Grill in Town Square with a filled-to-capacity dinner reception.
For more information on DSOSN, visit dsosn.org.
About Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada
Founded in 1987, Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada (DSOSN) is a 501 (c) (3) organization serving people and their families in Southern Nevada who are diagnosed with Down syndrome. It offers an array of recreational and impactful programs, all at no cost to its members. Aimed at meeting the critical needs of its service population, DSOSN also fosters a constructive perception of Down syndrome by focusing on maximizing the potential of its members, through self-awareness, self-advocacy, inclusion, and job-readiness preparation for employment opportunities. Visit dsosn.org for more information.
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