COLUMBIA – October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month and the time to join Family Connection of South Carolina for its 17th Annual Columbia Buddy Walk®. The event is from 1-5 p.m. on Sunday, October 23 at Saluda Shoals Park East, 6071 St. Andrews Rd, Columbia, SC 29212. (This is the new athletic field complex off St. Andrews Road.)
The family friendly event is free and features games, bounce houses, food, music, vendors and fun for all ages. Registration and Team Check-In begins at 1 p.m. and the actual walk begins at 2:15 p.m.. The Special Buddy Final Lap will take place around 3:30 p.m., followed by special presentations.
Approximately 70 Special Buddies, along with 1,500 of their family members and friends, are expected to participate this year, coming together to raise awareness and promote acceptance and inclusion of those with Down syndrome. As more people are introduced to and interact with individuals with Down syndrome, barriers fall, prejudices diminish and doors open.
For more than 26 years, Family Connection of South Carolina has been serving families throughout our state – making connections, raising awareness and promoting inclusion whether a child has Down Syndrome, a rare diagnosis, autism or a developmental delay. Now, we are also the point of contact for parents as they navigate the special education system.
Since 1995, the Buddy Walk® has become 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. The name Buddy Walk® promotes inclusion between friends of all abilities.
For more information and registration, visit our Buddy Walk page or call (803) 252-0914.