The Columbus Area Down Syndrome Support Group will host the 17th annual Buddy Walk on Saturday at Donner Park Shelter.
This year, two local high school seniors — Anna Andrews and Emily Edwards, both of Columbus North — have taken roles in organizing the event as part of their senior projects. Andrews is coordinating public outreach and Edwards is organizing children’s games for the event.
The walk, conducted in conjunction with National Down Syndrome Awareness Month, raises funds for and awareness about Down syndrome, an intellectual disability that affects about 1 in every 1,200 people in the United States.
Registration for the event begins at 10:30 a.m. the morning of the walk, which starts at noon. Following the walk, the celebration continues with food, music and entertainment at the shelter house.
Funds raised from the walk will be used to provide services and support to families affected by Down Syndrome in south central Indiana. A portion of the proceeds will fund programming at the Arc Center for Excellence in Columbus, which provides resources to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the region.
In addition to raising funds, the walk’s primary goal is to foster positive relationships and attitudes of acceptance in the community toward people who are disabled.
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What: 17th Annual Buddy Walk
Sponsored by: Columbus Area Down Syndrome Support Group
When: Noon Saturday, with registration at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Donner Park Shelter
How much: Free-will donation
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